Cranberry Chicken Salad

This Cranberry Chicken Salad is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken or turkey combines with juicy dried cranberries, crunchy celery, and toasted pecans, all brought together with a creamy dressing. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, served on a bed of fresh greens, in a sandwich, or alongside crackers. Fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, this salad is ideal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Chicken Salad is a deliciously fresh and balanced meal that’s both comforting and light. The combination of the tender meat, tart cranberries, crunchy vegetables, and nuts creates a delightful texture with every bite. It’s quick to prepare and can be customized to your tastes. Whether you serve it on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, making it an easy go-to for busy days.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped), or turkey

• ½ cup dried cranberries (such as craisins)

• ½ cup chopped celery

• ¼ cup chopped red onion

• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken or turkey, dried cranberries, chopped celery, red onion, and nuts.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until well-coated.

4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Chill Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Add fruits: Toss in some sliced apples, grapes, or even orange segments for a refreshing twist.

• Use Greek yogurt: For a healthier version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream, which will add a nice tanginess to the dressing.

• Nuts and seeds: Swap pecans or walnuts for almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds to change up the texture and flavor.

• Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to give your salad a spicy kick.

• Add cheese: Incorporate some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy and tangy addition.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Cranberry Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so simply pull it out when you’re ready to eat. It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture may change after thawing, especially with the mayonnaise-based dressing.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?

Yes, leftover turkey works perfectly in this salad, giving it a nice flavor and texture similar to chicken.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the salad a day in advance. Just make sure to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

3. Can I make this salad without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can use plain Greek yogurt or a combination of Greek yogurt and sour cream for a lighter, healthier option.

4. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are too tart to use in this recipe. If you’d like to use fresh berries, you can cook them with sugar to create a sweet, thickened sauce to mix into the salad.

5. Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, you can swap out the pecans or walnuts for almonds, pistachios, or even sunflower seeds if preferred.

6. How can I make this salad spicier?

Add some chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to give the salad a spicy kick.

7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives, such as vegan mayo or cashew cream.

8. What can I serve with this salad?

This salad is great on its own, but it can also be served with crackers, bread, or as a topping for a green salad.

9. How do I make this salad a full meal?

You can serve the Cranberry Chicken Salad in a whole grain wrap or sandwich, or even add some leafy greens to make a larger salad.

10. How long will this salad last in the fridge?

The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Chicken Salad is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a light snack. With a wonderful balance of sweet cranberries, crunchy nuts, and creamy dressing, it’s both satisfying and refreshing. Customize it to your liking, and enjoy the versatility of this delicious salad. Whether served on a bed of lettuce, as a sandwich, or with crackers, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!

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