Here’s a delicious and easy Chicken and Cranberry Salad recipe that’s perfect for a light meal or as a flavorful sandwich filling.
Chicken and Cranberry Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh apple, diced (like Gala or Honeycrisp)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breast. Shred or dice into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Salad Base:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, dried cranberries, chopped celery, red onion, diced apple, and pecans.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine:
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve cold as a sandwich filling, in wraps, or over mixed greens for a fresh salad bowl.
Serving Suggestions
- On Bread: Serve the chicken and cranberry salad on toasted whole-grain bread or croissants for a sandwich.
- In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, spoon the salad into romaine or butter lettuce leaves.
- Over Salad Greens: Serve over a bed of spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for a hearty salad.
- As a Stuffed Avocado: Scoop the salad into halved avocados for an elegant and nutritious meal.
Tips
- Add a sprinkle of feta cheese or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy twist.
- Swap pecans with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for different textures.
- Use fresh cranberries instead of dried for a tart, seasonal flavor (sauté them briefly with honey to soften).
This chicken and cranberry salad is a beautiful mix of savory, sweet, and crunchy textures — perfect for any occasion! Let me know if you’d like other variations.
