If you’re looking for a dish that delivers delicious flavor, fantastic texture, and a touch of sweet-tart sparkle, look no further than Cranberry Chicken Salad. This recipe is a beloved favorite for good reason: it brings together tender chicken (or turkey), chewy dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing all in one irresistibly satisfying salad. Whether you’re serving lunch to friends or whipping up a quick dinner for yourself, Cranberry Chicken Salad is as versatile as it is crave-worthy—and absolutely perfect for making ahead or packing up for a picnic!

Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to craft the magic of Cranberry Chicken Salad. Each one plays a key role, from contributing crunch and color to adding brightness and creaminess that bring the salad to life. Gather up these essentials and prepare for a flavor-packed experience:

Cooked chicken or turkey: This is the hearty base—use leftovers, rotisserie chicken, grilled, or even Thanksgiving turkey for ultimate convenience.
Dried cranberries (like craisins): Their sweet-tart pop turns every bite into something special.
Chopped celery: For just the right amount of crisp freshness and subtle bitterness.
Chopped red onion: A little goes a long way, adding gentle bite and zing.
Chopped pecans or walnuts: They contribute rich crunch and a nutty depth—toast them for extra flavor!
Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone that binds everything together.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds a tangy note that keeps the salad light on the palate.
Dijon mustard: Delivers subtle heat and complexity.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t skip this for the best result!
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A bright finishing garnish if desired.

How to Make Cranberry Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep the Main Ingredients

Get started by chopping or shredding your cooked chicken or turkey into bite-sized pieces and placing them in a large mixing bowl. Add the dried cranberries, chopped celery, red onion, and pecans (or walnuts). This simple assembly creates a rainbow of flavors and textures that set the foundation for your Cranberry Chicken Salad.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. The combination of mayo and tangy dairy creates a luscious dressing that clings to every bite without feeling heavy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed until it’s just right for you.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Pour the creamy dressing over the bowl of chicken and mix-ins, then gently toss everything so the dressing coats every ingredient evenly. Take your time here—it’s worth making sure each bite will have a little of everything!

Step 4: Chill for Maximum Flavor

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This rest gives all the flavors a chance to marry, enhancing the overall character of your Cranberry Chicken Salad. Patience pays off!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Now your Cranberry Chicken Salad is ready to be enjoyed in all its creamy, colorful glory.

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Salad

Garnishes

For a beautiful presentation, top your salad with more fresh chopped parsley, a scattering of whole pecans, or even a few extra cranberries. If you want to add another dimension, a light sprinkle of paprika or some lemon zest can be lovely as well.

Side Dishes

Cranberry Chicken Salad pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, crisp apple slices, or a handful of buttery crackers. For something more substantial, serve it with warm toasted bread or a fluffy croissant. It’s also fantastic alongside a comforting cup of soup for a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping your Cranberry Chicken Salad onto crisp lettuce cups, or nestle inside a soft pita for a portable lunch. Pile it high in a sandwich, stuffed into mini slider rolls for party bites, or spoon it into hollowed-out tomatoes or avocados for a fresh, fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cranberry Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 or 3 days. For the best texture, especially if you love the crunch of the nuts, consider adding them just before serving so they don’t soften too much over time.

Freezing

While freezing Cranberry Chicken Salad isn’t recommended due to the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables, you can freeze the cooked chicken or turkey and assemble the salad fresh when you’re ready. This guarantees the best texture and flavor every time.

Reheating

This dish is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you’ve just taken it from the fridge and prefer it less chilly, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut, infusing the salad with extra savory flavor and making prep a breeze. Just shred or chop and you’re ready to go.

What’s the best way to make this salad dairy-free?

Swap out the sour cream or Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative or just use more mayonnaise. Double-check your mayo is dairy-free if you’re serving those with allergies or sensitivities.

Can I add other fruits or veggies to the salad?

Definitely! Sliced grapes, diced apples, or even bits of crisp cucumber are wonderful additions. Feel free to customize to your heart’s content and make the Cranberry Chicken Salad your own.

How can I make this salad lighter?

You can use all Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise and sour cream or choose a light or reduced-fat mayo. Using extra veggies will also up the crunch and freshness while cutting back on calories.

Is it okay to prepare the salad a day ahead?

That’s actually a great idea! Letting Cranberry Chicken Salad sit overnight in the fridge allows the flavors to meld even more. For the best crunch, add the nuts just before serving if making in advance.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistibly satisfying about a scoop of Cranberry Chicken Salad. With its blend of savory, sweet, crunchy, and creamy, it’s always a crowd-pleaser and a staple in my kitchen. I truly hope you give it a try—whether for a lunch, snack, or light dinner, I think you’ll love every bite!