That first bite of cranberry chicken salad reminds me of summer potlucks, where the tang of dried cranberries met tender chicken, creating a comforting yet refreshing lunch. This cranberry chicken salad recipe blends sweet, savory, and creamy notes that satisfy both soul and appetite. It’s energizing, comforting, and versatile—ideal for meal prep, sandwiches, or entertaining.
In just a few minutes, this cranberry chicken salad becomes the go-to for busy mornings, light dinners, or picnic spreads. Let’s dive into why this salad deserves a permanent spot in your routine.
Table of contents
A Salad That’s More Than Just Pretty
This cranberry chicken salad is full of flavor, texture, and benefits:
- Balanced sweetness: Dried cranberries add tartness that pairs perfectly with savory chicken.
- High protein: Chicken and Greek yogurt combine for a satisfying, muscle-repairing meal.
- Crunchy texture: Celery, almonds, or water chestnuts add bite.
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 15 minutes with no cooking if using leftover or rotisserie chicken.
- Health-conscious: Use Greek yogurt and light mayo for fewer calories and more probiotics.
Customization ideas:
- Substitute Greek yogurt for vegan yogurt for dairy-free options.
- Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for brightness.
- Swap almonds for walnuts or pecans if preferred.
- Stir in curry powder or mustard for a spicier twist.
Unlike other chicken salads, this cranberry chicken salad strikes a luxurious balance, without being heavy or over‑sugared.
What’s in This Salad, Anyway?
This salad relies on simple, wholesome ingredients, rotisserie chicken, dried cranberries, Greek yogurt, light mayo, celery, and nuts. Combined, they create a balanced flavor profile of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy.
For more insight into the benefits of Greek yogurt and dried fruit, see USDA’s profile on probiotics and dried fruit nutrition.
Recipe Card
Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
4
servings10
minutes0
minutes300
kcalA simple yet gourmet cranberry chicken salad recipe with tender chicken, sweet-tart cranberries, and creamy Greek yogurt, ready in minutes.
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Ingredients
3 cups 3 cooked, shredded chicken
1 cup 1 dried cranberries, rehydrated and drained
1/2 cup 1/2 Greek yogurt
1/4 cup 1/4 light mayonnaise
2 2 celery stalks, diced
1/4 cup 1/4 chopped almonds or pecans
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tsp Dijon mustard or fresh herbs
Directions
- Combine Greek yogurt, light mayo, salt, pepper, and optional mustard in a bowl.
- Add chicken, cranberries, celery, and nuts. Stir until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken, rotisserie, or canned chicken for speed.
- Make a fresh batch weekly for meal prep lunches.
- Freeze nut-free version for later, add nuts just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 28g
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Kitchen Secrets for the Best Cranberry Chicken Salad
Simple techniques elevate this cranberry chicken salad every time:
- Chill the chicken before mixing, it helps the final salad stay firm and textured.
- Rehydrate cranberries in warm water for five minutes to soften their chew.
- Toast nuts briefly to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Layer your mixture gently, add dressing slowly and taste as you go.
Common mistakes and fixes:
- Too dry? Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or olive oil.
- Too wet? Drain cranberries and pat chicken dry before mixing.
- Oversalted? Add more chicken or yogurt to balance.
Storage tip: Keeps for up to four days in the fridge. Make ahead for easy lunches or sandwiches all week.
Delicious Twists to Try
Tropical Coconut‑Cranberry Chicken Salad
Add shredded coconut, diced pineapple, and a dash of lime juice. This twist brings tropical freshness to the classic recipe.
Waldorf‑Style Cranberry Chicken Salad
Include diced apple, grapes, and chopped walnuts. It turns your cranberry chicken salad into a lunch-worthy reinvention of the traditional Waldorf.
Southwest Cranberry Chicken Salad
Stir in corn, black beans, diced jalapeños, and cilantro. Serve in tortillas or lettuce cups for a Tex-Mex vibe.
Curry Cranberry Chicken Salad
Add a teaspoon of curry powder and golden raisins. This version delivers warm spice that pairs beautifully with sweetness and protein.
You Asked, I Answered
Reduce cranberries to ½ cup or swap for unsweetened dried fruit.
Definitely make ahead and store up to four days. Add nuts just before eating to preserve crunch.
Lower carbs by using unsweetened cranberries and reducing fruit; still high in protein and healthy fats.
Yes, substitute Greek yogurt with vegan yogurt and optional dairy-free mayo.
Whole-grain bread, croissants, or lettuce wraps pair beautifully with this salad.
Your New Go-To Lunch
This cranberry chicken salad recipe delivers light yet satisfying meals any day of the week. With vibrant flavors, balanced nutrition, and prep-friendly simplicity, it truly shines for meal prep, work lunches, or weekend picnics.
I’d love to hear how you personalize this salad, drop a comment or tag your creations! Your twists inspire others to get creative too.
Looking for more wholesome meals? Try these next:
- Watermelon Cucumber Salad
- Summer Corn Salad
- Colorful Carrot Ribbon Salad
- Grilled Chicken Orzo Salad with Avocado
Save this to Pinterest or print for your kitchen binder, it’s one recipe you’ll return to again and again.
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