Irresistible Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe to Delight You

Cranberry Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that bursts with flavor, combining tender chicken, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts. Imagine the tangy sweetness of cranberries dancing on your taste buds, complemented by the savory goodness of chicken—a perfect harmony that makes every bite a celebration. Apple cabbage salad. For more inspiration, check out this homemade cranberry sauce recipe.

This recipe is not just about flavors; it’s about memories. Picture a sunny picnic day, surrounded by friends and laughter, where this salad steals the show. Trust me, once you serve this Cranberry Chicken Salad, your guests will be asking for the secret ingredient—and it’s just love (and a few delicious components)! Cranberry breakfast cake.

I vividly remember the first time my family tasted this salad; they couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust based on your guest list.
• Fresh Cranberries: Use dried cranberries for sweetness; look for plump ones for the best flavor.
• Celery: Fresh celery adds crunch; choose stalks that are crisp and bright green.
• Red Onion: A small red onion gives a lovely bite; chop finely to avoid overpowering flavors.
• Mayonnaise: Use regular or Greek yogurt mayonnaise for creaminess without heavy calories.
• Sliced Almonds or Pecans: Add nuts for texture; toast them lightly to enhance their flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors; adjust to your taste preference.
• Lettuce Leaves: Crisp lettuce provides a fresh base; opt for romaine or butter lettuce for best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear.

Chop Ingredients: While the chicken cools, chop your celery and red onion into small pieces. The crunch from the celery will add great texture while the onion gives robust flavor.

Prepare Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and salt and pepper to taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, stir in some lemon juice for extra zing.

Mix Everything Together: Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken with cranberries, celery, onion, and toasted nuts. Pour the dressing over everything and mix gently.

Serve Over Lettuce: Lay out fresh lettuce leaves on individual plates or a large serving platter. Spoon generous amounts of salad onto each leaf—this creates an inviting presentation!

Enjoying Cranberry Chicken Salad can easily become one of your go-to recipes! With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, every bite feels like an indulgence while being light enough not to weigh you down. Cornbread stuffing recipe Baked potato salad.

If you have leftovers (unlikely but possible), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days—though I doubt they’ll last that long! Happy cooking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the chicken thoroughly before letting it cool. While waiting, chop the veggies and prepare the dressing for seamless assembly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries for grapes or add nuts like pecans for extra crunch. Experimenting keeps your salad fresh!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. For best flavor, consume within three days without reheating.

Cooking up my first batch of cranberry chicken salad was a game changer! My friends raved about it at a BBQ, and I felt like a culinary superstar.

FAQ

Can I use canned cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh cranberries offer a brighter flavor and better texture.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! It holds well in the fridge and tastes even better after sitting overnight.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt works great as a healthier alternative without sacrificing creaminess.

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Cranberry Chicken Salad

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• Author: mydishtoday
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Cranberry Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that marries tender chicken with tart cranberries and crunchy nuts. Perfect for picnics or light lunches, this salad offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. With easy preparation and fresh ingredients, it’s sure to impress your guests while bringing warmth and joy to any gathering.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt mayonnaise
• ½ cup sliced almonds or pecans, toasted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lettuce leaves (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Season chicken breasts, place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes until juices run clear. Allow to cool.
2. While cooling, chop celery and red onion into small pieces.
3. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise with salt and pepper. Optionally add lemon juice for extra flavor.
4. Shred cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine chicken, cranberries, celery, onion, and nuts. Drizzle dressing over the mixture and stir gently.
5. Arrange lettuce leaves on plates or a platter and spoon the salad onto each leaf.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 65mg