Name: Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken or turkey (shredded or chopped — rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time.); ½ cup dried cranberries — adds sweet-tart flavor; Craisins work perfectly.; ½ cup celery (chopped — brings crunch and freshness to balance the creamy dressing.); ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped — sharp flavor that brightens the salad.); ¼ cup pecans or walnuts (chopped — provides nutty crunch; toast them lightly for deeper flavor.); ½ cup mayonnaise — gives the salad its creamy texture; use a good-quality mayo for best taste.; 2 tbsp sour cream (or Greek yogurt — lightens up the dressing and adds tanginess.); 1 tbsp Dijon mustard — enhances flavor and adds a slight kick.; Salt and pepper (to taste — adjust to bring out all the flavors.); Fresh parsley (chopped (optional) — for garnish and a pop of color.)

I recently tried making this Cranberry Chicken Salad recipe, and I honestly can’t stop craving it. It’s creamy, crunchy, and just sweet enough thanks to the dried cranberries. I had some leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge and gave this recipe a try.

Within 10 minutes, I had a delicious meal ready. If you love refreshing, easy dishes like the Olive Garden Salad Recipe, then this will become a new favorite for you too!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this a few times, I’ve learned a few tricks that can make it even more delicious. Let me share some of my personal tips that you can try next time:

Toast the pecans before adding them. This gives a deeper, nuttier flavor and a great crunch.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream if you want it lighter and tangier.
Chop everything finely, especially the celery and onions. It helps the texture stay uniform and smooth.
Add the pecans just before serving to keep them extra crisp.
If you’re storing it, use a glass container to keep the salad fresh and avoid it picking up fridge smells.
I love to add some halved red grapes when I want a slightly sweeter, fruitier twist.

Delicious Variations You Can Try

Looking to customize this salad to fit your dietary needs or preferences? Here are some easy ways to switch things up. If you love trying out different salad recipes, this one is super flexible!

Dairy-Free Version: Swap the mayo and sour cream for vegan mayo or avocado-based dressing.
Sugar-Free Version: Use unsweetened dried cranberries or finely chopped fresh apples instead.
Protein Boost: Add some chopped boiled eggs or chickpeas for an extra kick of protein.
Flavor Twists: Stir in a spoonful of honey mustard, or add a dash of smoked paprika for a new flavor profile.
Fruity Add-Ins: Try adding diced apples, red grapes, or even dried apricots for extra sweetness.
Avocado Creaminess: Mash half an avocado into the dressing for a rich, healthy twist.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Here’s a quick list of simple kitchen tools I used to make this salad in under 15 minutes:

Large mixing bowl – To toss the chicken and veggies together.
Small bowl – Perfect for whisking the creamy dressing.
Cutting board – For chopping celery, onions, and pecans.
Sharp knife – To easily prep all the ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons – To keep the balance of flavors just right.
Spatula or wooden spoon – Helps gently fold in the ingredients without breaking them up.

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Salad with Pecans?

You’ll love how easy this salad is to serve. It’s versatile and works great for casual lunches or party platters. If you enjoy bright, fresh dishes like a Strawberry Salad Recipe, this one gives the same refreshing vibe!

Serve it on croissants or sandwich rolls for a tasty lunch.
Spoon it onto romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Pair it with crackers or pita chips for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Stuff it into wraps or tortillas for a picnic-perfect bite.
Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions to give it a pop of color.

Presentation tip: Serve it chilled with extra cranberries and chopped pecans on top for a fancier touch!

How to Store the Salad Properly

Refrigerating: This salad stays fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. I usually prep it the night before, and it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad because the mayo and sour cream can separate and change the texture once thawed.
Restoring Before Serving: If the salad seems dry after chilling, just stir in a small spoonful of mayo or Greek yogurt to freshen it up. Give it a quick mix and it’s ready again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to love this creamy cranberry chicken salad! Here’s why I keep going back to it:

Quick and easy to make: It takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy days.
Great use of leftovers: A fantastic way to use leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey without wasting food.
Versatile and meal-prep friendly: Works for lunches, snacks, or even meal-prepped dinners during the week.
Sweet and savory balance: The cranberries and mustard dressing give it the perfect mix of flavors.
Customizable: You can make it dairy-free, sugar-free, or add extra ingredients you love.

More Handy Details for Making the Best Salad

Let’s get into some extra tips and useful facts that’ll help you master this dish every time:

Quality chicken matters. I like using rotisserie chicken because it’s tender and flavorful, but any cooked shredded or chopped chicken works.
Red onion gives a bold bite. But if it’s too strong for your taste, soak the chopped onion in water for 10 minutes to mellow it.
Balance is key. Taste the salad before chilling and adjust salt, pepper, or mustard as needed.
Chill time is magic. A minimum of 30 minutes in the fridge lets all the flavors soak in and gives it a richer taste.
Pecans bring the crunch. If you’re out of pecans, walnuts are a great substitute, but always toast them for best flavor.

Nancy