Chicken Salad With Cranberries

Chicken Salad with Cranberries is full of flavor, texture, and accessible ingredients. It's an easy, 10 minute recipe that makes a fantastic lunch, dinner, or meal prep option. With over 25 grams of protein per serving, you'll be making this for you family on repeat.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Chicken Salad With Cranberries Ingredients
• How To Make Chicken Salad With Cranberries
• Ways To Cook Chicken For Chicken Salad
• How To Serve Cranberry Chicken Salad
• Is Chicken Salad Healthy?
• Storing Leftovers
• Expert Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Did you make this recipe?
• Chicken Salad With Cranberries
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I honestly cannot believe I've never shared this recipe before now! I have been making this chicken salad with cranberries since I was 14 years old, so I've had 8 years to perfect it.

This simple, homemade chicken salad recipe has been a staple in my household for many years. We often make it when friends are over, or just to keep in the fridge for quick, protein packed meals.

It's a simple recipe, made with chicken, onions, celery, apples, and of course, dried cranberries. It takes just 10 minutes to prepare and can be sure on sandwiches, wraps, or even by itself with crackers.

Be sure to also check out my buffalo chicken salad if you're in the mood for something spicy or this amazing copycat Panera chicken salad!

Why This Recipe Works

• It's simple, easy, and takes 10 minutes to prepare
• This chicken salad with cranberries is healthy and nutritious
• There's over 25 grams of protein per serving
• You can make this for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep
• This salad is full of flavor and texture
• It's made with inexpensive, pantry staple ingredients

Chicken Salad With Cranberries Ingredients

*full ingredients list and measurements can be found in recipe card below*

• Chicken: I prefer to use cooked chicken breast when I'm making a salad because it shreds up nicely and holds the flavor of the dressing well.
• Mayonnaise: You can use any kind of mayo you like. I love Primal Kitchen's avocado mayo, but Hellman's is great, or you can't beat homemade!
• Greek yogurt: The Greek yogurt adds creaminess to the dressing, but helps to cut the fat of the mayo. You can leave it out and use all mayo though, if you'd rather
• Onion: I usually add a regular white onion into my salad, but red will also work
• Celery: The celery adds a nice texture and crunch to the chicken salad
• Apples: My preferred apple is Honeycrisp or Pink Lady. They're both sweet and crunchy which pairs perfectly with the rest of the flavors
• Dried cranberries: The star of the show, dried cranberries! There is NO substitution for these
• Salt and pepper: I keep the seasoning simple with just a little salt and pepper.

How To Make Chicken Salad With Cranberries

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the chicken breast, chopped onion, finely diced celery, chopped apple, and dried cranberries
2. Next, add the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, salt and pepper to the chicken mixture and gently fold to combine
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
4. Chill in the fridge until you're ready to serve

Ways To Cook Chicken For Chicken Salad

Slow Cooker: Cooking chicken breast in the Crock Pot makes it juicy and moist every time. It's one of my favorite ways to cook chicken for chicken salad!

Instant Pot: If you're short on time, cooking chicken breast in the Instant Pot is a great time saver! It takes less than 20 minutes and is perfectly cooked and great to shred.

Oven Roasted: Baked chicken breast is an easy, fool-proof method anyone can master. It's simple, quick, and always delicious!

Rotisserie: Save a ton of time and purchase an already cooked rotisserie chicken from the store! Pick the meat off, add into the salad, and serve.

How To Serve Cranberry Chicken Salad

You can enjoy your chicken salad however you like. Wrap it up, spoon into a croissant, or enjoy it straight out of the container!

Here's a few more options:

• Wrap: Use a tortilla, low carb wrap, or even a lettuce wrap
• Sandwich: Any kind of bread will work. Sourdough, croissant, gluten free, etc.
• Salad: Add your chicken salad on a bed of greens for a low carb option
• With crackers: Sometimes I place a scoop of the salad into a bowl and enjoy it with crackers!

Is Chicken Salad Healthy?

Yes, homemade chicken salad is a very healthy recipe option. It's high in protein, full of veggies, and even has healthy fats in it to help keep you full.

I suggest pairing with a source of carbohydrates and you'll have a healthy, hunger crushing meal.

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover homemade chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to 5 days. (if it lasts that long!)

Expert Tips

1. Store-bought chicken: Save time, and make this using a rotisserie chicken
2. Chicken breast is best: The breast is leaner and holds onto the dressing flavor better
3. Customize: Substitute with ingredients that you like or have on hand. This is more of a guide
4. Meal prep: Homemade chicken salad will stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can meal prep a big batch on Sunday for easy lunches

Frequently Asked Questions

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