Go Back

Easy & Delicious Cranberry Chicken Salad

Hey there, friend! You know those recipes that just scream "comfort" and "easy wins"? This Cranberry Chicken Salad is exactly that kind of recipe. It takes me back to sunny afternoons, packing picnics for the park, or needing a quick, impressive dish for a holiday gathering. There’s something so wonderfully simple yet utterly satisfying about the mix of tender chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy nuts and celery, all tied together with a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the perfect solution when you need something fast, delicious, and versatile. Trust me, once you make this, it'll become a staple in your kitchen!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.5 cup chopped celery
  • 0.25 cup chopped red onion
  • 0.25 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken or turkey, dried cranberries, chopped celery, red onion, and pecans or walnuts. Give it a good stir to mix everything up evenly.
  2. Step 2: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Give the dressing a quick taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. You're looking for a nice balance of creamy, tangy, and seasoned just right.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Now, gently toss everything until all the chicken, cranberries, and veggies are beautifully coated in the creamy dressing.
  4. Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. You want it to chill for at least 30 minutes. This time lets the flavors meld together, which is key! I find it tastes even better after an hour or two, or even overnight.
  5. Step 5: Before serving, take it out of the fridge. Give it a quick stir, and if you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pretty finish.

Notes

Ensure chicken is fully cooled before mixing. Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor melding; taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Do not freeze.