When you think of chicken salad, your mind might wander to something safe, familiar, maybe even a little plain. But toss in cranberries, a little crunch of apple, and the zest of lemon, and suddenly—you’ve got something extraordinary. Cranberry chicken salad is one of those recipes that looks fancy but feels comforting at the same time.
This isn’t a dish that shouts at you—it whispers in layers. A little tang here, creamy richness there, sweet surprise in every bite. The best part? You don’t need hard-to-find ingredients or elaborate cooking. Just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a handful of fresh, colorful additions.
Best Time to Serve This Dish
Cranberry chicken salad feels like fall and winter in a bowl. The pop of cranberries makes it perfect for holiday gatherings when you want something festive but light. It often shows up as an elegant lunch centerpiece for brunches or luncheons.
But don’t limit yourself to seasonal thinking—it’s delightful year-round. On a hot summer day, tuck it into buttery croissants for a picnic. In winter, serve it with crackers between heavier meals. It transitions beautifully depending on the occasion.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
- 3 pounds cooked chicken — diced or shredded, cooled completely
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 ½ cups very finely chopped celery
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
With these simple ingredients, you’ll strike a balance of sweetness, tang, crunch, and creaminess. Each one has a role, and together they create harmony in the bowl.
Can I Swap Ingredients?
Absolutely—you can change the salad depending on what’s in your pantry. Instead of dried cranberries, you can throw in fresh grapes or chopped dried apricots for a sweeter twist. If grapes are used, halve them for the perfect bite.
Not a mayonnaise fan? Try Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version. Some people even mix half mayo and half yogurt to get the richness without going overboard. Nut lovers often toss in chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch—it gives it that “holiday charcuterie board” vibe.
How to Make Cranberry Chicken Salad?
Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, chopped apple, celery, and dried cranberries. This is where your texture foundation begins—meaty, crisp, and chewy all at once.
Step 2: Add Creaminess and Flavor
Stir in mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Don’t skimp on the lemon—its acidity brightens the whole dish, keeping it from feeling too heavy.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give it a quick taste. Too tangy? A touch more mayo balances it. Craving more zing? Another squeeze of lemon does the trick. This step is about making it yours.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. The flavors mingle and deepen while chilling, so if you can wait, it’s worth it. If not, no judgment—it’s still delicious fresh.
Creative Ways to Serve It
One of the joys of cranberry chicken salad is its flexibility. Want something light? Serve it over a bed of mixed greens as a salad bowl. Need a quick snack? Scoop it with buttery crackers. Craving something luxurious? Layer it inside a croissant with crisp lettuce for the perfect bite.
You can also serve it as part of a party board. Surround it with crusty bread, cheese cubes, and fruit slices. Guests will love the DIY sandwich-making fun, and it looks festive without the effort.
Tips
Cooked chicken shortcuts: If you don’t want to cook chicken from scratch, a rotisserie chicken works beautifully. Just shred and go.
Make ahead: This salad tastes even better when chilled for a few hours, so preparing it ahead of a gathering saves time and boosts flavor.
Storage: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Perfect for meal prep lunches throughout the week.
Serving temperature: Always serve it chilled. That cool creaminess is part of its charm.
Balance is everything: Taste as you go. Sometimes apples can be sweeter, sometimes cranberries more tart—it helps to adjust salt, mustard, or lemon juice accordingly.
Why People Love Cranberry Chicken Salad
It’s the contrast that makes this recipe irresistible. Tender chicken pairs with tart cranberries, creamy mayo meets crisp apple. Every bite is layered, so you never get bored. It’s comfort food, but dressed up with elegance and brightness.
It’s also endlessly adaptable. Holiday table, weekday snack, or fancy brunch platter—the same recipe plays different roles depending on how it’s served. That’s the beauty of it: no strict rules, just good eating.
This cranberry chicken salad is more than just a recipe—it’s a dish that adapts to your life. Simple enough for a weekday, yet special enough for holidays. Sweet, tangy, creamy, crunchy—it’s like a little gathering of flavors in every bite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes one of those “regulars” in your kitchen rotation.
Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Description
Creamy, sweet, and tangy, this simple cranberry chicken salad recipe is absolutely delicious! Packed with tender chicken, crisp apples and celery, chewy dried cranberries, and a zesty dressing of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice, it’s a flavor-packed dish perfect for fall and winter. Serve it on croissants, crackers, or over greens for a satisfying lunch or holiday-ready appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Combine All Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, chopped apple, celery, dried cranberries, lemon juice, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper. -
Mix Thoroughly
Stir all ingredients together until fully combined and evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add more mayo for creaminess, mustard for tang, or lemon juice for brightness.Avoid overmixing to maintain texture. -
Chill to Enhance Flavor
Cover the bowl tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or up to 24 hours) to allow the flavors to meld.For best results, chill overnight. -
Serve and Enjoy
Serve chilled on buttery croissants, toasted bread, lettuce cups, or with crackers. Add a leaf of butter lettuce inside sandwiches for extra crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Cholesterol 130mg44%
- Sodium 720mg30%
- Potassium 480mg14%
- Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 12g
- Protein 26g52%
- Calcium 40 mg
- Iron 1.2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Make it healthier: Substitute half the mayo with non-fat Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version.
- Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just remove the skin and bones before dicing.
- Add crunch: Toss in ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra texture and flavor.
- Boost sweetness: Add 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter profile.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not freeze.
- Serving ideas: Serve in lettuce wraps, on croissants, in avocado halves, or over a bed of spinach or arugula.
- Make ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day. Prepare it the night before for effortless entertaining.
