A tasty spin on a classic lunch dish, this Cranberry Chicken Salad is the perfect option for easy weekly meal prep or a delicious lunch with family and friends.
While chicken salad tends to be one of those “basic” items on your neighborhood deli menu, it is nevertheless still considered a tried-and-true lunch sandwich. While your typical recipes for a chicken salad often leave you with an unassuming lunch option, this recipe for cranberry chicken salad will give you a delightful and delicious twist on that classic meal. With its simple prep and delicious flavors, this has become one of my favorite go-to lunches for my family.
This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meal prep, as the flavors will deepen and meld together beautifully when left to sit in the fridge for a few hours. This is such a versatile dish, too. You can serve it as a light lunch over mixed greens, pile it onto croissants for a filling sandwich, or spoon it into endive leaves for a fun appetizer. However you choose to enjoy it, this salad brings a sense of comfort to the table, with the cranberries and pecans bringing in a hint of charm at the same time. I promise you will be hard-pressed to find another recipe as simple as this that you will never get bored with.
This salad brings together tender, juicy chicken with the sweet-tart burst of cranberries, crunchy celery, and the nutty flavor of toasted pecans. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and just enough crunch in every bite. It’s a quick, satisfying lunch that you can enjoy even on your busiest days. You can always sprinkle on some fresh herbs like parsley or dill, adding a touch of freshness and color to liven the meal up even more.
Toasted Pecans Are The Secret Step
Toasted pecans add a wonderful crunch and depth of flavor to this salad, so you want to make sure you don’t skip this step! There are a couple of easy ways to toast them, so you can just choose the method you prefer. One method is to toast the pecans in a skillet over medium heat. No oil is required, so you can just spread the pecans in a single layer, stirring or shaking the pan frequently to avoid burning. Let them toast for 4-5 minutes, and you’ll know they’re ready when they smell fragrant and have a slight golden color. The other method is to toast them in the oven. Just preheat to 350°F and arrange the pecans in a single layer on the baking sheet. They’ll only need to toast for 5-10 minutes, and be sure to stir them about halfway through. Again, you’ll want to keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn. Once they’re fragrant and have a golden color, remove them and let them cool on the baking sheet before using. It’s so simple, and this additional step will add so much flavor to your chicken salad!
FAQs & Tips
How Should I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftover cranberry chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it a great option for weekly lunch prep!
Can I Make This Ahead and Store In The Freezer?
While this is an easy recipe to double and make two batches, it is not recommended that you freeze chicken salad. The reason for this is the use of mayonnaise in the recipe. An ingredient like this will not freeze well, as natural separation will occur when it is frozen and thawed, resulting in a watery texture.
Is This Salad Gluten or Dairy Free?
Yes, this recipe is already gluten-free and dairy-free! To be on the safe side, it is always recommended to check the label on any packaged ingredients (such as mayonnaise and Dijon mustard) for added reassurance.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry chicken salad is a perfect option for lunch because of its simplicity and versatility in serving options. Making chicken salad sandwiches on fresh crusty bread or a buttery croissant will surely be a lunchtime hit. You can even throw in some classic condiments like these Bread and Butter Pickles for added flavor. Other serving options include piling it over a bed of greens or wrapped in lettuce or flour wraps. You can even serve it as an appetizer with crackers or flatbread alongside other dips like a Creamy Spinach Dip or a Delicious Pimento Cheese.
If you’re looking for inspo for other lunch plans, this Buffalo Chicken Salad is another flavorful spin on chicken salad to consider adding to your lunch rotation. Other fun ideas for classic sandwiches include a homemade Tuna Salad, Turkey and Hot Pepper Jelly Sandwiches, or Chicken Bacon Cheddar Sandwiches. Honestly, there’s really no need to make a trip to the deli with these homemade options at your fingertips!
Cranberry Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced cooked chicken breast
- 1 large celery stalk diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans chopped
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, celery, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
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