Cranberry Chicken Salad is a delightful combination of tender chicken, crunchy celery, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. This dish is perfect for a light lunch, a picnic, or even a quick dinner. It can be served in a sandwich, on a bed of lettuce, or as a dip with crackers. The balance of flavors and textures makes this chicken salad a favorite among both kids and adults. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the preparation process, from cooking the chicken to mixing the perfect dressing.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes (optional)
- Total Time: 35-50 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and chopped/shredded)
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ to 1 cup dried cranberries
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup vinegar
- 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cooking and Preparing the Chicken
- Boil the Chicken: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and place the chicken breasts into the pot. Boil for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred or Chop the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Use two forks to shred it or chop it into small bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables
- Finely chop the onion and celery into small, even pieces.
- Place the chopped onion, celery, and dried cranberries into a large mixing bowl along with the shredded chicken.
Step 3: Making the Dressing
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix well until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assembling the Salad
- Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture.
- Gently stir everything together until well combined, ensuring the chicken and cranberries are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Chilling and Serving
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional but enhances the taste.
- Serve chilled in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or with crackers for a delicious meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sandwich: Serve the chicken salad on toasted bread or croissants.
- Healthy Option: Spoon it over a bed of fresh greens or into lettuce wraps.
- Party Appetizer: Serve with crackers or in small pastry shells for an elegant touch.
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
- For Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
- For Additional Sweetness: Mix in diced apples or halved grapes.
- For a Healthier Twist: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cranberry Chicken Salad is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for meal prepping, family gatherings, or a quick lunch. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy celery, sweet cranberries, and tangy dressing creates a dish that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether served in a sandwich, as a salad topping, or with crackers, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Try it today and enjoy a perfect blend of flavors in every bite!