Name: Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped; 1 stalk celery, sliced; 1 – 2 green onions, sliced; 3/4 cup sweetened, dried cranberries; 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder or 1 – 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

If you’re looking for a fresh twist on lunchtime favorites, this Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe is just the ticket. It’s one of those recipes that I absolutely love because it brings together sweet, savory, and crunchy elements in a way that always feels special but is so simple to make. Whether you’re packing lunches or hosting a casual get-together, this salad consistently earns rave reviews from my family and friends. Stick with me — I’m going to share everything you need to know to nail this recipe every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet cranberries meet savory chicken and toasted pine nuts for a taste that’ll keep you hooked.
Crunchy and Creamy Texture: Celery adds crunch while the mayo keeps everything creamy but light.
Super Versatile: Use it for sandwiches, on crisp apple slices, or your favorite greens.
Quick and Easy Prep: Totally doable in just 15 minutes prep time, perfect for busy days.

A soft, golden croissant is open and filled with a creamy white chicken salad mixed with pale green celery pieces and dark red dried cranberries, placed on a smooth, white plate with another whole croissant behind it. In the background, there is a silver bowl filled with more of the chicken salad and a few fresh green onion stalks on a white marbled surface. The croissants have a shiny and flaky texture with a light brown color, contrasting with the creamy and colorful filling inside photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together like a dream. I love how the tartness of the dried cranberries contrasts perfectly with the smooth richness of mayonnaise. Plus, toasted pine nuts are a little secret weapon that add the best flavor and crunch.

Cooked chicken breast: Using cooked chicken saves time—I prefer roasting or poaching my own to control the flavor and moisture.
Celery stalk: Adds a fresh crunch that balances out the creaminess.
Green onions: Their mild onion flavor keeps the salad bright without overwhelming it.
Sweetened dried cranberries: The star here, giving just the right amount of sweetness.
Pine nuts: Toasted for a toasty, nutty kick; pecans or almonds work well too.
Mayonnaise: Make sure to use a good-quality mayo for the best creaminess.
Dry mustard powder or Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the dressing.
Coarse salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing flavors.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for the best flavor boost.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to mix things up a bit depending on what I have on hand or the season. You’ll find that this cranberry chicken salad recipe is super flexible, so don’t hesitate to customize it to your tastes.

Nut swap: I once replaced pine nuts with toasted pecans, and my family absolutely loved the richer, buttery flavor.
Mustard variation: Using Dijon instead of dry mustard adds a fresher bite, especially if you want a bit more tang.
Low-fat option: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten the salad but keep it creamy.
Extra fruit: Adding diced apples or pears creates an even sweeter, crunchier twist that’s fun for fall.

How to Make Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by slicing your celery thin—that crunch makes a huge difference! Chop the green onions finely, and dice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Toasting the pine nuts is optional but trust me, it’s worth the effort; just toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, usually about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, celery, green onions, dried cranberries, and toasted pine nuts. Then, add the mayonnaise along with your choice of mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir everything gently until you have a creamy, well-coated mixture. I usually taste at this stage and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 3: Chill and Let the Flavors Marry

Pop your salad into the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time lets all those tangy, sweet, and savory flavors come together beautifully. I used to serve it immediately, but I discovered this chill step really elevates the taste.

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Toast Those Pine Nuts: I can’t stress this enough—toasting gives that nutty depth that takes the salad from good to unforgettable.
Use Fresh Chicken: Cooking your own chicken breast allows you to control salt and moisture, making the salad taste fresher.
Let it Rest: I learned that chilling for at least 30 minutes really helps the flavors blend harmoniously.
Don’t Overmix: Stir gently to avoid mushy textures—crunch is part of the charm!

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

A white croissant sandwich with a flaky, golden-brown crust sits on a white plate with a white marbled background. Inside the croissant, there is a creamy chicken salad filling that layers chopped white chicken pieces, chunks of light green celery, dark red dried cranberries, and small slices of green onion, all mixed with a thick, light-colored dressing. The sandwich is slightly open to clearly show the colorful filling inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra toasted pine nuts on top when serving—it looks pretty and adds a fresh crunch. Sometimes I add a little fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness, especially if it’s a special occasion.

Side Dishes

This cranberry chicken salad pairs wonderfully with crunchy fresh veggies like cucumber slices or carrot sticks. I also enjoy serving it with a side of mixed greens dressed lightly in vinaigrette or alongside a warm bowl of tomato soup when the weather turns chilly.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I love spooning the salad onto buttered croissants or hollowed-out mini sweet peppers to make bite-sized appetizers. Another fun idea is serving it on crisp apple slices for a low-carb, sweet-savory combo that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making it even tastier the next day—perfect for quick lunches.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the mayo and celery don’t hold up well to freezing; they tend to get watery or mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so I simply take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving if it’s been chilled.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut if you don’t want to cook your chicken from scratch. Just be sure to remove any skin and bones before chopping.
Is there a way to make this cranberry chicken salad recipe healthier?

Yes! Swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to reduce fat and calories while still keeping the salad creamy. You can also use less mayo or add more veggies like diced apple or cucumber to bulk it up.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?

Definitely. Make it up to a day ahead and keep it chilled until serving. Give it a gentle stir before serving and adjust seasonings if needed. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish for entertaining.
What can I substitute if I don’t have pine nuts?

Toasted almonds or pecans are great substitutes. They bring a similar nutty crunch and complement the cranberry flavor beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen — it’s easy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or putting together an appetizer spread, it brings a fresh, festive touch that always delights. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. So grab your ingredients and enjoy making a salad that feels like a little celebration in every bite!