Cranberry Chicken Salad

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Cranberry chicken salad has all the creamy, delicious flavor of the lunchtime favorite with bright pops of dried cranberries.

Cranberry Chicken Salad on a light pink plate - Southern Living
Photo:

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
10 mins
Servings:
6

Rotisserie chicken can do magical things—and there's no better example than this cranberry chicken salad. We dressed up the grocery-store staple with celery, sweet pickle relish, chives, parsley, and dried cranberries to create one delicious lunchtime option. We tossed it all in a dressing of Dijon mustard and mayonnaise for the smoothest and creamiest results.

While this chicken salad recipe calls for cranberries, you can easily swap in cubed apples if you prefer. And since we're talking riffs, go ahead and use shredded chicken rather than cutting into cubes if that's more your style. We know that chicken salad is one of those dishes that is ripe for interpretation, and oftentimes tastes even better when built to suit.

Learn how to make cranberry chicken salad. No matter how you make it, this lunchtime favorite is the twist on a beloved classic that you'll turn to again and again.

Ingredients for Cranberry Chicken Salad

This chicken salad truly has it all—tender chicken, crunchy celery, pops of sweet dried cherries, relish for tanginess, Dijon mustard for kick, and creamy mayonnaise to bind it all together. To make cranberry chicken salad, you'll need:

  • Rotisserie chicken: A shortcut option for the base of this chicken salad, although you can also use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.
  • Celery: For a refreshing crunch.
  • Dried cranberries: Adds a pop of color, sweetness, and chewy texture.
  • Sweet pickle relish: Adds a tangy flavor for added complexity in the dish.
  • Fresh chives and parsley: For a fresh, herbaceous touch.
  • Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp flavor that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
  • Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing for the chicken salad.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
ingredients for cranberry chicken salad in bowls - Southern Livingg

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

How To Make Cranberry Chicken Salad

With shredded rotisserie chicken making up the bulk of the dish, you'll need just 10 minutes of active time to bring it all together. Similar to a classic chicken salad, all you'll need to do is stir your ingredients to combine, chilling for at least two hours before serving for the best flavor and texture. Garnish with additional chives if desired, and everyone will love this sweet twist on a beloved classic.

Cranberry Chicken Salad Variations

To add a unique twist to this chicken salad, or to make it work with what you have on hand, consider these variation ideas:

  • Chicken: Switch up this chicken salad by using what you have on hand. Leftover cooked turkey, or a mix of light and dark meat chicken will all work nicely.
  • Crunch: Add chopped apples, toasted nuts, or crisped bacon for an additional crunch.
  • Onion: Swap the chives with diced red onions, scallions, or shallots for a mild oniony flavor.
  • Mayonnaise: Substitute all or part of the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter and more tangy result.
  • Cranberries: Swap the cranberries with halved grapes, dried cherries, currants, or other favorite fruits if desired.

Can I Make Cranberry Chicken Salad Ahead?

To make this cranberry chicken salad ahead, assemble and refrigerate the salad up to 24 hours in advance. Garnish with fresh chives before serving. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.

What To Serve With Cranberry Chicken Salad

This fruity twist on classic chicken salad can be served with crackers, pita bread, or packed into croissants or sandwiches. Scoop over a mixed green salad, or pair with ripe avocado, roasted vegetables, or fresh fruit for a light lunch option. You can also just enjoy a spoonful or two straight out of the fridge for a midday snack.

More Chicken Salad Recipes You'll Love

Shake up your typical chicken salad routine by giving these flavorful recipes a try:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

A cranberry chicken salad sandwich on a white plate with cups of water

Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Kathleen Varner

Ingredients

  • 3 cups chopped rotisserie chicken (from 1 rotisserie chicken)

  • 1/2 cup chopped celery (from 2 stalks)

  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries

  • 2 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish

  • 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish

  • 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

  • 1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper

Directions

  1. Combine ingredients:

    Stir together all ingredients in a large bowl until well incorporated. Garnish with additional chives, if desired.

    ingredients for cranberry chicken salad in a bowl - Southern Living

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

  2. Serve or chill:

    Serve immediately or, for best results, chill, covered, at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours before serving.

    cranberry chicken salad in a bowl wrapped in plastic wrap - Southern Living

    Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use fresh cranberries for cranberry chicken salad?

    While you could use chopped, fresh cranberries in chicken salad, we don't recommend it. The tart flavor can be too overwhelming.

  • How do you make bland chicken salad taste better?

    Season the chicken salad to taste after mixing, adding additional salt, pepper, mustard, or pickle relish as desired to amp up the flavor.

  • How long can I store homemade chicken salad?

    You can store homemade chicken salad in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Additional reporting by
Katie Rosenhouse
Katie Rosenhouse
Katie Rosenhouse is a pastry chef and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the culinary arts. She's worked as a pastry chef in some of the finest restaurants in New York City, as a culinary instructor, and as a recipe developer.

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