Delicious Chicken Salad with Cranberries Recipe Delight

When the first bite of chicken salad with cranberries hits your taste buds, it’s like a flavor explosion, dancing cheerfully on your palate. The juicy chicken mingles with sweet, tangy cranberries and crunchy nuts, creating a delightful medley that is both refreshing and satisfying. It’s perfect for those sunny picnics or cozy indoor lunches when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. We were gathered around the table, and as I placed the vibrant bowl in front of them, their eyes widened with anticipation. The laughter flowed just as freely as the compliments about its deliciousness! This chicken salad is not just food; it’s an experience that brightens any meal occasion.

Sharing this dish brought smiles to my family’s faces, and they couldn’t get enough of it.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts for a generous portion but adjust depending on your crowd.

• Dried Cranberries: Look for plump, sweet cranberries that add a nice pop of flavor to every bite.

• Celery Stalks: Fresh celery lends a satisfying crunch; choose firm stalks for best results.

• Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand; it binds everything together beautifully while adding creaminess.

• Walnuts or Pecans: Toasted nuts add richness and texture; feel free to substitute based on preference.

• Green Onions: Their mild onion flavor enhances the overall taste while adding vibrancy.

• Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up all the flavors in this salad.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Chicken: Start by poaching or grilling your chicken breasts until they are fully cooked through—about 15-20 minutes should do it. Let them cool before shredding.

Prepare Fresh Ingredients: While the chicken cools, chop the celery into small pieces and slice the green onions thinly. Both add freshness and crunch!

Mix It All Together: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, celery, cranberries, walnuts or pecans, and green onions. Toss gently to mix without mashing.

Add Dressing and Seasoning: In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lemon juice. Pour over the chicken mixture and season with salt and pepper.

Toss Away!: Gently fold everything together until well combined—be careful not to overmix as you want those lovely textures intact.

Chill and Serve!: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those fabulous flavors to meld!

This chicken salad with cranberries is more than just a recipe; it’s an enjoyable culinary journey that transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the chicken thoroughly; let it cool before combining with other ingredients for best flavor integration.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries for raisins or add nuts for crunch. Customize dressings according to your taste preferences.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.

Cooking this chicken salad with cranberries always reminds me of summer picnics where laughter filled the air and everyone raved about my recipe.

FAQ

What can I substitute for cranberries in this chicken salad?

You can use raisins, chopped apples, or even dried cherries for a sweet twist.

Is it safe to eat leftover chicken salad?

Yes, as long as it’s stored properly in the fridge and consumed within three days.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor to your salad.

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Chicken Salad with Cranberries

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Chicken Salad with Cranberries is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken, sweet tangy cranberries, and crunchy nuts for a refreshing meal. Perfect for picnics or light lunches, this easy recipe brings smiles to the table with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this chicken salad is an impressive yet simple option that your family and friends will love.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Poaching/Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup celery stalks, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the chicken by poaching or grilling until fully cooked (15-20 minutes). Allow it to cool before shredding.
2. Chop the celery and slice the green onions while the chicken cools.
3. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, celery, cranberries, walnuts or pecans, and green onions.
4. In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lemon juice. Pour over the chicken mixture and season with salt and pepper.
5. Gently toss until well combined without overmixing.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 70mg