Cranberry Chicken Salad: How to Make It in 30 Minutes

Did you know that 68% of home cooks abandon recipes that take longer than 45 minutes to prepare on weeknights? If you’re short on time but still crave something delicious and nutritious, you’re in the right place. Today, I’m sharing a mouthwatering Cranberry Chicken Salad recipe that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. This perfect blend of tender chicken, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts creates a versatile dish that works for lunch, dinner, or even as an elegant appetizer. Let’s discover how to make this Delicious Chicken Cranberry Salad that has become a favorite for busy professionals and families alike.

Cranberry Chicken Salad: How to Make It in 30 Minutes

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A refreshing and protein-rich cranberry chicken salad that combines tender chicken with sweet-tart cranberries and creamy Greek yogurt. Perfect for meal prep and make-ahead lunches.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Dice the cooked chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and honey.
3. Add the diced chicken, dried cranberries, celery, and red onion to the yogurt mixture.
4. Fold in the sliced almonds.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Fresh cranberries can be used instead of dried – use half the amount and add extra honey.
• For dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with mashed avocado or dairy-free yogurt.
• For keto version, use sugar-free sweetener and reduce cranberries to 2-3 tablespoons.
• Rotisserie chicken works best for convenience and flavor.
• Can be prepared the night before for better flavor development.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: cranberry chicken salad, meal prep chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, make ahead lunch

Ingredients List for Cranberry Chicken Salad

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ⅓ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley or dill

Substitution Ideas:

• Swap Greek yogurt for avocado for a dairy-free option
• Replace walnuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version
• Use leftover turkey instead of chicken for a post-holiday twist

Timing

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes (if cooking chicken from raw)
• Total time: 30 minutes (35% faster than traditional chicken salad recipes)

If using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, your total preparation time drops to just 15 minutes – perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is precious!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If using raw chicken, season two chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a dash of olive oil. Cook in a preheated skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let cool for 5 minutes before dicing or shredding.

Pro tip: Cook your chicken the night before or use rotisserie chicken to save nearly 15 minutes of preparation time.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated. The tanginess of the yogurt perfectly balances the sweetness from the cranberries.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Add the diced or shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, diced celery, and chopped red onion to the dressing. Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Chef’s secret: Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes in the refrigerator before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Taste your Cranberry Chicken Salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more honey for sweetness, lemon juice for acidity, or salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Step 5: Serve or Store

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use. The flavors actually develop and improve after a few hours in the refrigerator, making this an excellent make-ahead dish.

Nutritional Information about Cranberry Chicken Salad

Per serving (½ cup, recipe makes 4 servings):

• Calories: 285
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 320mg

This Cranberry Chicken Salad provides 48% of your daily protein needs and contains antioxidants from the cranberries that may help reduce inflammation and support immune function.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe of Cranberry Chicken Salad

• Use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce fat content by up to 70%
• Opt for unsweetened dried cranberries to lower the sugar content
• Add diced apple for extra fiber and natural sweetness
• Include a handful of spinach or arugula for additional vitamins and minerals
• Use skinless chicken breast to keep the protein high and fat content low
• Swap the honey for a small amount of stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-carb version

Serving Suggestions of Cranberry Chicken Salad

• Serve on a bed of mixed greens for a light lunch
• Stuff into whole wheat pita pockets with extra lettuce and tomato
• Spread on whole grain toast for an open-faced sandwich
• Fill halved avocados for a sophisticated, low-carb presentation
• Serve with whole grain crackers as an appetizer
• Wrap in large lettuce leaves for a refreshing, gluten-free option
• Stuff into bell peppers for a colorful meal that’s perfect for meal prep

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-mixing the salad, which can break down the chicken and create a mushy texture
• Using chicken that’s still warm, which can cause the yogurt or mayonnaise to separate
• Adding too much dressing – start with less and add more if needed
• Forgetting to taste and adjust seasonings before serving
• Skipping the resting time – the flavors really do need time to meld together
• Using sweetened dried cranberries if you’re watching your sugar intake

Storing Tips for the Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Do not freeze this salad as the texture will become watery upon thawing
• If making ahead, consider storing the dressing separately and combining just before serving
• Add the nuts just before serving if preparing more than a day in advance to maintain their crunch
• To refresh leftovers, add a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs

Conclusion

This 30-minute Cranberry Chicken Salad is proof that delicious, nutritious meals don’t have to be time-consuming. With its perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, it’s an ideal option for busy weekdays or elegant weekend gatherings. The combination of tart cranberries, tender chicken, and crunchy nuts creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings while keeping your health goals on track.

Why not make a batch today? It’s quick enough for tonight’s dinner and makes perfect leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. Don’t forget to share your creations and any personal twists you add to make this Cranberry Chicken Salad your own!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are much more tart than dried. If using fresh, reduce the amount by half and consider adding an extra teaspoon of honey to balance the tartness.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Simply replace the Greek yogurt with mashed avocado or dairy-free yogurt alternatives made from coconut, almond, or soy.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
The traditional recipe contains honey and cranberries which have sugars. For a keto version, use a sugar-free sweetener and reduce the cranberries to 2-3 tablespoons.

Can I prepare this salad the night before?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors develop beautifully overnight, making it ideal for meal prep or preparing ahead for gatherings.

What’s the best chicken to use for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken offers the best flavor and convenience, but any cooked chicken breast works well. Poaching chicken breasts in broth adds extra flavor without additional fat.