chicken salad with cranberries

Name: Chicken Salad with Cranberries
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup dried cranberries; ½ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted; ½ cup Greek yogurt; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: October 13, 2025

by Sarah Conley

Why You'll Love This chicken salad with cranberries

This incredible chicken salad with cranberries transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious chicken salad with cranberries:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Spinach: Choose vibrant green leaves; they add freshness and color to your salad.
Cranberries: Dried cranberries work best here for their chewy sweetness; look for ones without added sugar if possible.
Walnuts or Pecans: These add a delightful crunch; toast them lightly for enhanced flavor.
Greek Yogurt: A healthier alternative to mayo that adds creaminess without guilt.
Dijon Mustard: Just a teaspoon brings out all the other flavors beautifully.
Honey: Use local honey if you can; it adds sweetness and pairs perfectly with tangy yogurt.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; it brightens up the entire dish.

For the Sauce:

Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all flavors; season to taste.

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

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious chicken salad with cranberries:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your boneless skinless chicken breasts in a baking dish coated with nonstick spray. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Roast the Chicken

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through (the internal temperature should reach at least 165°F/74°C). Once done, let it rest for about five minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy; this dressing will tie all your salad ingredients together beautifully.

Step 4: Toss in Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, diced roasted chicken breast, dried cranberries, walnuts or pecans (toasted if you prefer), and your dressing. Gently fold everything together until well-coated.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

For an optimal flavor experience (and to avoid any potential food fights over who gets first dibs), cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least half an hour before serving.

Step 6: Serve Up Delight

Scoop generous portions onto plates or serve in crisp lettuce cups for an extra touch. Drizzle any remaining dressing on top if desired. Enjoy your delicious chicken salad with cranberries!

Now that you’ve mastered this culinary gem, you’re officially ready to dazzle your guests or simply treat yourself because who needs an occasion when you have such tasty options? Enjoy!

You Must Know About chicken salad with cranberries

This showstopping chicken salad with cranberries delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by poaching or grilling the chicken until it’s juicy and tender. While the chicken cools, chop your vegetables, and prepare the dressing. Finally, toss everything together to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to swap out cranberries for dried cherries or raisins for a different sweetness. Add nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or mix in fresh herbs such as dill or basil to elevate the flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best taste, enjoy it cold straight from the fridge rather than reheating, as that can compromise texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips for chicken salad with cranberries

This professional-quality chicken salad with cranberries relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sometimes I whip up this chicken salad with cranberries when friends visit; their faces light up with joy every time I serve it—it’s like I’ve just revealed a magic trick!

FAQs

What is chicken salad with cranberries?

Chicken salad with cranberries is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, and sweet-tart cranberries. This salad is often enhanced with ingredients like nuts, mayonnaise, or yogurt for creaminess. The balance of flavors makes it a perfect meal for lunch or a light dinner. Chicken salad with cranberries can also be served on its own, as a sandwich filling, or over a bed of greens for an extra boost of freshness.

How do I make chicken salad with cranberries?

To make chicken salad with cranberries, start by cooking and shredding your chicken. Combine it in a bowl with chopped celery, diced apples, and dried cranberries. For the dressing, mix mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with a splash of lemon juice and seasonings like salt and pepper. Toss everything together until evenly coated. You can serve this delightful dish chilled or at room temperature for maximum flavor.

What are the health benefits of chicken salad with cranberries?

Chicken salad with cranberries offers several health benefits. Chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle repair and growth. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that support immune health. Adding fresh vegetables like celery increases fiber intake, promoting healthy digestion. When prepared with yogurt instead of mayonnaise, this dish becomes lower in calories while still being creamy and satisfying.

Can I customize my chicken salad with cranberries?

Absolutely! You can easily customize your chicken salad with cranberries by adding ingredients that suit your taste preferences. Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch, substituting grapes for cranberries for a different sweetness, or incorporating herbs such as dill or parsley for added flavor. Feel free to adjust the dressing to make it lighter or more indulgent based on your dietary needs.

Conclusion

In summary, chicken salad with cranberries is a versatile dish packed with flavor and nutrition. Its combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and sweet-tart cranberries creates a satisfying meal option suitable for any occasion. With endless customization possibilities to fit your palate, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy making this delightful dish as part of your healthy eating routine!

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