Hosting brunch or luncheon? This cranberry chicken salad recipe is simply amazing with such minimal ingredients. Sweet and tangy due to apples, cranberries, and celery, this recipe is loaded with protein and smooth flavors thanks to tender chicken and mayonnaise.
Ingredients For Cranberry Chicken Salad
- One apple
- Celery
- Lemon juice
- Dried cranberries
- Three pounds of boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
Why should I make this chicken salad?
This chicken salad should be created because it is the best, ever! Not only does it contain the most simple ingredients, but it is just sooo fulfilling. Not only is it great for lunch for those days at the office, but it is great for any brunch or lunch event. Meal prep? Definitely. Did we mention it is super easy to make?
What can I serve this chicken salad with?
- This cranberry chicken salad can be served over a bed of greens or by itself.
- Crackers or croissants are perfect additions to this salad!
- In the mood for a sandwich? Just stuff this chicken salad between two slices of bread for a hearty pick-me-up!
How To Make Cranberry Chicken Salad
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 176 degrees Celsius. Place raw chicken breasts on oiled baking sheet. Once oven has preheated, add the baking sheet to bake chicken for 25-30 mins. Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the chicken cooks, finely chop apple and celery. Set aside. Once chicken has finished cooking, set aside to cool.
- Once chicken has cooled, cut chicken into small cubes or desired sizes. Transfer the chicken to a large bowl and mix in the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Fold in the apple, celery, and cranberries until well incorporated. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours.
How long can I store this chicken salad in the refrigerator?
If stored properly in the refrigerator, this chicken salad will last from three to five days. Remember, discard any raw chicken that has been left out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Check Out These Other Amazing Healthy Recipes!
What Do We Mean By “Healthy?”
Our recipes focus on real ingredients and homemade elements. We try to avoid processed flour and sugar, like white flour or white sugar. Our recipes often swap less healthy options (like a commercial, deep-friend tostada) for an easy homemade version.
Our recipes are not necessarily low fat or low calorie, and we aren’t afraid of fat or carbs! Some of our recipes will be “skinny,” low carb, keto, paleo, dairy free, grain free, gluten free, Whole30, or vegan, and they will be labeled when they qualify for any of these diets. All our recipes are easy and family friendly!
Have you made this recipe? We would love to hear your feedback! Please leave a rating and comment so we can chat.
Be sure to share your photos of your creations on Instagram too!
Cranberry Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless and skinless chicken breasts cooked
- 1 apple finely chopped
- 1.5 cup celery finely chopped
- 2 cups cranberries dried
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 3/4 cups mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 176 degrees Celsius. Place raw chicken breasts on oiled baking sheet.
- Once oven has preheated, add the baking sheet to bake chicken for 25-30 mins. Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. While the chicken cooks, finely chop apple and celery. Set aside.
- Once chicken has finished cooking, set aside to cool. Once chicken has cooled, cut chicken into small cubes or desired sizes. Transfer the chicken to a large bowl and mix in the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Adjust seasoning accordingly. Fold in the apple, celery, and cranberries until well incorporated. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least three hours.
Love all the different textures here so it’s not boring or plain. Thanks for the recipe!
Thank you. 🙂
A quick easy meal and delicious for sure!