Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional for extra crunch and flavor)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for added texture)
Optional Add-ins: sliced grapes, chopped apples, Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing, or fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by shredding or dicing your cooked chicken. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and bones, and chop the meat into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Chop the Veggies and Nuts
Finely chop the celery, red onion, and any optional add-ins like pecans or herbs. This will add both texture and flavor to the salad.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cranberries, celery, onion, and nuts. Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir until well-coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve on lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers.
Notes
Nutrition may vary based on specific ingredients and portion size.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming chicken is pre-cooked)
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Salad with Cranberries