Cranberry Chicken Salad
This cranberry chicken salad is sweet, savory, and totally deli-style - made with rotisserie chicken, dried cranberries, crunchy celery, and a creamy, tangy dressing.
Ingredients
For Chicken Salad Base
- meat of 1 rotisserie chicken
- ½ cup celery (diced)
- ½ cup pecans (chopped)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely diced)
- ½ cup dried sweetened cranberries
For Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Shred or chop rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces, removing skin and excess fat. Add to a large bowl. Finely chop celery, pecans, and red onion. Add to bowl with dried cranberries and toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Add seasonings and mix until fully combined. If needed, thin slightly with a splash of milk.
- Pour dressing over chicken mixture. Stir until evenly coated, scraping sides and bottom of bowl.
- Cover and chill for several hours or overnight. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Make-ahead tip: Best after chilling at least a few hours (overnight is even better) so flavors can blend.
- Chicken options: Rotisserie chicken gives the best flavor and texture, but any cooked, shredded chicken or leftover turkey works.
- Chop size matters: Finely dice celery and onion for balanced bites without overpowering crunch.
- If it feels dry: After chilling, stir in a small spoonful of mayo or sour cream to refresh creaminess.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container and enjoy within 4-5 days. Freezing not recommended.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 319kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 27gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 655mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 71IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 0.3mg
