Cranberry Chicken Salad

There's something magical about transforming leftover chicken into something completely new and crave-worthy. This cranberry chicken salad has become my reliable kitchen hero - perfect for lazy Sunday meal prep or breathing new life into holiday leftovers. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates a symphony of flavors that gets better as it chills.

The first time I made this was after Thanksgiving, staring at a mountain of leftover turkey. Now it's become such a favorite that I'll grab a rotisserie chicken just to make it.

Essential Ingredients

• Cooked chicken or turkey: Whether it's leftover roast, rotisserie, or holiday turkey - all work beautifully here
• Dried cranberries: Look for plump, moist ones - they add little bursts of sweetness
• Fresh celery and red onion: These add essential crunch and zip. Don't skip them!
• Pecans: The buttery crunch makes all the difference. Toast them lightly for extra flavor
• Mayo and sour cream: This duo creates the perfect creamy base - richer than mayo alone
• Dijon mustard: Adds that subtle tang that ties everything together

I've learned that letting the red onions soak in cold water for a few minutes before adding them takes away the harsh bite while keeping their crisp texture.

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Let's Make It Together

Step 1:

Start by prepping your chicken - shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. I prefer a mix of both for interesting texture. If you're using rotisserie chicken, grab both white and dark meat for the best flavor

Step 2:

Chop your celery into small, even pieces. You want them small enough to get several ingredients in each bite, but not so tiny that they lose their crunch

Step 3:

For the red onion, dice it finely - nobody wants a huge chunk of raw onion! A sharp knife makes quick work of this

Step 4:

Toast those pecans lightly in a dry pan until fragrant, then let them cool completely before chopping

Step 5:

Mix your dressing separately - this ensures even distribution of all those creamy, tangy flavors

Last summer, I discovered that chilling the mixing bowl beforehand helps keep everything crisp and fresh - a little trick I learned from my neighbor who caters.

Make It Your Own

Some days I toss in diced apple for extra crunch, or swap in walnuts when I'm out of pecans. Once, running low on cranberries, I mixed in some halved grapes - my kids now request it that way. The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is. Make it once by the book, then have fun playing with add-ins.

Serving Ideas

While it's perfect on its own, this salad shines in so many ways. Pile it high on toasted croissants, wrap it in butter lettuce leaves, or serve it alongside crisp apple slices. For parties, I hollow out mini peppers and fill them with the salad - they disappear in minutes.

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Storage Success

Keep it fresh in an airtight container for up to three days. Pro tip: save a little dressing to refresh it on day two or three. If you're making it ahead for an event, hold back the nuts and add them just before serving to maintain maximum crunch.

This recipe saved me countless times when unexpected guests dropped by or when I needed a reliable potluck dish. It's become such a staple that my family now roasts extra chicken just to ensure leftovers for this salad. Whether you're repurposing holiday leftovers or starting fresh with rotisserie chicken, this cranberry chicken salad proves that sometimes the simplest combinations make the most memorable meals.

Remember, cooking is about making food that brings people together. This salad has sparked countless conversations around my kitchen table, and I hope it does the same for you. Just don't be surprised when people start requesting the recipe - it happens every time!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best chicken to use?

Rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or turkey all work well. Just ensure it's chopped or shredded.

→ Can I make this healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light mayonnaise to reduce calories.

→ Why chill before serving?

Chilling allows flavors to blend together and improves the overall taste.

→ How long does this keep?

2-3 days in airtight container in fridge. Add nuts just before serving to maintain crunch.

→ What can I serve this with?

Great on lettuce, in sandwiches, or with crackers. Also works in wraps or pita bread.