Creamy Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad with the Perfect Sweet Crunch

In a world of complicated recipes, there’s a special comfort in returning to a timeless classic that you know will be a hit every single time. That’s the story of this cranberry almond chicken salad. It’s the perfect recipe for turning leftover chicken into an elegant, satisfying meal that’s loaded with incredible textures and flavors.

This isn’t just a simple mixture; it’s a perfectly balanced dish. We’re combining tender, savory shredded chicken and crisp celery with the sweet chew of dried cranberries and the nutty, satisfying crunch of toasted almonds.

A simple, creamy dressing, brightened with a touch of fresh lemon juice and tangy Dijon mustard, ties all of these wonderful components together into a harmonious whole.

Whether you’re packing lunches for the week or preparing for a special brunch, this recipe is a reliable showstopper. Let’s create a chicken salad that’s truly a cut above the rest.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Here’s a quick look at how easily this elegant and flavorful salad comes together.

Ingredients

This classic chicken salad comes together with a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients.

• Shredded Cooked Chicken – Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. You can also use any leftover cooked and shredded chicken breast.
  • 3 servings: 2 cups
  • 6 servings: 4 cups
• Celery: 2 ribs, finely chopped for a fresh, savory crunch.
• Scallions (Green Onions): 3-4, thinly sliced, for a mild onion flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: ½ cup.
• Toasted Slivered Almonds: ½ cup.

For the Creamy Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: 1 cup. A high-quality mayonnaise provides the best creamy base.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp, freshly squeezed.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tbsp.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp, finely chopped.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

The Flavor Architects A Look at the Ingredients

• Dried Cranberries: These provide essential pops of tart sweetness and a pleasant chewy texture that beautifully contrasts with the savory chicken.
• Toasted Almonds: Adding slivered almonds brings a delicate, nutty crunch and an elegant texture to the salad.
• Dijon Mustard: This is the secret weapon in the dressing, adding a sharp, tangy, and complex flavor that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a crucial touch of bright, fresh acidity that lifts all the other flavors and keeps the salad from feeling heavy.
• Celery & Scallions: These are the foundational savory and crunchy elements, providing a fresh, aromatic base that is classic to any chicken salad.

Essential Tools

This is a simple mix-and-serve recipe that requires no special equipment.

• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula or large spoon
• Whisk
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Dry skillet for toasting nuts

Cooking Instructions

This elegant salad is a simple, no-cook assembly that comes together in just a few easy steps, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Step 1: Toast the Almonds

This quick step is a game-changer for flavor. Place the slivered almonds in a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Toast them for 2-4 minutes, tossing them frequently, until they become fragrant and turn a light golden-brown.

Because they are thin, they will toast very quickly, so be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning. Immediately transfer the toasted almonds from the hot pan to a plate to cool down completely.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Dressing

While the almonds are cooling, you can prepare the simple yet flavorful dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Add the finely chopped fresh parsley.

Whisk all the ingredients together until the dressing is completely smooth, creamy, and well-combined. Season the dressing with a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your taste.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

To the bowl containing your prepared dressing, add the shredded chicken, the finely chopped celery, and the thinly sliced scallions. Use a large spatula to gently fold all of the ingredients together.

Continue to mix with a gentle hand until every piece of chicken and vegetable is evenly and generously coated in the creamy dressing. This gentle folding motion helps keep the texture of the shredded chicken intact.

Step 4: Fold in the Stars and Chill

Once the base of the salad is mixed, add the dried cranberries and the cooled, toasted almonds to the bowl. Gently fold them into the chicken salad until they are just evenly distributed throughout.

For the absolute best flavor, cover the bowl and allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together and for the dried cranberries to soften just slightly, creating a more cohesive and delicious salad.

Recipe Variations

This classic recipe is a perfect template for your own delicious additions.

• Add Some Fruit: For an extra touch of sweetness and a juicy crunch, try adding ½ cup of halved red grapes or a finely chopped apple (like a Honeycrisp or Gala).
• Different Nuts: Toasted pecans or chopped walnuts would be a fantastic substitute for the almonds.
• Creamier Base: For an even richer and tangier dressing, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry almond chicken salad is wonderfully versatile and can be served in many elegant ways.

• Classic Croissant Sandwich: Serve a generous scoop on a large, flaky, buttery croissant with a leaf of butter lettuce for the ultimate sandwich.
• On a Bed of Greens: For a beautiful and light lunch, serve a scoop of the chicken salad over a bed of fresh mixed greens or baby spinach.
• With Crackers: Serve it as a simple and elegant appetizer in a bowl surrounded by a variety of your favorite crackers.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a fresh, low-carb option, spoon the salad into crisp butter lettuce or romaine hearts.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This salad is a fantastic make-ahead dish, perfect for meal prep.

• Storage: Store the cranberry almond chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: This salad is designed to be eaten cold. Do not reheat it.
• Flavor Note: The flavors will continue to meld and improve overnight. If the salad seems a bit dry after a day or two in the fridge, you can stir in an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise to freshen it up and restore its creaminess.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of onion?

Yes. If you prefer a sharper bite, you can use very finely minced red onion. Scallions are used in this recipe for their milder, fresher flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.

What is the best way to cook chicken for this salad?

The easiest method is to use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. If you want to cook your own, poaching is an excellent method.

Place a couple of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a saucepan, cover them with water or chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

Can I make this salad ahead of time for an event?

Absolutely. This is a perfect make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

For the best texture, you might want to wait and stir in the toasted almonds right before you plan to serve it to ensure they stay as crunchy as possible.

Enjoy This Timeless Classic!

You are now ready to make a cranberry almond chicken salad that is truly a cut above the rest. It’s the perfect combination of savory, sweet, crunchy, and creamy, and it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe collection.

I hope you love this elegant and incredibly delicious dish!