Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad is sure to become a new favorite. Crunchy almonds and sweet cranberries take traditional chicken salad over the top. It’s a delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion.
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Those who know me well know I am a chicken salad connoisseur. Chicken salad is something I make a couple of times a month for lunch. I rotate this recipe with my apple chicken salad. My son has mentioned more than once that this recipe reminds him of Chicken Salad Chick Cranberry Kelli.
Why you’ll love Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad
- Quick and easy to make.
- A great way to use up leftover chicken.
- It can be made up to 2 days ahead, making it ideal for lunch meal prep.
- It’s versatile. Serve it on bread, croissants, crackers, and more.
Ingredients for chicken salad with cranberries and almonds
All of the ingredients are readily available, and you may even have most of them on hand.
- Chicken Breasts
- Mayonnaise
- Almond Slivers – toasted if desired
- Sweet Dried Cranberries
- Chopped Onion
- Chopped Celery, optional
- Salt, Black Pepper, and Garlic Powder
Is it better to boil or roast chicken for chicken salad?
Either method is acceptable, and I have cooked it both ways. Roasting it will give the chicken salad more flavor.
Tips and Suggestions
- Toast the almonds for added flavor.
- Substitute toasted pecans or walnuts for the almonds. Stir them in just before serving.
- Lighten up the recipe by substituting Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise.
- Chill the cranberry chicken salad before serving.
- Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
How do you serve Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad?
I happened to have flour tortillas on hand the day I made this cranberry almond chicken salad, so I made wraps. I love to serve this on a flaky croissant, mini Hawaiian rolls for sliders, on a brioche bun, which is my personal favorite, or your favorite sandwich bread. Serving this chicken salad on a lettuce leaf is another great option.
I’ve also been known to enjoy it on traditional club crackers. You could also make this into a festive and seasonal appetizer by topping crostini with a dollop.
More chicken salad recipes
I love chicken salad and in addition ot my cranberry almond chicken salad, I made these fun chicken salad carrots for an Easter brunch, and they were a hit. For a flavorful twist, try creamy avocado chicken salad.
How do you store cranberry chicken salad?
Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I make chicken cranberry almond salad in advance?
Yes, making it in advance allows the flavors to meld. You can make it up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Can I use walnuts or pecans in chicken salad?
Absolutely! Substitute either pecans or walnuts for the almonds in this cranberry chicken salad recipe.
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Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad Wraps
Ingredients
- 2 bone-in chicken breasts cooked and shredded
- 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup almond slices lightly toasted
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries chop if desired
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine all ingredients well. Chill until ready to serve.2 bone-in chicken breasts, 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup almond slices, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup chopped onion, Salt and pepper
- To serve: Serve on your favorite bread, flour tortillas, crackers, on a bed of lettuce, or as lettuce wraps.
Yum! This is definitely my kind of lunch. I’m a huge fan of wraps!
What delicious looking wraps! This would make for a great easy lunch for me on busy days!
My family always thinks I’m crazy for adding cranberries and walnuts or almonds to chicken salad – but it’s soooooo good! A great go-to lunch option.
Chicken salad has always been a favorite for me — and this one sounds great with the almonds and cranberries! So easy too!
This is a great idea for make ahead work lunches! Delicious!
I do enjoy a good chicken salad, but never think to make it. Now I’m craving some! The cranberries make it look extra festive!
Lunch is probably my least favorite meal of the day. I get bored with typical lunch options quickly. Adding this to the rotation to mix it up.
Love the flavor combo! My mouth is watering here just thinking about those wraps 🙂
I am a big fan of chicken salad and these sound perfect for lunch – I know what I will be making this week!
I really like the tart flavour of cranberries. I am sure making this one soon.
This looks so good! This would be the perfect mid-week meal. Yummy!
Yuuuummmmmm. And now I want chicken salad with cranberries. Do you use red onion in your salad? Or do you have another favorite?
I wish I had this for lunch tomorrow!! Looks so creamy delicious.
I can imagine this makes a tasty lunch.