Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad Simple and Tasty Recipe

October 19, 2025June 23, 2025 by Lauren

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? This Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad is just the answer! Packed with juicy chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy almonds, this salad is a feast for your taste buds. Plus, it comes together in no time with simple ingredients like Greek yogurt and honey for a creamy dressing. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that elevates your lunch or dinner game!

Why I Love This Recipe

Deliciously Balanced: This chicken salad perfectly combines sweet and savory flavors, making it a delightful dish for any meal.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and healthy fats from almonds, this salad is both satisfying and wholesome.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this salad in no time, perfect for busy days!
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it on crisp lettuce for a light meal or in a sandwich for a filling lunch, catering to all preferences.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced

– 1/2 cup dried cranberries

– 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Dressing Ingredients

– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Optional Ingredients

– 1/4 cup celery, diced

– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

– Soft lettuce leaves or whole grain bread for serving

When making Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad, I start with the main ingredients. You need cooked chicken breast, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. Diced chicken gives a great base. The cranberries add a sweet touch, while the almonds add crunch.

For the dressing, I use Greek yogurt, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Greek yogurt keeps it creamy and healthy. Honey adds sweetness, and Dijon mustard gives a tangy kick. Apple cider vinegar brightens the flavors.

You can also add optional ingredients. Diced celery gives a nice crunch. Finely chopped red onion adds flavor. Serve the salad on soft lettuce leaves for a light meal or use whole grain bread for a sandwich. These choices make it fun and tasty!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

To make the chicken salad, start with the chicken breast. You need 2 cups of cooked chicken breast, diced. Cut the chicken into small, even pieces. This helps it mix well with the other ingredients. You can roast, boil, or grill the chicken. If you want juicy and tender chicken, grilling is best. Make sure to season it with salt and pepper as it cooks.

Mixing the Salad

Now, let’s combine the main ingredients. In a large bowl, add the diced chicken, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/3 cup of sliced almonds, 1/4 cup of diced celery, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. Stir these together gently.

Next, create the dressing. In a different bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Whisk until it’s smooth. This will give the salad a creamy and sweet taste.

Final Steps

Pour the yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir everything well so that all ingredients are coated nicely. Now, season with salt and pepper to taste. You can add more or less depending on what you like.

Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors mix. When you’re ready to serve, you can put the salad on soft lettuce leaves or use whole grain bread for a sandwich. Enjoy your tasty Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad!

Tips & Tricks

How to Enhance Flavor

To boost flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder. These spices bring out the best in your salad. Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes is key. This time allows the flavors to mix well.

Substitutions

If you need alternatives, use baked tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken. For a vegan option, swap Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt. You can also try maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan sweetener.

Serving Suggestions

For a pretty presentation, serve your salad on colorful lettuce leaves. You can also make a tasty sandwich with whole grain bread. Pair it with fresh fruit or crunchy veggies for a balanced meal.

Pro Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding.
Toast Almonds for Extra Flavor: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your salad.
Chill for Best Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped apples or grapes for added sweetness and texture.

Variations

Adding Fruits and Veggies

You can make your cranberry almond chicken salad unique by adding different fruits and veggies.

– Other fruits to consider: Try adding diced apples or juicy grapes. Both add a sweet crunch. Pineapple also adds a tropical twist.

– Incorporating different vegetables: You can add shredded carrots for color or diced bell peppers for crunch. Even chopped cucumber can make it refreshing.

Protein Options

If you want to change the protein, there are many options.

– Swapping chicken for other proteins: You can use turkey if you prefer. Cooked shrimp or tuna work well too. Each choice adds a different flavor.

– Vegetarian or vegan protein alternatives: Use chickpeas or lentils for a plant-based option. Tofu can also replace chicken and soak up the tasty dressing.

Salad Styles

This salad is versatile and can be served in different ways.

– Turning it into a wrap: Use a tortilla to make a wrap. Spread the salad inside and roll it up. It’s a great lunch option!

– Serving it in a bowl or platter: You can serve it in a bowl on a bed of greens. A larger platter can work for parties, allowing guests to serve themselves.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad fresh, place it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to avoid any odors. Make sure the container is clean and dry before you add the salad. This method helps maintain the salad’s crispness and flavor.

Shelf Life

You can store the chicken salad in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the quality may drop. Look for any signs of spoilage. If you see any off smells or a change in color, it’s best to throw it away.

Freezing Guidelines

Yes, you can freeze chicken salad, but it may change in texture. To freeze, place the salad in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top because the salad will expand. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Avoid refreezing once it has thawed.

FAQs

How long does Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad last in the fridge?

Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad can last up to three days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. After three days, the flavors may fade, and the texture may change. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. I recommend preparing it the night before serving. Just make sure to store it in the fridge. This way, the flavors blend nicely, and you save time on the day you plan to eat it.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt or sour cream. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based yogurt. Each substitute will give a different taste and texture, so pick one that suits your needs. Just keep in mind that the creaminess might change.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free bread. You can also serve it on lettuce leaves instead. Be sure to check labels on any packaged ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the salad without worry.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes four servings. It is perfect for a light lunch or a nice dinner side. You can easily double the recipe if you need more servings. Just adjust the ingredients accordingly, and you’ll have enough for everyone.

This blog post explored a tasty Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, cranberries, and almonds. We discussed making the dressing with Greek yogurt, honey, and more. Tips for flavor, substitutions, and serving ideas help you customize your dish.

In closing, this salad is both simple and versatile. You can make it your own and delight in the mix of flavors and textures. Enjoy creating, sharing, and savoring this refreshing mea

$- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1/4 cup celery, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - Soft lettuce leaves or whole grain bread for serving When making Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad, I start with the main ingredients. You need cooked chicken breast, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. Diced chicken gives a great base. The cranberries add a sweet touch, while the almonds add crunch. For the dressing, I use Greek yogurt, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Greek yogurt keeps it creamy and healthy. Honey adds sweetness, and Dijon mustard gives a tangy kick. Apple cider vinegar brightens the flavors. You can also add optional ingredients. Diced celery gives a nice crunch. Finely chopped red onion adds flavor. Serve the salad on soft lettuce leaves for a light meal or use whole grain bread for a sandwich. These choices make it fun and tasty! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the chicken salad, start with the chicken breast. You need 2 cups of cooked chicken breast, diced. Cut the chicken into small, even pieces. This helps it mix well with the other ingredients. You can roast, boil, or grill the chicken. If you want juicy and tender chicken, grilling is best. Make sure to season it with salt and pepper as it cooks. Now, let’s combine the main ingredients. In a large bowl, add the diced chicken, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/3 cup of sliced almonds, 1/4 cup of diced celery, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. Stir these together gently. Next, create the dressing. In a different bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Whisk until it’s smooth. This will give the salad a creamy and sweet taste. Pour the yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir everything well so that all ingredients are coated nicely. Now, season with salt and pepper to taste. You can add more or less depending on what you like. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors mix. When you’re ready to serve, you can put the salad on soft lettuce leaves or use whole grain bread for a sandwich. Enjoy your tasty Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad! To boost flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder. These spices bring out the best in your salad. Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes is key. This time allows the flavors to mix well. If you need alternatives, use baked tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken. For a vegan option, swap Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt. You can also try maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan sweetener. For a pretty presentation, serve your salad on colorful lettuce leaves. You can also make a tasty sandwich with whole grain bread. Pair it with fresh fruit or crunchy veggies for a balanced meal. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding. Toast Almonds for Extra Flavor: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your salad. Chill for Best Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped apples or grapes for added sweetness and texture. {{image_2}} You can make your cranberry almond chicken salad unique by adding different fruits and veggies. - Other fruits to consider: Try adding diced apples or juicy grapes. Both add a sweet crunch. Pineapple also adds a tropical twist. - Incorporating different vegetables: You can add shredded carrots for color or diced bell peppers for crunch. Even chopped cucumber can make it refreshing. If you want to change the protein, there are many options. - Swapping chicken for other proteins: You can use turkey if you prefer. Cooked shrimp or tuna work well too. Each choice adds a different flavor. - Vegetarian or vegan protein alternatives: Use chickpeas or lentils for a plant-based option. Tofu can also replace chicken and soak up the tasty dressing. This salad is versatile and can be served in different ways. - Turning it into a wrap: Use a tortilla to make a wrap. Spread the salad inside and roll it up. It’s a great lunch option! - Serving it in a bowl or platter: You can serve it in a bowl on a bed of greens. A larger platter can work for parties, allowing guests to serve themselves. To keep your Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad fresh, place it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to avoid any odors. Make sure the container is clean and dry before you add the salad. This method helps maintain the salad's crispness and flavor. You can store the chicken salad in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the quality may drop. Look for any signs of spoilage. If you see any off smells or a change in color, it’s best to throw it away. Yes, you can freeze chicken salad, but it may change in texture. To freeze, place the salad in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top because the salad will expand. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Avoid refreezing once it has thawed. Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad can last up to three days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. After three days, the flavors may fade, and the texture may change. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. I recommend preparing it the night before serving. Just make sure to store it in the fridge. This way, the flavors blend nicely, and you save time on the day you plan to eat it. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use regular yogurt or sour cream. For a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based yogurt. Each substitute will give a different taste and texture, so pick one that suits your needs. Just keep in mind that the creaminess might change. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free bread. You can also serve it on lettuce leaves instead. Be sure to check labels on any packaged ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the salad without worry. This recipe makes four servings. It is perfect for a light lunch or a nice dinner side. You can easily double the recipe if you need more servings. Just adjust the ingredients accordingly, and you’ll have enough for everyone. This blog post explored a tasty Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, cranberries, and almonds. We discussed making the dressing with Greek yogurt, honey, and more. Tips for flavor, substitutions, and serving ideas help you customize your dish. In closing, this salad is both simple and versatile. You can make it your own and delight in the mix of flavors and textures. Enjoy creating, sharing, and savoring this refreshing meal!$