If you're on the hunt for a quick and delicious meal that transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary, look no further than this Fridge Staples Cranberry Chicken Salad! In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant dish that perfectly balances savory chicken with the sweet-tart burst of cranberries, making it an ideal choice for lunch or a light dinner. Whether you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken or prepping for a picnic, this recipe is not only simple but also packed with flavor. Dive into this delightful combination and discover how easy it is to elevate your everyday cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mixed greens for serving
Instructions
- Begin by ensuring your cooked chicken is thoroughly cooled and shredded into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands. If using leftover roasted or grilled chicken, this works perfectly.
- Finely dice the celery into small, uniform pieces, ensuring a consistent crunch throughout the salad. Aim for approximately 1/4-inch cubes for optimal texture.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, and dried cranberries. The cranberries will add a sweet and tart contrast to the savory chicken.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth and well-combined. This creates a creamy and tangy dressing base for the salad.
- Pour the mayonnaise-mustard mixture over the chicken, celery, and cranberries. Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring even coating and distribution of flavors.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the seasoning.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together, though this is optional.
- When ready to serve, arrange mixed greens on a plate and top with the chicken salad. Serve chilled as a light lunch or dinner option.
Tips
- Use Leftovers: This recipe is perfect for utilizing leftover chicken from previous meals. Just make sure it's cooled and shredded for the best texture.
- Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to add other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added flavor and texture.
- Make It Ahead: For an even more flavorful salad, prepare it a few hours in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Try Different Greens: While mixed greens are great, you can also serve the salad on a bed of spinach or arugula for a peppery twist.
- Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch and extra nutrition, consider tossing in some chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a lighter salad, reduce the amount of mayonnaise or substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the salad in wraps or on toasted bread for a satisfying sandwich variation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
