Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad

Before You Get Started

Here are a few tips for the best results:

• Shred or chop the chicken: Chopped chicken gives a chunkier salad, while shredded chicken creates a creamier texture.
• Toast the almonds: Toasting almonds for 2–3 minutes in a dry skillet makes them extra crunchy and flavorful.
• Let it rest: If you have time, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld.
• Balance the dressing: Add more honey if you like it sweeter, or extra vinegar for a tangy kick.
• Keep almonds crunchy: Add them just before serving if making ahead.

What's the best chicken for chicken salad?

There are so many options when it comes to choosing chicken for making homemade chicken salad. Here are the most popular options and things to consider when choosing.

• Rotisserie chicken: This is my go-to option since it is quick, affordable, and easy. Either I grab a precooked chicken at the store or make this rotisserie chicken in the slow cooker.
• Leftover cooked chicken: If you have any type of leftover chicken in the fridge, you can use it to make chicken salad. Generally speaking, use something that doesn't have a sauce or competing flavor. I love making this salad with leftover grilled chicken.
• Quick poached chicken: For something quick, add some chicken breasts to a pot and cover them with about 1 inch of water or broth. Bring to a simmer and turn the heat to low. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until cooked through. Remove and shred.
• Canned chicken: If you like canned chicken breast, it is a great option for this salad. Make sure to fully drain the chicken so the salad doesn't turn out watery.

How to Make Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad

Making this salad couldn't be easier:

1. Mix the Dressing

Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, sour cream, honey, vinegar, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper.

2. Add the Mix-Ins

Stir in cooked chicken, celery, cranberries, almonds, and green onions until well combined.

3. Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (if you can wait!) for the best flavor. Serve in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or with crackers.

Ways to Serve Chicken Salad

Most people think of a sandwich when it comes to chicken salad, but there are so many different options, from wraps tosalads and more.

• Sandwiches and wraps: Grab some toasted bread or a low-carb wrap. Pile in the chicken salad along with some crunchy lettuce, sliced cucumbers, and tomatoes.
• Salad: Make a big green salad and serve a couple of scoops of chicken salad on top. Many people find they don't even need to add dressing since the chicken salad adds so much flavor.
• Crackers or pretzels: Think of the chicken salad as a dip and serve it alongside your favorite crackers, pretzels, chips, or toast.
• Raw veggies: This is great with sliced mini bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, endive, celery, and more.
• Lettuce wraps: Grab some butter lettuce or Romaine lettuce and use it in place of bread.

Storing Leftover Chicken Salad

Keep chicken salad fresh in the fridge with these tips!

• Store: If you have leftover chicken salad, store it in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. This recipe does not freeze well.
• Leftover ideas: Use extra chicken salad in wraps, stuffed into pita pockets, as a topping for grain bowls, or even melted on bread for a quick chicken salad melt.