Chicken Cranberry Salad
A creamy chicken cranberry salad with crunchy almonds and a savory gelatin layer, perfect for picnics, parties, or light lunches, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease an 8 or 9-inch square pan with mayonnaise.
- Combine diced cooked chicken, diced celery, salt, pepper, whipping cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and toasted almonds in a large mixing bowl.
- Refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour.
- In a small bowl, combine gelatin with cold water and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Add hot water to the gelatin mixture and stir until dissolved.
- Pour the dissolved gelatin into the chicken mixture and stir well.
- Press the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Refrigerate until the gelatin is set.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley. If you're out of whipping cream, sour cream or Greek yogurt can serve as a suitable substitute. For crunch, you could use walnuts or pecans in place of toasted almonds. Be sure to let the gelatin mixture cool slightly before mixing it with the chicken to avoid curdling the cream.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Cranberry Salad pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a light lunch or dinner. For a more festive touch, serve it on a bed of mixed greens or alongside crackers. It also makes a delightful addition to a picnic spread, complementing other dishes like Hot Turkey Or Chicken Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad is best served cold. If you wish to reheat, you can gently warm it in a microwave, but note that the texture may change. For best results, enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cranberry Salad contains roughly 96 calories, with 3g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1025mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe and can save you time. Just make sure to dice it into small pieces to blend well with the other ingredients. The flavor from the rotisserie chicken can also add an extra layer of taste to the salad.
How can I make this salad healthier?
To make this Chicken Cranberry Salad healthier, consider using low-fat mayonnaise and substituting half of the whipping cream with Greek yogurt. You can also increase the amount of celery or add other veggies like diced bell peppers for added nutrition without compromising flavor.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for gatherings. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to allow enough time for the gelatin to set completely before serving. This will ensure the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).