The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Salad with Dried Cranberries and Grapes Recipe

Are you tirelessly searching for that one chicken salad recipe that truly stands out, the kind you’ll crave and cherish for years to come? Look no further! You are just moments away from discovering an exceptional recipe that transforms ordinary chicken salad into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Perhaps you can relate to a recent experience I had, one that perfectly illustrates why I adore this particular Chicken Salad with Dried Cranberries and Grapes. It’s a story about a quest for culinary perfection and the triumph of homemade goodness over store-bought mediocrity. Here’s how it unfolded:

My Search for the Perfect Chicken Salad

Just the other day, I decided to treat myself to a chicken salad croissant sandwich for lunch, picking it up from a charming local gourmet grocery store. You know the type – a place renowned for its exquisitely prepared foods, artfully displayed in gleaming glass cases. The kind of dishes that look so picture-perfect, they could easily grace the pages of a high-end food magazine or a popular culinary blog.

Well, the sandwich wasn’t terrible, certainly. It managed to quiet my rumbling stomach. However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was missing a certain je ne sais quoi, those critical taste elements that elevate a chicken salad from merely “okay” to truly “GREAT” and absolutely “WOW”! That experience fueled my passion to share this outstanding recipe with you, ensuring you never have to settle for less. Read on to master the art of making a truly “WOW” chicken salad!

Elegant Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Salad

I find immense joy in presenting this flavorful chicken salad in a visually appealing way. My favorite method involves elegantly stuffing it into a fresh, vibrant red, and generously sized tomato, which is then nestled gently on a bed of crisp, curly green lettuce. To add a final touch of color and a hint of warmth, don’t forget to lightly sprinkle a dash of paprika over the top!

This presentation not only makes for a stunning visual but also provides a delightful balance of flavors and textures, with the juicy tomato and fresh lettuce complementing the creamy chicken salad perfectly. It’s a simple trick that elevates a casual lunch into a refined dining experience, ideal for both everyday enjoyment and special occasions.

You might be wondering why I’m featuring a chicken salad recipe at this particular time of year. The simple truth is, my love for chicken salad knows no seasonal boundaries! This traditionally cherished dish is wonderful to enjoy regardless of the calendar month.

However, in a nod to the cozy ambiance of autumn or the festive spirit of the holiday season, I often enhance this recipe with a thoughtful twist. Instead of using traditional yellow onions or scallions, I opt for the crisp, slightly sweeter bite of red onion and the beautiful, tart burst of dried cranberries. These ingredients not only add seasonal flair but also contribute a gorgeous color and a nuanced flavor profile that makes this chicken salad truly special all year long.

Expert Tips For Making a Truly Great Chicken Salad:

• Use freshly cooked or leftover cooked chicken. The foundation of any superb chicken salad is the chicken itself. For the most succulent and flavorful results, I highly recommend using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, which saves time and is packed with flavor, or roasting a chicken yourself at home. Freshly roasted chicken is inherently juicier and more aromatic than boiled chicken, bringing a depth of taste that elevates the entire dish.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the choicest pieces to use for their lean texture and ease of preparation. When calculating quantities, a good rule of thumb is to use one medium-sized chicken breast for every two people you plan to serve. This ensures a generous portion of tender chicken in every bite of your salad.
• Once cooked, allow the chicken to cool completely. This is a crucial step to prevent the dressing from separating and to achieve the best texture. After cooling, you can either cut the chicken into uniform ½-inch chunks for a neat presentation or, if you prefer a more rustic and shredded texture, simply tear the meat by hand. Place your prepared chicken into a large mixing bowl, ready for the other delicious additions.
• Add the crunchiest veggies! A great chicken salad thrives on contrasting textures. While celery is an absolute classic and provides that essential crispness, don’t stop there! Incorporate other crunchy vegetables like finely diced carrots for a touch of sweetness and color, or refreshing cucumbers. For an extra layer of texture and a unique bite, consider adding some thinly sliced bell peppers or even jicama.
• Add finely chopped onions. Onions are vital for adding a sharp, zesty counterpoint to the richness of the chicken and the creaminess of the dressing. Red onions are particularly well-suited for chicken salads served in autumn and winter due to their slightly milder flavor and beautiful purple hue. Remember to chop them very finely to ensure an even distribution of flavor without overwhelming the palate. A little onion goes a long way in providing that distinctive tartness and zing.
• Add some sweet fruit! The inclusion of fruit introduces a delightful sweetness and juicy bursts that perfectly complement the savory chicken. My absolute favorite ingredients for a truly great chicken salad are crisp grapes (halved for easier eating and to release their juicy flavor), tart dried cranberries, diced crisp apples (Granny Smith works wonderfully for its tartness), and even plump raisins. These fruits add moisture, natural sweetness, and a fantastic textural dimension.
• Extra crunch makes a more exciting salad! Don’t underestimate the power of additional textures. To truly make your salad pop, incorporate chopped nuts such as buttery slivered almonds, rich pecans, earthy walnuts, or even creamy cashews. For an irresistible savory crunch, crumble in some crispy bacon bits. And for an unexpected, refreshing snap, how about some thinly sliced water chestnuts? Each addition brings a new layer of sensory delight!
• Go for the green by incorporating a generous amount of freshly cut herbs. Whether mixed directly into the salad for an infusion of fresh flavor or used as a vibrant garnish, herbs like fresh dill, Italian parsley, or chives can dramatically brighten the taste profile and add a beautiful visual appeal. Their aromatic qualities are indispensable for a truly gourmet chicken salad.
• A creamy dressing is a must. The dressing is the binding agent that brings all the diverse ingredients together into a harmonious whole. You can use classic mayonnaise for its rich and tangy base, or opt for a lighter touch with Greek yogurt. Sour cream or whipped cream can also contribute to a wonderfully smooth and airy texture. A combination of these, such as mayo and a touch of whipped cream, creates a beautifully balanced and indulgent dressing that holds the chicken salad together perfectly.
• Use freshly-made mayonnaise if you have the time and inclination. The difference that homemade mayonnaise makes in terms of flavor and freshness is truly remarkable. As with any ingredient, the fresher the better is always the golden rule for achieving the most outstanding culinary results. This small effort can elevate your chicken salad to a whole new level of gourmet deliciousness.
• Season nicely with herbs and spices. Proper seasoning is key to unlocking the full potential of your chicken salad. Beyond the essential salt and pepper, consider adding a tiny pinch of curry powder to your creamy dressing for a warm, subtle kick – just a touch, as it’s quite potent! Fresh dill and bright Italian parsley are my secret weapons for taking chicken salad over the top in flavor. And don’t forget minced GARLIC for its aromatic depth! Finally, a sprinkle of colorful paprika makes for an attractive last-minute garnish, adding both visual appeal and a gentle flavor note.
• Chill for several hours or overnight to allow all of the magnificent flavors to fully meld and marry. This resting period is critical; it gives the ingredients time to infuse into the dressing, resulting in a more cohesive, deeply flavored, and truly satisfying chicken salad. Serving it well-chilled also enhances the refreshing quality of the dish.
• Serve on beds of vivid green lettuce in assorted varieties for a fresh and crunchy base, or for an elegant presentation, serve it in a carved-out tomato. For the ultimate classic sandwich experience, spoon it generously into fresh, flaky croissants. Feel free to get creative with your presentation – it’s all about making the dish your own and enjoying the process!

A Glimpse into the Past: Original Photos from 2011

It’s always fun to look back! Here are a few photos from the original 2011 post for this recipe. You’ll notice they’re a bit blurry, taken with a simple point-and-shoot camera back then. It’s a sweet reminder of how far photography has come, but the deliciousness of the chicken salad remains timeless!

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The BEST Chicken Salad with Dried Cranberries and Grapes

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5 from 1 review

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  Author: Roz | La Bella Vita Cucina
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  Prep Time: 0 hours
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  Additional Time: 0 hours
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  Cook Time: 0 hours
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  Total Time: 0 hours
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  Yield: 6 cups 1x
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  Category: Salads
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  Cuisine: American

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Ingredients

Units


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• 2–1/2 cups diced cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• dried cranberries

dried cranberries

• 1 cup thinly sliced celery
• 1 cup halved green grapes (red would be even prettier for the season)
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip salad dressing
• 1/2 cup heavy whipped cream (whipped until soft peaks form)
• 1 tablespoon freshly diced Italian parsley
• (use any or all of the following seasonings to your taste preference)
• 1 tsp. chopped fresh tarragon or dill
• 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp. onion powder
• 1/8 tsp. poultry seasoning
• 1/8 tsp. curry powder (if desired, optional)
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pepper
• paprika
• Italian parsley
• large tomatoes
• lettuce varieties of choice

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Instructions

1. Combine the first dry ingredients in one large bowl.
2. In another medium-sized bowl, blend the mayonnaise, whipped cream, and spices.
3. Add the mayonnaise mixture to the chicken and other ingredients.
4. Mix well.
5. Adjust seasonings as desired.
6. Cut out large tomatoes.
7. Lay tomatoes on a bed of lettuce, or inside a half head of iceberg lettuce.
8. Place the chicken salad inside the tomatoes and around the lettuce.
9. Sprinkle with paprika.
10. Garnish with sprigs of Italian parsley.

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A Few More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love!

Perfect Autumn Chopped Salad

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Chopped House Salad (Copycat)

Spring Pea and Asparagus Salad

Superb Egg Salad

This post was originally published in October 2011 and thoughtfully updated in December 2019 to provide you with the most comprehensive and delightful chicken salad experience.

We hope you truly enjoy crafting and savoring this incredible Chicken Salad with Dried Cranberries and Grapes!

If you give this recipe a try and capture a fantastic photo, just like Larry did above, I would be absolutely thrilled to share it right here on the blog with all our wonderful readers! Don’t hesitate to send it in!

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