This chicken salad is one of my very favorite lunches to pack for the office. And by “pack for the office” I mean pack for my long commute to the kitchen counter. Because like so many Americans in 2021, my home has become my office and my new desk chair is a kitchen stool. Now that the majority of my days are spent sitting within arm’s reach of the pantry door, it’s become super important for me to keep healthy and tasty lunches on hand so I don’t go to town on the snack bin. And this chicken salad, which is packed with hand torn rotisserie chicken, grapes, cranberries, and pistachios fits the bill. It’s sweet, savory, creamy, crunchy, filling, and absolutely delicious. And best of all, it keeps very well in the fridge, so you can make it on a Monday and eat it all week long.
Chicken Salad Ingredients
- Rotisserie chicken – I love using rotisserie chicken for this recipe for two reasons: it’s quick and it’s delicious. While you can find rotisserie chickens at most grocery stores, my favorite place to buy them is at Costco. They’re a great size and they’re only $4.99. I think I read somewhere that Costco actually loses money on every chicken they sell since they’re priced so well. And to that I say, thank you Costco!
- Cranberries – I think cranberries add just the right amount of tartness, sweetness, and color to this salad. But if you prefer, you can certainly swap them out for other dried fruits. Some options are apricots, cherries, and raisins.
- Pistachios – Pistachios are my favorite nut. There, I said it. But if they’re not your thing, pecans, walnuts, and almonds are all delicious substitutes. So use whatever you like best!
- Grapes – You can use whatever grapes you love in this salad, but I prefer to use red grapes, since they add lovely color. The one thing I insist upon is that you use nice, crunchy ones.
Serving Suggestions
- With a croissant – Who doesn’t love chicken salad served on a good croissant? If you live near a Trader Joe’s, I highly recommend their frozen mini-croissants. They’re flaky, buttery, and highly addictive, so consider yourself warned.
- In a sandwich – For a healthier option, this salad is also delicious served on good multigrain bread with a bit of mustard and a leaf of butter lettuce.
- On crackers – Going for more of a snack situation? Serve it in a bowl alongside your favorite crackers.
- In a bowl – Just want the chicken salad? I love that for you. Just grab a spoon and go to town.
I hope you enjoy this simple chicken salad as much as I do! If you give it a go, be sure to let me know how you liked it in the comments below.
XO,
Fiona
Simply Delicious Cranberry and Pistachio Chicken Salad
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken torn into bite sized pieces (about 20 ounces)
- 2/3 cup celery diced (about 3 stalks)
- 1/4 cup green onion green parts only, finely chopped
- 1 cup seedless red grapes halved
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup roasted and salted pistachios
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, green onion, grapes, cranberries and pistachios.
- In a separate bowl, stir together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds, and kosher salt.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Chill until ready to serve.
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