After the holidays, when the festive spreads are cleared away and the fridge is packed with leftovers, creativity in the kitchen becomes a necessity. That’s where this Holiday Leftover Chicken Cranberry Salad steps in—a fresh way to turn roasted chicken into a light, flavorful meal that supports your low-carb goals. This Keto Chicken Salad blends tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, and tart cranberries for a refreshing balance of textures and flavors. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a protein-packed snack, this salad brings new life to your leftovers while keeping things simple, satisfying, and delightfully keto-friendly.
From Holiday Feast to Everyday Freshness
The morning after the holidays always brings that familiar question: what should we do with all this food? One year, staring at a fridge brimming with roasted chicken, gravy, and sides, I decided to experiment. I wanted something lighter—a break from the rich dishes of the previous days—but still flavorful and comforting. That’s how the Holiday Leftover Chicken Cranberry Salad was born.
I started by shredding the leftover chicken, then added crunchy celery for brightness and a handful of cranberries for a touch of festive sweetness. What began as a quick fix turned into a recipe my family now requests every year. It combines all the freshness of a classic Chicken Salad Recipe with Cranberries with the wholesome balance of a Keto Chicken Salad, creating a dish that bridges the gap between indulgence and renewal. It’s a reminder that leftovers don’t have to feel repetitive—they can transform into something new, energizing, and deliciously satisfying.
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Holiday Leftover Chicken Cranberry Salad – A Refreshing Keto Twist
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Turn your holiday roasted chicken into a light, flavorful salad with crisp celery and tart cranberries for a refreshing keto-friendly meal. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or meal prep, this recipe brings new life to leftovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. shred the roasted chicken into bite sized pieces and place in a large bowl
2. finely chop celery and measure cranberries and nuts
3. whisk together mayonnaise sour cream lemon juice salt and pepper in a small bowl
4. pour dressing over chicken and add celery cranberries and walnuts toss to combine
5. cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving
6. store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: no cook
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 70
Keywords: holiday leftover chicken cranberry salad, keto chicken salad, cranberry celery chicken salad, breakfast low carb, chicken salad with cranberries, low carb salad
Unlike the typical creamy chicken salad recipes that often rely on heavy mayo or added sugars, this version keeps things crisp, tangy, and keto-approved. The natural sweetness of cranberries beautifully complements the mild flavor of chicken, while fresh celery adds a satisfying crunch. Together, they create a Cranberry Celery Chicken Salad that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Why This Cranberry Chicken Salad Stands Out
What really sets this Keto Chicken Salad apart is its versatility. It’s become my go-to Breakfast Low Carb option when I need something quick but nutrient-dense after busy holiday mornings. A small bowl keeps me full without weighing me down. Over time, I realized it’s not just a great way to use leftovers—it’s a recipe that celebrates freshness, simplicity, and flavor harmony. Whether enjoyed in lettuce cups, on its own, or as part of a low-carb wrap, this salad stands as proof that post-holiday meals can still be vibrant and exciting.
The Perfect Ingredient List for Holiday Leftover Chicken Cranberry Salad
Every great recipe begins with fresh, balanced ingredients that bring out the best in both flavor and nutrition. This Holiday Leftover Chicken Cranberry Salad makes use of what you already have on hand while adding a few key items to create that crave-worthy contrast of creamy, crisp, and tangy. Below is a simple table to guide your prep:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Leftover roasted chicken (shredded) | 2 cups | The hearty protein base providing tender texture and flavor |
| Celery, finely chopped | ½ cup | Adds refreshing crunch and balances creaminess |
| Dried unsweetened or sugar-free cranberries | ¼ cup | Offers festive color and subtle sweetness |
| Keto-friendly mayonnaise (or avocado mayo) | ¼ cup | Creates a creamy, satisfying dressing |
| Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional) | 2 tbsp | Adds tang and smooth consistency |
| Chopped pecans or walnuts | 2 tbsp | Introduces nutty depth and healthy fats |
| Lemon juice | 1 tsp | Brightens flavors and keeps ingredients fresh |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Enhances and rounds out the salad’s balance |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | 1 tbsp | For a burst of herbaceous freshness |
Each component in this Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Celery contributes something special. The shredded chicken provides hearty protein for a filling Keto Chicken Salad, while celery and nuts bring life to every bite. The lemon juice cuts through the richness, helping the salad stay light, while cranberries contribute a touch of holiday nostalgia. Whether you’re aiming for color, crunch, or creaminess, this ingredient list ensures harmony across all textures and tastes.
Step-by-Step Preparation Made Simple
Creating this Holiday Leftover Chicken Cranberry Salad is straightforward, quick, and forgiving—perfect for busy post-holiday mornings or meal prep days.
- Prep the main ingredients: Shred leftover chicken into bite-sized pieces, discard skin and bones, and place the meat in a bowl.
- Chop and measure add-ins: Dice celery and nuts, measure cranberries, and briefly soak them if dry to soften and distribute flavor evenly.
- Mix the keto dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, optional sour cream or Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and toss: Pour dressing over chicken, add celery, cranberries, and nuts, then toss gently until coated. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving so flavors meld beautifully.
- Store with care: Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Stir before serving to freshen consistency.
Helpful tools: mixing bowls, measuring spoons, a sharp knife, and salad servers for tossing. In just a few steps, your Holiday Leftover Chicken Cranberry Salad will be ready—refreshing, satisfying, and perfectly keto-friendly.
Creative Ways to Serve the Cranberry Celery Chicken Salad
One of the best things about this Cranberry Celery Chicken Salad is its versatility. After the holidays, simple, fresh meals feel like a gift—and this salad easily adapts to any time of day. Whether you’re planning a Breakfast Low Carb choice or a quick lunch, there are endless ways to enjoy it.
For breakfast, scoop this Keto Chicken Salad over a bed of greens or crunchy lettuce cups for a light start. At lunch, serve it with low-carb wraps or keto bread for heartier fare. It’s excellent as a snack straight from the fridge—just a bite satisfies cravings and keeps energy steady.
Hosting friends? Present this Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Celery on cucumber rounds or endive leaves for an elegant appetizer that’s both festive and keto-conscious. Vibrant cranberry bits give the dish color and holiday flair, while the balanced flavors ensure everyone’s asking for seconds.
Health Perks of This Low Carb Chicken Salad
This Low Carb Chicken Salad packs keto-friendly nutrition. Lean chicken provides complete protein; mayo and nuts add healthy fats; celery and cranberries lend texture and micronutrients. Together they deliver balanced macros with fewer carbs, ideal for a Breakfast Low Carb meal or midday fuel.
| Nutritional Aspect | Traditional Chicken Salad | Keto Cranberry Chicken Salad | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 | ~280 | Fewer calories for similar satiety |
| Carbohydrates | 20–25g | 6–8g | Maintains ketosis easily |
| Protein | 20g | 25g | Higher protein for energy and muscle |
| Fat | 30g | 22g | Heart-healthy fats that satisfy |
| Sugar | 10g+ | <2g | Minimal sugar to support stable energy |
The Cranberry Chicken variation shows you can eat boldly flavored food without overdoing carbs or calories. It resets your diet after indulgence yet feels gourmet thanks to the creamy-tangy contrast. Each serving brings flavor harmony with lasting freshness and nourishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken for this Cranberry Celery Salad?
Absolutely. Leftover turkey works as seamlessly as chicken in this Cranberry Celery Chicken Salad, keeping the balance of cranberries, celery, and keto dressing intact.
2. How long does the salad stay fresh in the fridge?
Store your Keto Chicken Salad in an airtight container for up to three days. Stir gently before serving to restore creaminess and flavor.
3. What keto-friendly dressing can I use?
A blend of mayo, a spoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and lemon juice suits this Chicken Salad Recipe with Cranberries perfectly. Try avocado mayo or olive oil with Dijon for a lighter twist.
4. Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes—skip the sour cream or yogurt and use only keto-approved mayo. The Holiday Leftover Chicken Cranberry Salad remains creamy and full of flavor without dairy.
5. Is it good for meal prep?
Definitely. This Keto Chicken Salad is perfect for advance prep, fitting neatly into weekly Breakfast Low Carb or lunch containers for convenient, satisfying meals.
Wrapping Up with Flavor and Freshness
The Holiday Leftover Chicken Cranberry Salad proves that holiday leftovers can become something vibrant and new. With its shredded chicken, crisp celery, tart cranberries, and creamy dressing, it reinvents comfort food while staying health-conscious.
Enjoy this Cranberry Celery Chicken Salad as a Breakfast Low Carb dish or satisfying lunch, loving its mix of freshness and festivity. Swap ingredients, add your touches, and make it truly yours.
Next time your fridge brims with leftovers, turn them into this Keto Chicken Salad—a quick, wholesome, and flavorful reboot that welcomes the new season with delicious simplicity and nourishing energy.
