Step 1: Prepare the Chicken: Ensure the cooked chicken is cooled completely and diced into uniform pieces. This ensures consistent texture and flavor distribution throughout the salad.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the diced chicken, dried cranberries, chopped celery, and diced red onion. Mixing thoroughly ensures even distribution of the ingredients.
Step 3: Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. This creates a creamy and tangy dressing that complements the other ingredients.
Step 4: Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken and cranberry mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together until well coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken salad mushy.
Step 5: Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to individual preferences. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the overall flavor profile of the salad.
Step 6: Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
Optional Tips: For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. Chopped apple can be added for additional sweetness and crunch. Toasted almonds or sunflower seeds can be used in place of walnuts or pecans.