Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is an easy chicken salad recipe that is sweet, savory, and crunchy from the addition of dried cranberries and walnuts! This is a perfect use for rotisserie chicken for a quick lunch or dinner.

Jump to:

• Quick Look: Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Key Ingredients
• Substitutions and Variations
• How to Make Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
• Expert Tips
• Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs
• Other Chicken Salad Recipes to Consider
• Cranberry Chicken Salad

If you're looking for a quick, healthy lunch that actually feels satisfying, this cranberry chicken salad is going to be on repeat. It's packed with tender shredded chicken, sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy celery and walnuts, and just the right amount of creamy dressing...a.k.a the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

I love this recipe and have been making it for years because it comes together in minutes using simple ingredients I almost always have on hand. Whether you're meal prepping for the week, making an easy lunch at home, or need something light but filling, this chicken salad checks all the boxes.

Serve it on croissants, in a sandwich, over greens, or even with crackers for a quick snack. However you enjoy it, this easy cranberry chicken salad is one of those recipes you'll find yourself making again and again.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy - this chicken salad comes together in about 10 minutes if you use rotisserie or leftover chicken.
• Perfect for meal prep - make it ahead and enjoy easy lunches all week long.
• Healthy and satisfying - packed with protein and made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
• Sweet and savory flavor - the combination of cranberries, creamy dressing, and crunchy celery is so good.
• Versatile - serve it as a sandwich, wrap, salad, or snack with crackers.
• Great for busy days - no cooking required if you have pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken on hand!

Key Ingredients

• Chicken - you can use leftover chicken, boiled or baked chicken, or rotisserie chicken. I prefer using rotisserie chicken.
• Mayonnaise and plain yogurt - I use a combo of mayo and yogurt to keep it lower in fat but also super creamy.
• Dried Cranberries - dried cranberries add a sweetness to the chicken salad that pairs perfectly with the savory ingredients!
• Celery - I love the crunch that celery adds to chicken salad.
• Walnuts - chopped walnuts give this chicken salad a delicious crunch.

Substitutions and Variations

Make It Sweeter - Add a drizzle of honey or a handful of halved grapes for a sweeter twist.

Make it Spicy - you can add a squirt or two of hot sauce or Sriracha, or a pinch of cayenne.

Low-Carb Option - serve it in lettuce wraps or over a green salad instead of bread.

Dairy-Free - use your favorite dairy-free mayo to keep it completely dairy-free

Rotisserie Shortcut - use shredded rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even faster.

Different nuts. If you don't like walnuts or have other nuts in your pantry, use them instead. I would recommend slivered or sliced almonds, pecans, or pine nuts!

How to Make Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Chicken salad with cranberries and walnuts is so easy to make. Refer to the recipe card for the full instructions.

Cook the chicken. To start, you'll need cooked chicken. I used boneless skinless chicken breasts that I baked, but this is a great use for leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. Chop or shred up the chicken and add it to a medium bowl.

Toast the walnuts. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and add the walnuts to a baking sheet. Toast the walnuts for 8-10 minutes, watching carefully for the last 2 minutes so they don't burn. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Combine remaining ingredients.To the bowl, add mayonnaise, plain yogurt, dijon mustard, chopped green onions, chopped celery, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts. Stir well and then season with salt and pepper.

Expert Tips

Serving Suggestion - This sweet and savory chicken salad recipe can be served in so many different ways. you can serve it on croissants, on bread, in a wrap, on greens, or on its own. Check out my Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad for a fun pasta salad version.

Use leftover chicken - This is a great use for leftover chicken and rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and proceed!

Use a stand mixer to shred your chicken - this is my favorite shredded chicken hack! I simply add cooked chicken breasts to a large bowl with a stand mixer and, using the paddle attachment, shred the chicken. It only takes about 30 seconds for the chicken breasts to go from whole to shredded!

Use cold chicken - this helps the dressing stay creamy and prevents it from getting oily.

Chop everything evenly - smaller, uniform pieces give you the best texture in every bite.

Storage - store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Don't skip the salt - a pinch of salt really brings out the sweetness of the cranberries and balances the flavors.

Let it chill - if you have time, refrigerate for 30-60 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

Adjust the creaminess - start with less dressing, then add more as needed to reach your preferred consistency.

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs

Other Chicken Salad Recipes to Consider

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, or take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #greensnchocolate.