Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is a timeless favorite that perfectly balances creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory flavors. Tender chicken is tossed with tart dried cranberries, crisp celery, and crunchy walnuts, then coated in a smooth, flavorful dressing. It’s the kind of easy recipe that feels both comforting and fresh, making it ideal for busy weekdays or casual entertaining.
One of the best things about this cranberry walnut chicken salad recipe is how quickly it comes together. Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken keeps prep time to a minimum, so you can have a satisfying meal ready in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a last-minute lunch idea, this recipe fits seamlessly into any schedule.
This easy chicken salad is incredibly versatile and works well in many different ways. Serve it piled high on croissants, tucked into wraps, spooned onto toasted bread, or layered over crisp greens for a lighter option. It’s also a great addition to lunch boxes, picnics, and potlucks because it holds up well and tastes even better after chilling.
Made with simple pantry ingredients and customizable to your taste, this creamy cranberry walnut chicken salad is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. With easy swaps for healthier, dairy-free, or low-carb versions, it’s a flexible dish that works for almost any lifestyle while still delivering big flavor in every bite.
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Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is a creamy, sweet-savory classic made with tender chicken, crunchy walnuts, and bursts of tart dried cranberries. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly versatile, and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or light lunches.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or more mayonnaise)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, dried cranberries, walnuts, and celery.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Rotisserie chicken works especially well for added flavor and convenience.
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Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their crunch and nuttiness.
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For the best texture, chop ingredients evenly so every bite is balanced.
Variations
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Healthier Version: Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
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Sweet & Savory Twist: Add diced apples or grapes for extra freshness.
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Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based mayonnaise and skip the yogurt.
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Low-Carb: Serve over lettuce cups instead of bread or wraps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (using pre-cooked chicken)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
