Easy Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a recipe that effortlessly blends savory and sweet, creamy and crunchy, this Easy Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is exactly what you need. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish that works perfectly for meal prep, lunch, or light dinners. The combination of tender chicken, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy dressing makes this salad a go-to favorite for all seasons.

Chicken salad is a classic American dish, and over time, it has evolved to include a wide range of textures and flavors. This version leans into those contrasts—savory chicken paired with the tartness of dried cranberries, the nutty crunch of toasted walnuts, and a silky, slightly tangy dressing that ties everything together. It’s perfect on its own, in lettuce cups, or piled onto a croissant or sandwich bread.

What makes this recipe even better is how incredibly simple it is to prepare. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even poached chicken breasts. With just a bit of chopping and mixing, you’ll have a meal-ready dish that stores well and tastes even better the next day.

The sweet-tart flavor of the cranberries brings a brightness to the salad that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the mayo-yogurt blend in the dressing. Add in some crunchy celery and red onion, and you’ve got a dynamic medley of tastes and textures that’s both wholesome and indulgent.

Not only is this recipe packed with protein and healthy fats, but it’s also endlessly customizable. Swap walnuts for pecans, add grapes for more sweetness, or use Greek yogurt for a tangier profile. You can even turn this into a wrap filling or use it as a high-protein topping for a leafy green salad.

It’s a popular dish for brunches, picnics, and even holiday potlucks. The bright color from the cranberries and the rustic feel of the walnuts make it just as visually appealing as it is tasty. You’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket for both everyday meals and special occasions.

It also makes for a great make-ahead lunch. Portion it out into containers with crackers or sliced cucumbers, and you’ve got a low-effort, no-heat lunch that’s both nutritious and delicious. It holds up beautifully in the fridge, with the flavors getting even better as they mingle.

Whether you’re trying to eat lighter, pack your meals with protein, or just looking for a delicious new lunch idea, this Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad checks all the boxes. It’s fast, flavorful, and family-approved.

No matter how you serve it, this chicken salad will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Servings: 4

Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using pre-cooked chicken)
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (toasted, optional)
• 1/4 cup finely diced celery
• 2 tbsp finely diced red onion
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or more mayo)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: lettuce leaves, croissants, crackers, or sandwich bread for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cranberries, walnuts, celery, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
6. Serve on croissants, in lettuce cups, or with crackers.

Tips:

• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Toast the walnuts for extra flavor.
• Add sliced grapes for a fruity twist.
• Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Great for meal prep—portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.

Summary: This Easy Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, it’s ideal for meal prep, picnics, and easy lunches.