This cranberry chicken salad with walnuts is an easy, delicious meal that you can prepare in no time. It’s made with simple ingredients like chicken breasts, sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and mayo, making it the perfect option for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Whether you serve it in lettuce cups, as a sandwich, or on its own, this cranberry walnut chicken salad recipe is a versatile meal that the whole family will love.

Cranberry walnut chicken salad in a mixing bowl with chunks of tender chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy mayo, ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

This cranberry chicken salad with walnuts is a great way to enjoy a healthy, delicious, and quick meal. Here’s why it’s a favorite in many households:

Simple Ingredients: With just a few main ingredients—chicken breasts, sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and mayo—this meal is simple to make, yet packed with flavor.
Quick to Prepare: Whether you use leftover chicken breasts or cook fresh chicken, this salad comes together quickly. It’s a great option for a busy day when you need a meal in no time.
Nutritious and Filling: Packed with tender chicken, crunchy walnuts, and tangy cranberries, this salad is a good source of protein and provides healthy fats, making it a filling meal that keeps you satisfied throughout the day.
Versatile Recipe: This salad can be served in so many different ways. Whether you enjoy it in lettuce cups, on slices of bread, lettuce wraps or just on its own, this cranberry walnut chicken salad recipe is an excellent option for an easy lunch, dinner, or great meal prep recipe.

Ingredients for Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

This chicken salad recipe is made with just a few main ingredients that come together to create the best flavor:

Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are the main ingredient, providing a great source of protein and creating a tender chicken salad that holds up well in the mixing bowl. You can use rotisserie chicken, poached chicken, or canned chicken for a fast and convenient option.
Sweet Cranberries: Dried cranberries are the perfect addition to this recipe, adding a burst of tangy flavor and a touch of sweetness that balances the richness of the creamy mayo.
Crunchy Walnuts: The walnuts bring a crunchy texture that adds a satisfying bite to the salad. They complement the cranberries’ sweetness while providing healthy fats that make this salad filling and nutritious.
Green Onions: Fresh green onions, or chives, add a mild onion flavor that complements the chicken mixture without overpowering the dish.
Mayo: The mayo is the creamy element that brings everything together. It binds the chicken mixture and gives the salad its smooth, creamy texture, making each bite rich and delicious.
Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings like salt and black pepper enhance the ingredients’ natural flavor.

Delicious cranberry walnut chicken salad piled high on a fresh sandwich, showcasing crunchy walnuts and tangy cranberries.

A bowl filled with cranberry walnut chicken salad, featuring tender chicken, tangy cranberries, and crunchy walnuts mixed in a creamy dressing.

How to Make Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Making this chicken salad is super easy, and it comes together quickly with these step-by-step instructions:

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by shredding your cooked chicken breasts into small pieces.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts.
Add Mayo and Seasoning: Pour in the mayo and stir the chicken mixture until everything is well combined. Add salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Mix Everything: Stir until the cranberry chicken salad is evenly mixed. You can add a bit more mayo if you like a creamier consistency.
Serve Your Salad: You can enjoy this salad in various ways. Serve it in a crisp lettuce cup, spread the chicken salad on slices of bread or crackers, or serve it with crunchy potato chips for extra texture.

Different Ways to Serve Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

This easy chicken salad recipe’s versatility is one of the best things. There are so many ways you can enjoy it:

Lettuce Cups: For a healthy, low-carb option, serve the chicken salad in crisp lettuce cups. This is a great way to enjoy a lighter meal that still feels satisfying.
Chicken Salad Sandwich: If you’re craving something heartier, spread the salad on slices of bread for a delicious sandwich. Choose your favorite bread—sourdough, whole grain, or a croissant— for a tasty meal.
On Its Own: Sometimes, you don’t need anything else. Enjoy this cranberry chicken salad for a simple and satisfying lunch or dinner. It’s perfect for a light, yet filling meal.

Cranberry walnut chicken salad sandwich on whole grain bread, ready to enjoy.

How to Store Leftover Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

If you have leftover chicken salad, here’s how to store them:

Storage: Store the leftover cranberry walnut chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the salad fresh and safe to eat for later.
Next-Day Meals: The flavors of this chicken salad develop even further as it sits, making it a great option to eat the next day. It’s a delicious salad that tastes even better after the ingredients have had time to meld together.

Cranberry walnut chicken salad served on slices of whole grain bread.

Recipe Tips for Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

To take this recipe to the next level, here are a few recipe tips to consider:

Try Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and fresh dill is a great addition to this salad.
Chicken Options: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken for convenience.
Add Fruit: If you want to add a fresh twist to the recipe, diced apples or grapes are a great way to bring a bit of sweetness and juiciness to the dish.
Extra Crunch: If you love extra crunch, try adding chopped celery, diced red onion, or sliced almonds to the mix. This adds a crunchy texture that balances the creamy mayo and soft chicken.

More Delicious Sandwich Recipes You Will Love

Chicken Salad With Cranberries and Walnuts

this easy cranberry walnut chicken salad recipe is a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal. Made with tender chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy mayo, it's perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Serving Size 4 servings

Ingredients

2 cups shredded chicken
¾ cup cranberries
½ cup chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons dried chives
1 ¼ cup mayonnaise
salt + pepper to taste

Instructions

Begin by shredding your cooked chicken breasts into small pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts.
Pour in the mayo and stir the chicken mixture until everything is well combined. Add salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Stir until the cranberry chicken salad is evenly mixed. You can add a bit more mayo if you like a creamier consistency.
Serve it in a crisp lettuce cup, spread the chicken salad on slices of bread or crackers, or serve it with crunchy potato chips for extra texture.

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About Sarah

Wife. Mother. From-Scratch Cook. Homemaker.

I’m Sarah, the creator of Rocky Hedge Farm, where I share my love for simple living, homemade meals, and creating a cozy home. As a wife and mother, I’m passionate about slowing down, cooking from scratch, and finding joy in the everyday moments of life. From DIY projects and family-friendly recipes, I hope to inspire others to embrace a life rooted in simplicity and warmth.

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