There's something so inviting about the blend of sweet and savory in this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe. The crunch of walnuts paired with bursts of dried cranberries elevates a simple chicken salad into a flavor-packed delight you’ll keep coming back to.

A sandwich with three main visible layers sits on a white plate with a green striped pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is two slices of light golden bread. On top of that is a fresh green lettuce leaf, crisp and slightly curled at the edges. The main filling layer is a creamy chicken salad with chunks of white chicken meat, small pieces of pale green celery, dark red dried cranberries, and flecks of green herbs mixed in a white dressing. The top slice of bread is tilted back, showing the filling clearly. In the background, a white bowl filled with more chicken salad and a colorful striped cloth can be seen. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe because it’s quick, versatile, and bursting with textures and flavors that balance so well. It’s become a favorite for weekday lunches and potluck contributions alike.

Perfect balance: The sweetness of dried cranberries pairs beautifully with crunchy walnuts and savory chicken.
Quick prep: Using cooked chicken makes this salad a fast, no-fuss meal option.
Versatility: Whether in a sandwich, wrap, or on greens, it’s delicious every way you serve it.
Make-ahead friendly: Flavors meld beautifully when chilled, making it ideal for prepping in advance.

A sandwich on a white plate with green stripes has two slices of soft light brown bread. Between the bread is a green lettuce leaf on the bottom and a thick layer of creamy white chicken salad mixed with small pieces of celery, dark red dried cranberries, and green herbs. Above the sandwich, there is a white bowl with a black rim, filled with extra chicken salad showing the same creamy texture and colorful bits. The setting is on a white marbled surface, and a striped yellow, green, and red cloth is on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe plays an important role—bringing freshness, texture, or flavor to the mix. Plus, I've got a few tips to help you pick the best ingredients to take this salad to the next level.

Flat lay of chopped cooked chicken pieces, a bunch of fresh scallions with green and white ends, sliced celery stalks, a small white bowl of dried cranberries, a small white bowl of chopped walnuts, a few sprigs of fresh dill, a small white bowl with bright orange zest, a small white bowl filled with creamy mayonnaise, and whole uncracked eggs arranged neatly in simple white ceramic bowls and plates, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chopped cooked chicken: Using leftover or rotisserie chicken saves time and makes this salad flavorful and protein-packed.
Chopped scallions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a bit of color contrast; be sure to use both green and white parts for sweetness and bite.
Sliced celery: Provides the signature crisp crunch every chicken salad needs.
Dried cranberries: The tangy sweetness is a standout touch—opt for unsweetened or lightly sweetened for balance.
Chopped walnuts (or pecans): Adds earthy crunch; lightly toasting them can deepen their flavor.
Fresh chopped dill: A fresh herb surprise that lifts the whole dish—don’t skimp here!
Orange zest: The bright citrus notes create an irresistible aroma and brighten flavors.
Mayonnaise: Use your favorite kind; it binds the salad ingredients and adds creaminess.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all ingredients together; always adjust to taste!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I love experimenting with add-ins and adjusting the flavors to whatever mood I’m in.

Variation: I once swapped mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten it up. It added a lovely tang and kept it creamy without the extra fat—you might want to try it too!
Nut alternatives: Pecans are a great alternative if walnuts aren’t your thing, or try chopped almonds for a different crunch.
Herb swaps: If you don’t have fresh dill, tarragon or fresh parsley can work nicely to add herbal fragrance.
Adding fruit: Some days I toss in chopped green apple for extra freshness and crunch—it’s especially tasty with a little extra orange zest.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by chopping your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces—leftover roasted chicken works perfectly here and saves so much time. Next, chop scallions and slice celery thinly so you get that nice crunch in every bite. Don’t forget to chop your walnuts if they aren’t pre-chopped. Fresh dill should be minced finely, and zest the orange carefully avoiding the bitter pith for best flavor. Having everything ready before mixing makes the process super smooth.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients First

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, scallions, celery, dried cranberries, walnuts, dill, and orange zest. Toss them gently but thoroughly to distribute the vibrant flavors evenly and ensure the dill and zest don’t clump together. This layering step really helps the salad come together in the best way.

Step 3: Add Mayonnaise and Season

Next up, add the mayonnaise. Stir well until every morsel is coated in that creamy goodness. Give it a taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed—season lightly at first; you can always add more after chilling. The salad needs time for those flavors to marry.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling lets the ingredients meld, softening the sharp edges and deepening the overall flavor. Trust me, the difference is noticeable and worth the wait!

Top Tip

After making this salad many times, I’ve learned a few tips that make all the difference in flavor and texture—and I want you to get the best results possible.

Use high-quality mayonnaise: It makes the salad creamier and richer; I usually go for a good-quality or homemade mayo.
Don’t skip the orange zest: It’s subtle but brings a refreshing brightness that lifts the entire salad.
Toast your walnuts: A quick toast in a dry pan adds a nutty aroma and crunch that you’ll really notice.
Chill the salad: This step is essential for melding flavors and ensuring a satisfying, cohesive bite every time.

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe

cranberry chicken salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts and a little fresh dill right before serving—it adds a pop of color and freshness that makes the presentation more inviting. A few whole dried cranberries on top also look lovely and hint at the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

Pairing this salad with crisp green salads or a side of roasted veggies makes for a balanced meal. Sometimes I’ll serve it with crusty bread or pita chips for a casual lunch that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served this chicken salad in little lettuce cups or on endive leaves, creating bite-sized appetizers. It works wonderfully spooned into hollowed-out tomatoes or stacked into a layer salad in a clear trifle bowl—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cranberry chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled tightly sealed helps maintain the texture and keeps the flavors fresh. Always give it a quick stir before serving again—sometimes the mayo settles a bit.

Freezing

In my experience, freezing isn’t ideal for this type of salad because mayonnaise and fresh ingredients can separate and become watery after thawing. I’d recommend enjoying it fresh or within a few days instead.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you want warmed chicken, heat the chicken before making the salad and then chill the finished salad. Reheating after it's mixed tends to ruin the texture and flavor balance.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken in this salad?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey works just as well and pairs beautifully with the cranberries and walnuts in this recipe.

How far ahead can I prepare this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe?

You can prepare it up to a day in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen after resting, but I wouldn’t recommend making it more than 24 hours ahead to maintain freshness.

Can I substitute mayonnaise with a healthier option?

Yes! Greek yogurt or a mix of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise can be used to lighten the dish while still keeping it creamy. Just be mindful that it alters the flavor slightly.

What’s the best way to add crunch without walnuts?

If you’re avoiding walnuts, toasted sunflower seeds, chopped celery (which is already included), or even crispy fried shallots can add delightful crunch. Just be sure to toast seeds or nuts for enhanced texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes for quick lunches and welcoming guests. It’s easy to make but feels special—the balance of sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and fresh herbs creates a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and lively. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and find it becoming a staple in your recipe rotation too!