Name: Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups chopped cooked chicken; 1 cup chopped scallions (green and white ends); ¾ cup sliced celery; ¾ cup dried cranberries; ½ cup chopped walnuts (or pecans); 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1 ¼ cup mayonnaise; Salt and pepper to taste

Something about the crunch of walnuts paired with sweet cranberries and tender chicken just makes me smile every time. This Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe is not only a taste explosion but also perfect for any lunch or casual gathering. It’s refreshingly creamy with just the right balance of savory and fruity notes.

A thick sandwich sits on a white plate with green stripes, resting on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has three layers: the bottom layer is a slice of soft light brown bread, topped with fresh green lettuce leaves that curve up at the edges. The middle layer is a chunky salad made from creamy white dressing mixed with white meat pieces, small green celery bits, dark red dried cranberries, and sprinkled with small green herb pieces for freshness. The top layer is another slice of light brown bread placed slightly open, showing the filling inside. 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 honestly can’t get enough of this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe because it manages to feel light and indulgent at the same time. It’s my go-to when I want something quick but still impressive enough to serve friends or family. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have!

Perfect balance of flavors: The tart cranberries complement the rich mayonnaise and nuts beautifully, giving every bite a lovely contrast.
Easy to make ahead: You can prep it a few hours in advance or even the day before, making your meal prep a breeze.
Versatile serving options: Whether in sandwiches, wraps, or on greens, it adapts effortlessly to whatever you’re craving.
Nutty crunch that delights: The walnuts add texture that really lifts this beyond your average chicken salad.

A sandwich on a green plate with light stripes, showing two slices of soft, light brown bread with the top slice slightly tilted. Inside, there is a thick layer of creamy chicken salad mixed with visible small green herbs, pieces of celery, and dark red dried cranberries, all sitting on a fresh, bright green leaf of lettuce. Above and to the side, a white bowl with a black rim holds more of the creamy chicken salad, showing its chunky texture and mix of ingredients. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a colorful striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays its part in making this salad flavorful and exciting. From juicy cooked chicken to the subtle zing of fresh dill, these components come together with a simple stir to create something truly special. Grab the freshest scallions and the best-quality mayonnaise you can find for that creamy texture.

Flat lay of chopped cooked chicken breast pieces, a bunch of fresh scallions showing both green and white ends, crisp celery stalks sliced, a small mound of dried cranberries, a heap of chopped walnuts, fresh sprigs of dill, a thin strip of bright orange zest, a small white bowl filled with creamy mayonnaise, and a small white bowl containing coarse sea salt alongside another with freshly ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically 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: Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders or freshly poached chicken breast for a tender base.
Chopped scallions: Adds a mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad—make sure to use both green and white parts!
Sliced celery: For crunch and freshness—the subtle grassy flavor is a must.
Dried cranberries: These bring sweetness and chewy texture, balancing the savory notes.
Chopped walnuts: You could swap in pecans, but walnuts offer a satisfying crunch and slight bitterness that pairs beautifully.
Fresh chopped dill: A little herbaceous zing that brightens every bite; don’t skip it.
Orange zest: Adds citrusy aroma to lift flavors—make sure to zest only the orange part to avoid bitterness.
Mayonnaise: The creamy binder that holds this salad together—use real mayo for the best richness.
Salt and pepper: Simple but essential seasonings 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

I love tweaking the Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe depending on my mood or what I have on hand. You can easily swap walnuts for pecans or add a handful of diced apples for extra crunch and sweetness. Personalizing it makes the salad feel fresh every time I make it.

Variation: Once, I stirred in some Greek yogurt along with mayo to lighten the richness—and it turned out so creamy but less heavy. Definitely worth trying!
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free option, use vegan mayo; it still holds the salad together just as well.
Seasonal twist: Swap fresh dill for tarragon or fresh basil if you’re craving a different herbaceous note.

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

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

First things first, chop your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. You want them small enough to easily scoop but not mushy. Then, finely chop the scallions, both green and white parts—they add a lovely fresh bite. Slice the celery thinly for that nice crunch we all crave.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, scallions, celery, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, fresh dill, and orange zest. Here’s a little tip: mix gently at this stage so the dill and zest get evenly distributed and don’t form clumps of flavor in just one spot.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Goodness

Now for the mayo—stir in about one and a quarter cups to coat everything evenly. This is where the salad really comes together. Taste as you go, then season with salt and pepper until it sings. Remember, a little salt can elevate all those flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Wrap your bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes. I’ve found that letting it rest in the fridge allows the flavors to meld and the orange zest to infuse the salad with its citrus brightness. Serve cold for the best texture and flavor experience.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe dozens of times and trust me: the devil’s in the details. Little touches can make all the difference between “meh” and “wow.” These are some of the things I do to get it just right every time.

Freshness really counts: Always use freshly chopped dill and zest oranges yourself—pre-packaged zest just isn’t the same.
Don’t overdo the mayo: Start with less and add gradually—you want everything coated, not swimming in dressing.
Toast those walnuts: Lightly toasting your walnuts brings out their oils and adds extra crunch and depth of flavor.
Chill before serving: I never skip this step. The flavors mellow out and you get a perfect chilled texture that tastes so refreshing.

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe

cranberry chicken salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep garnishes simple. Sometimes a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts on top adds a nice rustic look and crunch. A few fresh dill fronds make it look pretty and hint at the flavors inside. A light dusting of freshly ground pepper gives it a bit of kick.

Side Dishes

This chicken salad pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crunchy kettle chips, or even a side of fresh fruit like sliced apples or grapes. When I have the time, some warm crusty bread or buttery croissants complete the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like to serve this salad inside hollowed-out avocados or stuff it into mini pita pockets for bite-sized snacks. Another favorite is using it as a filling for colorful bell pepper boats – they look vibrant and add a fresh crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover cranberry chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps perfectly for up to 3 days. I recommend giving it a quick stir before serving again, since the mayonnaise settles and the nuts can soften a bit.

Freezing

From my experience, this salad doesn’t freeze well because the mayo and celery lose their texture after thawing. I’d suggest making just the amount you plan to eat within a few days for the best taste and consistency.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so I don’t recommend reheating. If you’d like it less chilly, just take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving, and it’ll soften up nicely without losing its freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Absolutely! Pecans are a great substitute if you want a milder flavor. You could also try almonds for a different crunch, but walnuts give the best classic texture and slight bitterness to balance the sweetness.

What kind of chicken works best for this salad?

Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken is ideal because it’s flavorful and easy to shred. You can also poach chicken breasts or thighs fresh—just cook gently so the meat stays tender and moist before chopping.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes! This recipe calls for mayonnaise which is dairy-free by nature. Just be sure to check the mayo brand to confirm it’s free of dairy ingredients, and skip any add-ons like sour cream or yogurt unless they’re dairy-free.

How long does cranberry chicken salad keep in the fridge?

It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Always give it a quick stir before serving leftovers to redistribute the dressing and check for any changes in texture or flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe has become one of those comforting staples in my home. It’s the kind of dish I make when I need something easy but satisfying, or when friends drop by unexpectedly. I know you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do, so give it a try and tweak it to make it your own. Trust me, it’ll become a new favorite before you know it!