There’s something magical about the perfect balance of sweet and savory in a well-crafted chicken salad, and this cranberry walnut chicken salad delivers exactly that harmony your taste buds crave. This isn’t just another ordinary chicken salad recipe – it’s a delightful combination that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary, making it perfect for everything from casual lunches to elegant dinner parties.
Whether you’re planning ahead for Thanksgiving gatherings or simply looking for fresh salad ideas to brighten your weekly meal prep, this cranberry walnut chicken salad hits all the right notes. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, creating a satisfying dish that’s both nutritious and incredibly flavorful, ready in just 20 minutes with minimal effort required.
Recipe Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: None (using pre-cooked chicken)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 people
- Estimated Cost: Affordable to Medium
Ingredients for Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (about 2 pounds)
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries (craisins)
- 3/4 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
Dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried tarragon (optional)
For Serving:
- Mixed greens or lettuce leaves
- Croissants, bread, or crackers
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Equipment Required
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl for dressing
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork for mixing
- Rubber spatula
- Storage containers
Recipe Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start with 4 cups of cooked chicken breast. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, leftover roasted chicken, or poach fresh chicken breasts. If using raw chicken, season and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then let cool completely before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. This step is crucial as it enhances the nutty flavor and adds extra crunch to your chicken salad with cranberries and walnuts. Let cool completely before chopping.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Finely dice the celery and mince the red onion. The celery adds essential crunch and freshness, while the red onion provides a mild bite that complements the sweet cranberries. If using green onions, chop them finely as well.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and tarragon if using. The honey balances the tartness of the cranberries, while the lemon juice adds brightness to this chicken salad recipe with cranberries.
Step 5: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, celery, and onion. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently fold everything together using a rubber spatula until evenly coated.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the cranberry walnut chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. This chicken salad with dried cranberries tastes even better after a few hours of chilling.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Results:
- Use day-old chicken for the best texture – freshly cooked chicken can be too moist
- Don’t overdress the salad initially; you can always add more dressing later
- Toast nuts in small batches to ensure even browning
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving, as flavors develop during chilling
Delicious Variations:
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Alternative:
Replace walnuts with toasted pecans for a slightly sweeter, more Southern-inspired version. Pecans pair exceptionally well with cranberries and add a buttery richness.
Healthy Makeover:
- Substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise
- Add chopped apples for extra crunch and natural sweetness
- Include fresh herbs like dill or parsley
- Use rotisserie chicken breast meat only (remove skin)
Thanksgiving Cranberry Salad Version:
- Add diced cooked turkey instead of chicken
- Include a tablespoon of dried sage
- Mix in some chopped fresh cranberries for extra tartness
- Serve on a bed of mixed greens with pomegranate seeds
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:
- Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days in airtight container
- Add nuts just before serving to maintain crunch if making ahead
- Can be frozen for up to 1 month, though texture may change slightly
- Perfect for meal prep – portion into individual containers
Serving Suggestions:
This versatile chicken salad with craisins works beautifully:
- On croissants for an elegant lunch
- Wrapped in tortillas for easy grab-and-go meals
- Over mixed greens for a light dinner
- With crackers as an appetizer
- Stuffed in avocado halves for a low-carb option
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 320mg
This cranberry walnut chicken salad provides excellent protein while the nuts contribute healthy fats and the cranberries offer antioxidants and natural sweetness.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this cranberry walnut chicken salad lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The tender chicken provides protein and substance, while dried cranberries add natural sweetness and chewy texture. Toasted walnuts contribute essential crunch and earthy flavor, creating a symphony of tastes in every bite.
The creamy dressing, enhanced with honey and lemon juice, ties everything together without overwhelming the individual components. This makes it an ideal choice for cranberry salad recipes Thanksgiving menus, summer picnics, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both sophisticated and approachable.
What sets this recipe apart from basic chicken salads is the thoughtful combination of complementary ingredients. The slight tartness of the cranberries plays beautifully against the rich, creamy dressing, while the walnuts add a satisfying crunch that keeps each bite interesting.
Perfect for Every Occasion
This cranberry walnut chicken salad shines as a versatile dish suitable for numerous occasions. During Thanksgiving, it serves as a lighter alternative to heavier sides, incorporating seasonal cranberries that everyone loves. For summer gatherings, it’s refreshing and satisfying without being too heavy.
The recipe scales easily for large groups – simply multiply ingredients proportionally. It’s also perfect for meal prep enthusiasts, as the flavors actually improve after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
This best cranberry walnut chicken salad recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results when combined thoughtfully. The sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and tender chicken create a harmonious blend that satisfies both comfort food cravings and sophisticated palates.
Whether you’re looking for fresh salad ideas for your weekly rotation or planning a special Thanksgiving cranberry salad, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time. The combination of ease, flavor, and versatility makes it a true winner in any cook’s repertoire.
Have you tried this cranberry walnut chicken salad recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below sharing your results, variations, or serving suggestions. Don’t forget to share this recipe on social media if you enjoyed it – your friends will thank you for introducing them to their new favorite chicken salad!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cranberry pecan chicken salad instead of using walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans work wonderfully in this recipe and create a slightly sweeter, more Southern-style cranberry pecan chicken salad. Simply substitute an equal amount of toasted pecans for the walnuts. The preparation method remains exactly the same.
How long does chicken salad with dried cranberries keep in the refrigerator?
This chicken salad with dried cranberries stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, add the nuts just before serving if you’re making it more than a day ahead to maintain their crunch.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries in this chicken salad recipe?
While dried cranberries (craisins) work best for texture and sweetness balance, you can use fresh cranberries. Chop them finely and consider adding an extra tablespoon of honey to the dressing, as fresh cranberries are much more tart than dried ones.
What’s the best way to cook chicken for this cranberry walnut chicken salad?
For convenience, rotisserie chicken works perfectly. If cooking fresh chicken, poach boneless breasts in seasoned water or broth until they reach 165°F internal temperature. Let cool completely before dicing. Avoid overcooking to prevent dry, tough chicken in your final salad.
Is this chicken salad with craisins suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This chicken salad with craisins recipes is excellent for meal prep. Prepare the full recipe and portion into individual containers. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and actually tastes better after the flavors have time to meld together overnight.
Ready to try more delicious salad recipes? Browse our collection of healthy, flavorful salads perfect for any season!
