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Ditch the ordinary and make the best Chicken Cranberry Salad featuring a fiesta of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. With the perfect balance of plump dried cranberries (craisins), tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and creamy dressing, it’s the ideal anytime meal. Whether you’re making it for lunch, a light dinner with crackers, or as a flavorful filling for sandwiches, you’ll love this deliciously satisfying chicken salad recipe!

“I love this salad! It’s very seasonal. Just the thing to enjoy at this time of year. Whats not to love about chicken with cranberry and all those toasted nuts. Yum!”

– Neil
Action photo of a serving spoon dishing up chicken salad with cranberries from a bowl.

Update: This recipe was originally published in November 2019. I’ve made updates to the article below to include more information about chicken salad with cranberries and walnuts.

Table of Contents

About this cranberry chicken salad

Say hello to your new favorite creamy chicken salad, my friends! This chicken salad is anything but boring or bland! It’s incredibly flavorful, yet super simple to prepare. And, while it makes a wonderful on-the-go, ready-to-eat lunch or a light delicious dinner, it’s also the perfect addition to any holiday celebration.

This creamy salad features tender chicken, chewy dried cranberries, salty toasted nuts, crunchy celery and delicate scallions. Tossed in a silky, creamy, slightly sweet mayonnaise and Greek yogurt based dressing, this chicken salad is robust in flavor and loaded with texture. It’s creamy, crunchy, savory, sweet, salty, slightly tart and 100% delicious. If you love chicken salad and have been searching for a new way to shake things up, look no further, because this light and creamy cranberry salad has got it going on!

And, this festive salad is extremely easy to make and only requires 15 minutes of hands on preparation. Plus, it’s made with easy to find ingredients and totally customizable. Try it with fresh poached chicken, rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken. Throw in some apple for crunch or a little jalapeño for a touch of heat. However you make it, this salad is guaranteed to get rave reviews!

Why you’ll love this recipe!

  • Perfect Balance of Sweet, Savory, and Tangy Flavors. With a harmonious blend of sweet dried cranberries and savory chicken, this chicken salad satisfies a wide range of taste presences. While the added crunch of celery and walnuts provide plenty of texture and the creamy dressing ties it all together perfectly.
  • Quick, Simple, and No-Cook. With minimal prep time, this chicken salad with cranberries is an easy, no-cook option that’s perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or even a last-minute dinner.
  • Nutritious and Wholesome. Packed with protein from the chicken and antioxidants from the cranberries, this craisins chicken salad recipe isn’t just delicious, it’s also satisfyingly healthy. Plus, the Greek yogurt in the dressing lightens up the mayo dressing without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Highly Customizable for Dietary Preferences. Flexible and customizable, you can easily adapt this chicken cranberry salad recipe with cranberries to fit a variety of taste preferences and dietary needs. Add a touch of spice, swap the nuts, or even Replace the chicken with chickpeas for a plant-based version, swap the variety of nuts, add a touch of spice or crunchy veggies.
  • Versatile for Any Meal. This chicken and cranberry salad isn’t limited to just one type of meal. Serve it as a sandwich, on a bed of greens, as a wrap, or even on crackers.
Angled, action photo of creamy dressing being poured over cubed, cooked chicken breast, dried cranberries, celery, green onions, and chopped pecans in a mixing bowl.

Ingredients for chicken cranberry salad

  • Chicken: I prefer to poach chicken breasts to use in chicken salads. Not only is it incredibly easy to do, but it produces beautifully moist, tender chicken every single time. Plus, you can easily infuse the poaching liquid with aromatics for added flavor. I’ve included instructions for how to poach chicken in the recipe below. However, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breast if you like.
  • Cranberries: 1 cup of dried cranberries provide the perfect amount of chewy texture and tart flavor.
  • Nuts: I typically use 3/4 cup of walnuts, but you can use your favorite nut (see below for ideas). I highly recommend toasting the nuts to enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • Celery: 2/3 cup of fresh celery adds a fresh, mild sweetness and delicious crunch.
  • Scallions: Thinly sliced scallions provide a hint of less-intense onion flavor.
  • Healthier Creamy Dressing: A pantry-friendly combination of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, fresh lemon juice, ground ginger and thyme creates the perfect creamy reduced-fat dressing.

If cranberries are on sale at the grocery store, grab extra and put them to good use in these recipes: Baked Camembert with Cranberry Compote, Cranberry Baked Chicken & Rice, Best Cranberry Relish, Muffins with Cranberries, and Cranberry Margaritas.

6 delicious recipe variations

Want to make a few additions to this chicken dried cranberry salad? Fantastic! Get creative and add your favorite ingredients to make this recipe your own. Below are a few ideas to inspire:

  • Apple and Walnut Craisins Chicken Salad. Add a crisp, refreshing twist by stirring in some finely chopped apples, such as Fuji or Granny Smith.
  • Spicy Chicken Cranberry Salad. For those who enjoy a little heat, fold in thinly sliced or minced jalapeño peppers. Or simply add little cayenne pepper to the chicken salad dressing.
  • Avocado Chicken and Cranberry Salad. For extra creaminess and a boost of healthy fats, gently mix in some ripe avocado.
  • Bacon Chicken Salad with Cranberry. Cook and crumble a few slices of bacon and add it to the salad for the meat lovers in your life.
  • Low-Carb Chicken Salad with Cranberries. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, skip the traditional bread or crackers and serve this chicken salad with cranberries on lettuce wraps or a bed of leafy greens. You can also swap the mayo for a lower-carb alternative, such as avocado mayo or just use all Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dressing.
  • Vegetarian Chicken and Cranberry Salad. Switch out the chicken breast for chickpeas, tofu, or even tempeh to create a plant-based version of this tasty dish. Simply mash the chickpeas or crumble the tofu and follow the same steps for the dressing.
Close-up photo showcasing the creamy texture of chicken and cranberry salad.

How to make chicken salad with Cranberries

Creamy cranberry chicken salad is easy to make and only requires 15 minutes of hands on preparation! This salad can easily be customized according to taste. If you are pinched for time, use rotisserie or canned chicken.

  1. Make the mayonnaise dressing:  in a medium-sized bowl, add the mayonnaise, yogurt, honey, lemon juice, ground ginger, thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt and a scant ½ teaspoon ground pepper. Whisk to thoroughly combine. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt, pepper, lemon or honey.
  2. Prepare the chicken salad:  In a large bowl, add the cubed chicken, nuts, cranberries, celery and scallions. Toss to combine. Add enough dressing to coat. Gently stir to combine. Taste and add more mayonnaise dressing, salt and pepper if desired.
  3. Serve or store:  Enjoy the chicken dried cranberry salad immediately or store it in the refrigerator.

Expert chef tips for the best success!

  • Use High-Quality Chicken. Start with fresh, high-quality chicken. While rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, for an even more tender and juicy result, either poach chicken breast or roast a whole chicken at home.
  • Balance the Sweetness of the Cranberries. Dried cranberries can vary in sweetness, so be mindful of how much you add. Taste the cranberries first and adjust the amount according to your preference. If you want a more savory chicken and cranberry salad, opt for unsweetened dried cranberries. If you prefer a sweeter version, use sweetened dried cranberries or add more honey to the dressing.
  • Add Crunch for Texture. Texture is key to taking a chicken salad from good to great. The crispy crunch of celery and the nutty bite of walnuts or pecans bring the salad to life. Be sure to toast the nuts to bring out their natural flavors.
  • Experiment with Add-ins.  Experiment with flavorful additions like grated carrot, red onions, or even sliced grapes for extra sweetness. If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for an unexpected kick.
  • Season Liberally. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Sometimes, a little extra salt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can go a very long way.
  • Use Fresh Herbs for Extra Flavor. Fresh herbs will take your craisins chicken salad recipe to the next level. Try adding finely chopped thyme, parsley, or tarragon, or thyme to the salad for brightness and complexity.
  • Avoid Over Mixing. When combining the salad ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can break up the chicken. Be sure to fold the ingredients together carefully, ensuring the dressing coats everything evenly without losing the texture.

Step-by-step photos: making this recipe at home

Overhead photo collage of how to make cranberry chicken salad step by step.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

What kind of chicken is best for chicken salad with cranberries?

The best chicken for craisins chicken salad is cooked, tender chicken with plenty of flavor. You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending upon your preferences. And, for the juiciest result, consider roasting, poaching, or grilling the chicken yourself. But, rotisserie chicken works well if you’re looking for a faster option.

Can I use canned chicken to make chicken salad?

You can use any type of cooked chicken to make cranberry walnut chicken salad! While fresh, poached chicken will yield the most flavorful, moist salad, you can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to make cranberry chicken salad! If using rotisserie chicken, make sure you remove the skin and either shred or roughly chop the chicken.

If you are in a pinch, you can absolutely use canned chicken to make homemade chicken salad. Make sure you purchase a high-quality brand of chicken and thoroughly drain the chicken before using it.

Please note: Using fresh, leftover or rotisserie chicken will make the best chicken salad. Canned chicken works if you are in a bind or want a quick snack, however the overall texture and flavor of the chicken salad will be slightly subpar.

What type of cranberries should I use?

For the best chicken cranberry salad, be sure to use dried cranberries. You can choose between sweetened or unsweetened dried cranberries, depending on your personal preferences.

If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, unsweetened dried cranberries work well. Just keep in mind that sweetened cranberries will add a bit more sweetness to the salad. So you may want to consider adding a little more honey to the dressing if using unsweetened cranberries (craisins).

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

As much as I love juicy fresh cranberries, they don’t work in this salad because they lack the sweetness and chewy texture of dry cranberries.

What if I don’t like walnuts or have a nut allergy?

No worries! While walnuts add a lovely crunch and salty, nutty flavor, you can easily swap them out. If you don’t like walnuts, try using pecans or almonds. And, if you need a nut-free option, swap them out for sunflower seeds, use extra celery, or add some crispy croutons for crunch.

Can I make a dairy-free version of this salad?

Absolutely. To make a dairy-free chicken salad with cranberries, simply replace the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with a good quality vegan mayo or an avocado-based dressing. This keeps the salad creamy without any dairy products, making it suitable for vegans or those with lactose intolerance.

How much chicken salad cranberries for a crowd?

This cranberry chicken salad recipe is the perfect dish to serve a crowd, especially around the holidays! This creamy salad will be a favorite among guests, so make sure you have enough to go around!

The exact amount of chicken salad needed per person will depend upon on how you are serving it. Below is an easy guideline to help you determine how much chicken salad per person you will need to feed a crowd.

Chicken cranberry salad as a main

If you are serving chicken salad plain as a main dish, you can figure that each person will eat 8-10 ounces of chicken salad.

  • 4 people: 32-40 ounces (2 to 2.5 pounds)
  • 6 people: 48-60 ounces (3 to 3.75 pounds)
  • 10 people: 80-100 ounces (5 to 6.25 pounds)
  • 16 people: 128-160 ounces (8 to 10 pounds)

Craisin chicken salad as a sandwich or wrap

If you are serving chicken salad with craisins on a sandwich or ini a wrap, you can plan on 4-6 ounces of salad per person.

  • 4 people: 16-24 ounces (1 to 1.5 pounds)
  • 6 people: 24-36 ounces (1.5 to 2.25 pounds)
  • 10 people: 40-60 ounces (2.5 to 3.75 pounds)
  • 16 people: 64-96 ounces (4 to 6 pounds)
Overhead photo of cranberry chicken salad with dried cranberries and nuts in a serving bowl with dried cranberries next to the chicken salad.

Serving chicken Dried Cranberry salad

Chicken salad is incredibly versatile and one of my favorite refrigerator staples. It’s perfect for grab-and-go lunches, protein-packed snacks and quick dinners:

Common serving suggestions

  • As a Sandwich Filling. Spread it between two slices of fresh bread or on a buttery, flaky croissant for a quick lunch. Serve with sugared fresh fruit for a refreshingly delicious meal.
  • In a Wrap. Use a whole wheat, spinach, or flour tortilla to wrap up the chicken salad with cranberries for an easy-to-eat option.
  • As a Salad Topping. Scoop chicken salad over a bed of leafy green lettuce for a light and healthy meal.
  • On Crackers or Crudités. Spoon the chicken and cranberry salad onto whole grain crackers or homemade crostinis for a fun and casual appetizer.

Unique serving ideas

  • In Avocado Bowls. Hollow out an avocado and fill it with chicken cranberry salad for a low-carb, nutrient-packed option with a creamy twist.
  • Apple Slices Snack. Add a small scoop of salad to the top of apple slices for an easy, healthy snack.
  • Lettuce Wraps. Tuck creamy chicken salad inside lettuce cups for a low carb lunch or snack.
  • Sweet Potato Appetizer. Place a small scoop of craisins chicken salad on top of roasted sweet potato rounds and top with a slice of candied maple bacon or candied walnuts for an easy, yet elegant appetizer.
Straight on photo of a sandwich with chicken salad cranberry, sliced apples, and baby arugula.

Storing leftovers

Storage instructions

  • In the Refrigerator: Store leftover craisins chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even more delicious on the second or third day.
  • Avoid Storing with Greens: If you plan to serve the salad with mixed greens or lettuce, be sure keep them separate before storing. Add the greens just before serving to maintain their crispness.
  • Keep Dressing Separate: For longer storage, consider storing the chicken and cranberry salad and the dressing separately. This will help the salad maintain its freshness and prevents the ingredients from becoming sad and soggy.

Freezing instructions

I don’t recommend freezing the chicken cranberry salad, as the mayonnaise and yogurt in the dressing can separate during thawing. As well, dried cranberries unfortunately don’t freeze well either.

Extreme close-up photo of chicken cranberry salad with dried cranberries, fresh thyme, and pecans.

Versatile, easy to make and loaded with flavor, this creamy cranberry chicken salad recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Until next time, friends, cheers!

Cheyanne

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More creamy chicken salads!

Overhead photo of cranberry chicken salad with dried cranberries and nuts in a serving bowl with dried cranberries next to the chicken salad.

Cranberry Chicken Salad recipe

5 from 5 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
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Ditch the ordinary and make the best Chicken Cranberry Salad at home. Featuring a fiesta of sweet and tangy flavors this recipe combines tender chicken breast, tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing to create a chicken salad that's perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or simply served with crackers for a light and flavorful meal.
Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.

Equipment

  • 1 Small mixing bowl (for making the salad dressing)
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl (for making the chicken salad)

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound Cooked Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – large dice (substitute: cooked chicken thighs) (SEE NOTES)
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries (about 5.25 ounces)
  • 3/4 cup Toasted Nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios or pecans) – coarsely chopped (about 3 ounces) (SEE NOTES)
  • 2/3 cup Celery – thinly sliced or small diced (about 2 medium ribs)
  • 1/3 cup Scallions – thinly sliced (about 3 scallions)
  • 2/3 Cup Mayonnaise (SEE NOTES)
  • 1/3 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
  • 2 TBS Honey
  • 1 ½ – 2 tsp fresh squeezed Lemon Juice – to taste
  • heaping 3/4 tsp EACH: Ground Ginger & Dried Thyme (can use 1 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
  • to taste Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

  • Make the Chicken Salad Dressing: To a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, yogurt, honey, lemon juice, ground ginger, thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt and a scant ½ teaspoon ground pepper.
    Use a whisk and stir vigorously to thoroughly combine the ingredients.
    Taste the dressing and adjust for seasoning with salt, pepper, lemon, or honey.
  • Mix the Chicken, Cranberries, and Salad Ingredients: To a large bowl, add the cubed chicken, nuts, cranberries, celery and scallions.
    Use a large spoon to gently fold the ingredients to combine.
  • Dress the Cranberry Chicken Salad: Add just enough salad dressing to just coat the chicken salad to the bowl.
    Use a large spoon to gently stir the ingredients to coat.
    Taste the chicken cranberry salad and add more mayonnaise dressing, salt and pepper to taste.
    (Note: While completely optional, I recommend covering the bowl of chicken salad with plastic wrap and letting it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before enjoying.)
  • Serve Chicken Salad with Cranberries: Enjoy the cranberry chicken salad straight from the bowl or scoop over leafy greens, crackers, or sandwich bread. Enjoy!
    Overhead photo of Cranberry Chicken Salad garnished with sliced scallions and fresh thyme in a serving bowl with a spoon inserted into the salad and a ramekin of dried cranberries and a jar of dressing next to the bowl.

Video

Notes

  1. Chicken: You can use any type of cooked chicken to make this chicken salad.  Poaching your own chicken will produce an incredibly flavorful, moist chicken salad.  However, you can substitute 4 cups of cooked chicken instead.  If using rotisserie chicken, make sure you remove and discard the skin, then chop the chicken meat into bite sized pieces.  While you can use canned chicken, I would either use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to ensure the best texture and flavor.
  2. Nuts: Make sure you use toasted nuts!  Toasting nuts really enhances their flavor and makes the chicken salad shine!  To toast nuts – add nuts to a small, dry skillet (do not add butter or oil).  Place skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring frequently, until nuts are golden and fragrant.  Make sure you stir frequently and watch carefully as the nuts can go from toasted to burned very quickly!
  3. Mayonnaise: Full fat mayonnaise will yield the best tasting chicken salad.  Lower fat mayonnaise is thinner and will result in a more watery chicken salad.  If you are looking for a healthier option, try using Avocado Oil mayonnaise.
  4. Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
  5. Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 6 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used..

Nutrition

Calories: 242kcal    Carbohydrates: 26g    Protein: 18g    Fat: 8g    Saturated Fat: 1g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g    Monounsaturated Fat: 2g    Trans Fat: 0.02g    Cholesterol: 53mg    Sodium: 310mg    Potassium: 347mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 22g    Vitamin A: 153IU    Vitamin C: 3mg    Calcium: 31mg    Iron: 1mg
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American

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