If you’re looking for a lunch or snack that’s vibrantly flavorful, delightfully crunchy, and downright effortless to make, this Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is your new go-to. Packed with tender shredded rotisserie chicken, tart cranberries, toasty walnuts, and a creamy, tangy dressing, it checks every box for craveable texture and taste. Whether you pile it onto leafy lettuce, tuck it into toasted bread, or just grab a fork and dig in, this salad is the kind of recipe you’ll want to whip up again and again for family, friends, or any time you need a satisfying bite in a hurry.

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The heart and soul of Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad lies in its simple, everyday ingredients—each chosen to deliver flavor, texture, or a pop of color. With just a few minutes of prep, these basics come together in the most magical way.

Mayo: Gives the salad its signature creamy texture; full-fat or light both work beautifully.
Greek yogurt: Lightens up the dressing and adds luscious tang; you can substitute sour cream for a twist.
Lemon juice: Freshens up the salad and brightens every bite; lime juice can be swapped in if you prefer.
Dijon mustard: Brings subtle heat and sharpness to balance the sweetness of the cranberries.
Garlic paste: Adds wonderful depth and savory flavor throughout.
Salt and pepper: Simple but essential for boosting all the other flavors.
Rotisserie chicken: The secret to speedy prep and juicy, flavorful results—just shred and you’re set!
Craisins (dried cranberries): A sweet-tart bite that pops in every forkful; don’t skimp here.
Chopped walnuts (toasted): Toasting brings extra crunch and nutty flavor that takes this salad over the top.
Celery: Adds crispness and a fresh green flavor that brightens up the salad’s creamy richness.
Scallions: These mild green onions impart a lovely delicate onion flavor and color.
Green leaf lettuce: The perfect fresh, crunchy base for serving, or tuck into sandwiches as you like.

How to Make Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. Into it, add your mayo, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic paste, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture turns smooth and creamy with no streaks left. This tangy, savory base creates the backbone of your Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad and it’s the secret to tying all the other ingredients together.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Crunch

Next, toss in the shredded rotisserie chicken, craisins, toasted walnuts, chopped celery, and half of the diced scallions from your prep list. Gently fold the mixture so all the chicken gets coated in that luscious dressing, and the cranberries, walnuts, and celery are evenly distributed for plenty of crunch and pops of sweetness in every bite.

Step 3: Chill (Optional)

If you have a little extra time, cover your salad and pop it in the fridge for an hour or so. The flavors deepen and meld together beautifully, but if you’re in a hurry, it’s just as scrumptious straight away!

Step 4: Serve as Desired

Now comes the fun part: serving. Pile spoonfuls onto crisp green leaf lettuce for a refreshing salad, or layer it between slices of bread to make the most epic sandwich. Sprinkle the rest of the scallions on top as a fresh, colorful finish. However you serve it, Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Garnishes

For that extra wow-factor, sprinkle a few more craisins, toasted walnuts, and sliced scallions across the top before serving. Not only does this give your Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad a gourmet look, but it adds fresh pops of flavor and keeps every bite interesting and delicious.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty and satisfying on its own, but it pairs perfectly with light, crisp sides—a simple green salad, sliced fruit, veggie chips, or a cup of soup are all fantastic companions. Or, serve your Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad alongside crackers and crisp crudités for a party platter that’ll disappear before you know it.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Spoon the chicken salad into lettuce cups for a light, gluten-free option, or serve it mini-style on crostini for holiday parties. For lunchboxes or picnics, pack it in a mason jar with layers of lettuce for a portable meal that looks as good as it tastes. However you decide, Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad shines as both a simple classic and a dressed-up delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as it sits, making this the perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks or quick lunches on the fly.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the creamy dressing tends to separate, and the textures of celery and walnuts are best enjoyed fresh. Instead, make just what you’ll enjoy within a few days and savor it at its peak!

Reheating

This is one of those glorious recipes that’s meant to be eaten cold or chilled—no reheating needed! In fact, it’s best served straight from the fridge or at a cool room temperature for ultimate flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular cooked chicken for rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can use 2 to 3 cooked and shredded chicken breasts instead of rotisserie. Just make sure it’s nicely seasoned for the best flavor infusion in your Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

Sour cream is a great substitute for Greek yogurt if you want a creamier, slightly tangier dressing. It mixes just as smoothly with the other ingredients.

How can I make this salad lighter?

Swap half the mayo for extra Greek yogurt or use light versions of mayo and yogurt. This will reduce calories and still keep your Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad deliciously creamy.

Can I make Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad actually gets better as the flavors meld! Whip it up a day in advance, cover tightly, and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

What’s the best bread for sandwiches with this salad?

A hearty wheat or multigrain loaf holds up well to the creamy filling, but croissants or sturdy sourdough are fantastic choices too. Toasted bread provides a lovely crunch with your Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad.

Final Thoughts

If you’re itching to shake up your lunch routine or need a shareable, crowd-pleasing dish in a flash, give this Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad a try. With its wonderful layers of flavor and irresistible texture, it’s one of those recipes everyone comes back to—and I can’t wait for you to make it your own!

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe