Nothing beats a refreshing, flavorful lunch that feels both comforting and special, and this Chicken Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It blends tender shredded chicken with the sweet crunch of apples, the tart pop of dried cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, all brought together with a creamy, tangy dressing. Whether you’re packing a lunch or serving a light dinner, this salad is an absolute keeper that will brighten your day with every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of several clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each containing different ingredients: the largest bowl in the center holds shredded light beige chicken; surrounding it clockwise are chopped purple onions, chopped walnuts, a glass jar of fine powder, chopped light green celery, a small glass bowl with a light brown liquid, whole red apple with yellow hues near the center, a small dish of smooth yellow mustard, dried dark red cranberries, a bowl of thick off-white creamy mixture, and fresh green parsley sprigs. All items are neatly placed with clear visibility of their textures and colors, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each one adding a unique touch of flavor, texture, or color to the dish, creating a perfect harmony of taste and freshness.

Cooked chicken (3 cups, about 12 oz.): Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds juicy, tender meat.
Crisp apple (1 medium): Honeycrisp or Fuji varieties bring a sweet-tart crunch that livens up the salad.
Dried cranberries (½ cup): Their chewy tartness contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing.
Celery (⅓ cup, finely diced): Adds refreshing crunch and a subtle peppery note.
Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Provides a gentle bite and lovely color contrast.
Pecans or walnuts (¼ cup, toasted and roughly chopped): Toasting intensifies their nuttiness and crunch.
Fresh parsley (⅓ cup, chopped): Brings a bright herbal freshness to the mix.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Creates a creamy, rich base for the dressing.
Dijon mustard (2 tsp.): Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
Apple cider vinegar (1 Tbsp): Brightens and balances the creaminess.
Garlic powder (½ tsp.): Gives a mellow savory undertone.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for enhancing all the flavors.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Chicken Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

Start by whisking together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a large mixing bowl until smooth and perfectly blended. This dressing is the heart of the salad, tying all the delicious components together with its creamy tang.

Step 2: Combine the Fresh and Flavorful Ingredients

Next, add the shredded cooked chicken, diced apple, dried cranberries, finely diced celery, chopped red onion, toasted walnuts, and fresh parsley to the bowl. Gently fold everything together so each bite bursts with variety, while keeping the ingredients intact and appealingly chunky.

Step 3: Taste and Chill

Give your Chicken Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe a quick taste test. If you want it brighter, a little extra apple cider vinegar goes a long way; for more seasoning, add salt and pepper as needed. Then, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve Chicken Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a mixed salad. The salad has shredded light beige pieces mixed with small chunks of red, green, and purple bits, all coated in a creamy dressing. A wooden-handled red spatula is partially buried on the right side of the bowl, showing some dressing on its surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like additional parsley or a sprinkle of chopped chives add a vibrant pop of color and fresh aroma. A few extra walnut pieces on top offer an inviting crunch and visually signal the nutty element in the salad. For a little zest, a light dusting of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper works wonders.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with crusty bread or buttery croissants for a satisfying meal. Alternatively, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or a bowl of soup on cooler days to enjoy a balanced and hearty lunch or dinner. Light veggie chips or fresh fruit slices also complement this dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Chicken Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe in halved avocados or hollowed-out bell peppers. You can also pile it onto mixed greens or stuff it inside pita bread for a portable, more casual meal. Wrapping it in a large lettuce leaf turns it into a crisp, refreshing wrap option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once mixed, this salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a few hours of resting, but be mindful that the apples may slightly soften over time due to moisture.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this Chicken Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe because the fresh apples and mayonnaise-based dressing will become watery and lose their texture once thawed.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If your chicken was hot-packed, you can gently warm the portion of chicken prior to assembling the salad, but reheating the full salad won’t do justice to its fresh ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?

Absolutely! Walnuts add great texture and flavor, but pecans or almonds work wonderfully as substitutions, bringing their own unique crunch and taste to the salad.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Chicken Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe naturally contains no gluten, making it perfect for those avoiding gluten in their diet.

How long will the salad stay fresh?

Stored properly in the fridge, this salad stays fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, the textures of the apples and celery may start to degrade, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?

To create a vegan version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegan mayonnaise in place of regular mayo. The rest of the ingredients remain the same and still offer fantastic flavor.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

If you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option, Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo substitute works well while keeping the salad creamy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up any day of the week. Its delightful balance of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy textures makes every bite exciting and satisfying. I encourage you to try it out soon—you might just discover your new favorite salad to enjoy again and again!