There’s something about the balance of sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts in a creamy chicken salad that just hits the spot every time. This Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe brings bright flavors and textures together in a way that makes it so much more than your average lunch. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s quick, fresh, and perfectly satisfying.

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

This Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe has a special place in my meal rotation because it delivers freshness, creaminess, and a bit of crunch all at once. Whether you're packing a lunchbox or whipping up a potluck dish, its easy preparation and delightful taste will quickly make it a favorite.

Perfect Flavor Balance: Tart dried cranberries and zesty orange complement the savory chicken beautifully.
Crunchy Texture: Walnuts add a satisfying crunch that keeps every bite interesting.
Fresh and Bright: Scallions, celery, and dill bring fresh notes that brighten the whole dish.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: This salad shines in sandwiches, wraps, or atop greens—great for any occasion.

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

This recipe combines common ingredients that each add something unique: creaminess, sweetness, crunch, and freshness. When you choose quality produce and nuts, they really elevate the final dish. Here’s why each ingredient is essential and a few shopping tips to get you started.

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

Cooked Chicken: Use leftover roasted or poached chicken for tender, flavorful protein.
Scallions: Both white and green parts add mild onion flavor and crunch; look for firm, bright scallions.
Celery: Gives a crisp texture that contrasts the creamy mayo; fresh celery stalks work best.
Dried Cranberries: Their tart sweetness balances the savory notes; check for sweetened varieties for better flavor.
Walnuts (or Pecans): Toast them lightly if you want an extra pop of flavor and crunch.
Fresh Dill: Adds a subtle herbaceous hint; use fresh rather than dried for best aroma.
Orange Zest: Brings a bright citrus note that livens up the entire salad.
Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand or homemade for that creamy base; it ties everything together.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance each flavor—always adjust to taste.

📝

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 to make this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe my own by tweaking a few ingredients depending on what I have on hand or the occasion. It’s so flexible that a little creativity goes a long way to keep it exciting.

Variation: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version—I always do this when I'm watching calories but still want that creamy texture.
Nut-Free Option: Replace walnuts with crunchy roasted chickpeas if you or your guests have nut allergies.
Seasonal Add-Ins: Toss in fresh apple chunks in fall for a crisp sweetness or add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon for herbal variations.

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

Step 1: Prep and Combine the Fresh Ingredients

First, chop up your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Then, finely chop the scallions (both white and green parts) and slice the celery into thin pieces. Add these to a large mixing bowl along with dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, fresh chopped dill, and the freshly grated orange zest. I always take a moment here to toss everything together gently—that ensures the dill and orange zest don’t bunch up but spread throughout evenly, which makes every bite zing with fresh flavor.

Step 2: Add the Mayonnaise and Season

Next, stir in the mayonnaise gradually until all the ingredients are well coated but not drowning in mayo. This balance of creaminess and texture is key. Then go ahead and taste your salad—adding salt and pepper little by little until the flavors shine. I usually err on the side of a light hand to keep the bright notes of orange and dill coming through.

Step 3: Chill Before Serving

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This chilling step lets the flavors meld together beautifully. Plus, a cold chicken salad just feels so refreshing, especially on a warm day.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, these little tips have helped me nail this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe every single time. It’s all about texture, flavor balance, and timing.

Toast the Walnuts: Lightly toasting the walnuts before chopping ramps up their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch I can’t live without.
Fresh is Best: Use freshly chopped dill and orange zest each time rather than dried or pre-packaged—it makes a huge difference in brightness.
Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the mayo into the mixture so the ingredients don’t turn mushy and the texture stays lively.
Chill to Meld: Always let the salad chill for at least an hour to deepen the flavors and get that perfect creamy consistency.

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe

cranberry chicken salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish this salad with a sprinkle of more chopped fresh dill or a few whole walnut halves for a pretty touch. Sometimes a little extra orange zest on top brings a fresh citrus aroma that’s hard to resist. These simple garnishes add that “wow” factor and showcase the main flavors.

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, I pair this cranberry chicken salad with a crisp green salad or lightly buttered whole grain bread. Sweet potato chips or a crunchy veggie slaw also make great companions, adding extra texture and color to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this salad stuffed inside ripe avocado halves or scooped onto endive leaves for a pretty appetizer. Another fun idea is using colorful mini bell peppers as edible cups; it always impresses guests and keeps portions tidy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It usually stays fresh for up to three days, and I give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because the mayonnaise and fresh veggies change texture after thawing, so I wouldn’t recommend freezing it. Instead, try to consume within a few days or make smaller batches.

Reheating

Since this salad is served cold, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you want warm chicken salad, I suggest mixing the ingredients fresh and warming just the chicken beforehand, then combining just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cooked turkey for chicken in this salad. Turkey pairs wonderfully with the cranberries, walnuts, and dill, offering a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.

How long does Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, the texture may start to break down, and the salad won’t taste as vibrant, so it’s best eaten within that window.

Can I make this salad ahead for a party?

Absolutely! Making the salad ahead allows the flavors to meld and deepens the taste. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a stir before serving to freshen it up.

What’s a good alternative to walnuts if I have a nut allergy?

If you need a nut-free version, try substituting toasted pumpkin seeds or roasted chickpeas for crunch. Both add texture without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

I honestly think this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe has all the elements I look for in a great salad—flavor complexity, textural contrast, and ease of making. It feels fresh and bright, but also comforting and satisfying. Give it a try next time you want something easy yet special to serve, and I bet you’ll keep this one in your regular rotation too.