There's something so satisfying about a dish that perfectly blends sweet, savory, and crunchy textures—like this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe. It's an all-time favorite in my kitchen, offering a refreshing twist on classic chicken salad that's equally perfect for cozy lunches or casual get-togethers.

A sandwich with two thick slices of light brown bread, the bottom slice topped with a layer of fresh green lettuce leaves. On top of the lettuce, there is a thick, chunky chicken salad layer mixed with small pieces of celery, dark red dried cranberries, and green herbs, all coated in creamy white dressing. The top bread slice is slightly tilted, resting partly on the chicken salad. The sandwich is placed on a white plate with light green stripes, sitting on a white marbled surface, with a large white bowl of more chicken salad blurred in the background. 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 is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug but with a zesty pop. I adore how the tart cranberries and fresh dill brighten up the creamy mayo, while the walnuts add a delightful crunch—it’s such an inviting combo that everyone asks for seconds.

Perfect Balance: The tang from dried cranberries and zest of orange gives it a refreshing zing that lifts the traditional chicken salad vibes.
Texture Play: Crunchy walnuts paired with crisp celery create a satisfying bite every single time.
Super Versatile: Whether you're packing lunches, prepping for a potluck, or just craving a fresh salad, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.
Simple to Put Together: With just a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal prep, you’re minutes away from a crowd-pleasing dish.

A sandwich sits on a white plate with light green stripes, placed on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has two slices of soft, light brown bread with a smooth texture. Inside there is one green leaf of lettuce at the bottom, topped with a creamy mixture that is pale beige with small pieces of green celery, red cranberries, and fresh green herbs visible. In the top-left corner of the image, there is a large white bowl filled with more of the creamy mixture. Next to the plate is a striped cloth with shades of green, yellow, and orange. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe lies in the thoughtful mix of ingredients. Each one plays a role—some bringing flavor, others adding texture or freshness—and together they create a well-rounded dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Flat lay of chopped cooked chicken pieces, a small mound of sliced green and white scallions, a heap of thinly sliced celery sticks, a small pile of plump dried cranberries, chopped walnuts scattered artfully, a few sprigs of fresh dill, a small white bowl with creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl holding bright orange zest, and two whole uncracked brown eggs, all arranged symmetrically on simple white ceramic dishes and bowls, placed 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: I love using leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie for quick prep and rich flavor.
Scallions (green and white ends): Adds a mild onion brightness that’s less overpowering than raw onion.
Celery: Brings a crisp, watery crunch that balances the creamy dressing perfectly.
Dried cranberries: Offer a sweet-tart pop that’s essential for contrast and visual appeal.
Walnuts (or pecans): Toasted or raw, these nuts add earthiness and a lovely crunch.
Fresh dill: It’s such a fresh herb that uplifts the entire salad with its aromatic flavor.
Orange zest: I always add this because it adds subtle citrus notes without the acidity of juice.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything while adding richness—feel free to use light mayo if you prefer.
Salt and pepper: To season and enhance every element.

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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

What’s fun about the Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe is how much you can personalize it, making each version truly your own. I often tweak it based on what I have on hand, and I encourage you to do the same—you’ll find little twists that become favorites quickly.

Variation: I sometimes swap walnuts for pecans or even sliced almonds depending on my mood or pantry. Pecans add a buttery sweetness that pairs beautifully too.
Dietary swaps: To lighten it up, try Greek yogurt mixed with mayo or avocado instead of mayonnaise—just adjust the seasoning carefully.
Seasonal tweaks: Add chopped apples or pear in autumn for extra crunch and natural sweetness.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients with Love

Start by chopping your cooked chicken into bite-size pieces. I usually pick apart leftover chicken breasts or thighs—I love mixing white and dark meat here. Then chop scallions, celery, and dill fresh from my garden or store. Get your dried cranberries and walnuts ready—if you like, give the walnuts a quick toast in a dry pan for extra nutty flavor before chopping them roughly.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients First

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chicken, scallions, celery, cranberries, walnuts, dill, and orange zest. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps spread the dill and zest evenly so you don’t get clumps of herb or bursts of citrus in just one bite.

Step 3: Fold in the Mayonnaise Gently

Add the mayonnaise to your bowl and gently fold it through the mixture. I try to coat everything evenly but without mashing or over-mixing. This keeps the texture fresh and crisp. At this point, taste your salad and add salt and pepper little by little—you can always adjust seasoning later but it’s best not to overdo it.

Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Marry

Cover your cranberry chicken salad and pop it into the fridge for at least an hour before serving. I find chilling lets the flavors blend beautifully so every forkful tastes bright and balanced.

Top Tip

This recipe is simple but rewarding when you pay attention to how you manage textures and seasoning. I’ve learned a few tricks over time that make a big difference and want to share these so your salad shines as much as mine does every time.

Even Distribution: Mixing dry ingredients before mayo makes sure the dill and orange zest don’t clump, giving a consistent taste throughout.
Toast Nuts for Depth: Toasting walnuts briefly intensifies their flavor and adds a lovely warmth that pairs well with the cranberries.
Season Gradually: Mayo adds creaminess but can mask saltiness—add salt and pepper in small amounts, tasting as you go.
Chill Time Is Key: Give the salad time to rest so the flavors develop fully. I've found it tastes even better the next day!

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe

cranberry chicken salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts and a light dusting of fresh dill on top just before serving—it’s pretty and adds a fresh aroma. Sometimes a few extra dried cranberries scattered on top make it inviting and colorful.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or in a flaky croissant for sandwiches. I also enjoy it alongside simple green salads or a bowl of homemade soup—a match that feels both light and filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to present the cranberry chicken salad inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers or atop endive leaves for elegant finger food. It also makes a great filling for wraps or stuffed tomatoes, adding a pop of color to any spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I find it stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks midweek. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because mayo and celery don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing—it can become watery and limp. Best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.

Reheating

This recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so I usually let it come to room temp out of the fridge before serving. If you want to warm the chicken first, do so separately, then mix in the other ingredients fresh to keep textures crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in this salad?

Fresh cranberries are very tart and quite firm, so they may overpower the salad and alter the texture. Dried cranberries bring balanced sweetness and chewiness that complement the creamy dressing and nuts better.

What type of mayonnaise works best?

Regular or light mayonnaise works fine, depending on your preference. You can also blend mayo with Greek yogurt to lighten the salad while keeping creaminess. Just taste as you go to get the balance right.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

To make it dairy-free, this recipe naturally contains no dairy, but be sure to check your mayo brand. For a vegan version, substitute chicken for a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu, and use vegan mayonnaise.

Can I prepare this salad a day ahead?

Absolutely! Making it ahead of time actually helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it covered and chilled in the fridge, and stir gently before serving.

Final Thoughts

I keep coming back to this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe because it’s not just delicious—it’s comforting in the best way possible. Whenever I make it, friends compliment the bright, fresh flavors that feel thoughtful yet effortless. Give it a try and soon you’ll have your own favorite go-to for lunches and gatherings that’s both easy and unforgettable.