There’s something wonderfully fresh and cozy about this salad—combining crisp apples, tart cranberries, and tender chicken in a creamy dressing that just hits the spot. This Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe is one I keep coming back to, especially when I want a bright, easy meal that feels homemade yet special.

A sandwich on a soft, golden brown bun sits on a white plate with a sheet of white paper beneath it, all placed on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has three main layers: the bottom layer is fresh, bright green curly lettuce leaves; the middle layer is a creamy chicken salad mixed with chunks of white apple pieces and small brown nut bits, creating a varied texture; the top layer is the smooth, slightly cracked golden top bun resting neatly over the filling. The background is blurred with a soft white tone. 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 Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe has really become a staple in my kitchen because it balances sweet and savory in the most satisfying way. I love that it’s filling but not heavy, making it perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Plus, it’s so easy to toss together!

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tart cranberries and crisp apple make every bite exciting, while the chicken provides hearty protein.
Simple and Quick: You’ll have this salad ready in under 20 minutes, which is great for busy days.
Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap herbs or tweak mayo to match your taste or dietary needs.
Great for Meal Prep: It holds up well in the fridge for several days, making lunches or snacks a breeze.

A clear glass bowl filled with a creamy chicken salad that has three main layers: shredded white chicken pieces mixed with a smooth, white dressing as the base, mixed with small pale green celery slices and light yellow apple cubes scattered throughout, and topped with dark brown chopped nuts and reddish-brown dried cranberries adding texture and color contrast. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the left side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially visible on the left side photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a crucial role. The combination of crunchy apples and celery brings fresh texture, while dried cranberries add bursts of sweetness. Toasted pecans bring a warm nuttiness that compliments the creamy mayo dressing and tender chicken perfectly. Here’s why each one counts:

Flat lay of cooked and shredded chicken pieces, finely diced green apple cubes, a small pile of toasted pecans, finely diced celery stalks, dried cranberries, a small white bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl with fresh lemon juice, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of black pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley, 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

Chicken: Cooked and shredded or cubed, it’s the hearty, protein-packed base of the salad. Using leftover roasted chicken works beautifully here.
Apple: Opt for a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for that juicy crunch and natural sweetness.
Toasted Pecans: Toasting intensifies their flavor and adds irresistible crunch.
Celery: Adds a subtle freshness and extra texture that balances the creaminess.
Dried Cranberries: A tangy sweet bite that pairs perfectly with the apple.
Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess; you can adjust quantity to keep it your desired consistency.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances the flavors, keeping everything fresh tasting.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
Fresh Herbs (optional): Tarragon, dill, or parsley add a lovely herbal note if you have them on hand.

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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

I always like to play around with the herbs based on what I have in the fridge—sometimes swapping parsley for dill adds a lovely fresh twist. Also, if you prefer a lighter option, Greek yogurt mixed with mayo gives a nice tangy kick and cuts down on fat.

Variation: Adding a little Dijon mustard to the dressing ups the flavor complexity and gives a subtle zing—I first tried this when I was short on mayo, and it quickly became a favorite way to dress the salad.
Make it Paleo-Friendly: Skip the mayo or use avocado mayonnaise to keep it paleo-approved.
Seasonal Twist: Swap dried cranberries for fresh pomegranate seeds in winter for extra freshness and crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep All Your Ingredients

Start by making sure your chicken is cooked and cubed or shredded. I usually roast a couple of chicken breasts or use leftover rotisserie chicken. Dice the apples finely enough so they mix well but still stay crisp—about ¼ inch pieces are perfect. Toast your pecans lightly in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, but don’t let them burn. Chop the celery and herbs, if you’re using them.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, diced apple, toasted pecans, celery, and dried cranberries. Taking time to toast the nuts makes a real difference—you’ll notice a richer flavor and crunch.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing and Add Flavors

Add the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and herbs to the bowl. Stir everything gently so the ingredients get coated but the apple and nuts stay crunchy. Taste as you go, and add a bit more mayo if you want it creamier. Season with additional salt or pepper to your liking.

Top Tip

After making this Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned that the freshness of the apples and pecans dramatically impacts the final taste and texture. Here are four tips I follow to nail it every time:

Toast the Pecans: It deepens their flavor and ensures they add a satisfying crunch rather than going soft in the salad.
Choose Crisp Apples: Firmer apples hold up well without turning mushy, which keeps the salad lively and fresh.
Season Thoughtfully: I always taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper carefully—sometimes the dried cranberries add unexpected sweetness you want to balance.
Keep it Cold: Serve chilled or straight from the fridge—keeps flavors bright and the texture crisp.

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

apple cranberry chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of extra toasted pecans or chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant green pop. Sometimes, I toss on a few extra dried cranberries or a light dusting of cracked black pepper right before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to keep things light. For heartier meals, roasted sweet potatoes or a cup of vegetable soup are excellent companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I like using hollowed-out mini bell peppers or crisp romaine leaves as edible bowls. It’s fun, portable, and adds a fresh crunch. Sometimes, I pile it on toasted crostini for a fancy appetizer twist that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually stays fresh for about 4 days. The apples do soften a bit over time, so I recommend eating it sooner rather than later if you want that perfect crispness.

Freezing

In my experience, freezing this salad isn’t ideal because the apples and celery lose their texture when thawed. I’d suggest making a fresh batch instead to keep that lovely crunch intact.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If your chicken was cooked fresh and you want heated leftovers, heat the chicken separately and then toss with the rest of the chilled salad ingredients to avoid mushy apples.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different fruit instead of apple in this Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Pears work beautifully as a substitute and keep that sweet-crisp texture, but I recommend avoiding super soft fruits like bananas or peaches since they can get mushy in the salad.

How long does Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, this chicken salad will stay fresh for about 4 days. I suggest eating it within that timeframe as the apples and celery may start to soften after a few days.

Can I make this salad dairy-free or vegan?

You can easily make a dairy-free version by using a vegan mayonnaise. For a vegan twist, you’d need to swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu, and adjust seasoning accordingly. It won’t be quite the same but still tasty!

What’s the best type of mayo to use in this recipe?

I tend to use a good-quality, full-fat mayonnaise because it gives the best richness and creaminess. If you want something lighter, mix half mayo and half Greek yogurt—it brightens the flavor while keeping it creamy.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s both comforting and fresh — a combination that works wonders when you want something quick but satisfying. I hope you find yourself coming back to it as much as I do, whether for a busy weekday lunch or a laid-back weekend brunch. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll appreciate the simple joy of crunchy apples and tart cranberries dancing with creamy chicken in every bite.