Nothing beats the cozy, colorful burst of flavors in this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe. It's fresh, creamy, and packed with textures that make lunchtime really special—perfect for gatherings or a simple weekday treat.

A sandwich is shown on a white round plate with green stripes, placed on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has two slices of soft, light brown bread. On the bottom slice, a single layer of fresh green lettuce leaves is visible. On top of the lettuce, there is a thick layer of creamy chicken salad mixed with small pieces of celery, dried cranberries, and finely chopped herbs, giving it white, light green, and dark red colors with a creamy texture. The top slice of bread is tilted to reveal the filling. In the background, there is a large white bowl with more chicken salad and a striped cloth with green, yellow, and red colors. 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

I love making this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe because it perfectly balances sweet, savory, and crunchy with minimal effort. It’s a dish that feels homemade yet elegant, and it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time.

Perfect balance of flavors: The tart cranberries and bright orange zest contrast beautifully with tender chicken and creamy mayo.
Crunch factor: Walnuts add that irresistible nuttiness and texture that brings this salad to life.
Versatile and easy to prepare: Great for sandwiches, wraps, or straight off a salad bed—plus, it uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Make ahead friendly: It actually tastes better after a little chill time, making it ideal for meal prep or last-minute guests.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe plays a part in creating a vibrant and satisfying dish. From the crunchy celery to the fresh dill, here’s why they all come together so nicely.

Flat lay of chopped cooked chicken arranged in a neat pile, a small bunch of whole scallions with green and white ends, celery stalks sliced into thin crescent pieces, a small mound of dried cranberries, chopped walnuts scattered loosely, fresh sprigs of dill, a small heap of bright orange zest, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy mayonnaise, and two whole brown eggs placed symmetrically — all ingredients fresh and natural, displayed on simple white ceramic bowls and dishes, 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: Tender, shredded or chopped chicken is the star, giving the salad its hearty base; leftover roasted chicken works wonders here.
Scallions: Adds a mild oniony crunch with fresh green flavor; both white and green parts add depth.
Celery: Classic for chicken salad, celery’s crisp texture keeps every bite interesting.
Dried cranberries: Their natural tartness and chewiness balance the creamy mayo and savory chicken beautifully.
Walnuts (or pecans): Toasted or raw, these nuts provide rich, earthy crunch and healthy fats.
Fresh dill: This herb adds a bright, almost citrusy note that lifts the whole salad.
Orange zest: A tiny punch of sweetness and aroma that really elevates the flavor profile.
Mayonnaise: Creamy binder that melds all ingredients together without weighing them down.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.

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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 like to switch up the nuts depending on what I have—sometimes toasted pecans for a little sweeter note. You can also toss in some chopped apples or grapes to add a juicy twist that’s fantastic in the summer.

Nuts swap: I tried almonds once and really enjoyed the crunchy texture, but walnuts remain my favorite for their earthy depth.
Low mayo version: For a lighter take, I mix half mayo and half Greek yogurt—it still holds together well and tastes creamy but not heavy.
Herbs: If you’re not a fan of dill, fresh parsley or tarragon can be delicious alternatives that keep the herbaceous brightness.
Fruit options: Adding diced apples or even pineapple brings a playful sweetness that kids especially love.

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

Step 1: Gather and prep your ingredients

Start by chopping your cooked chicken into bite-size pieces, then roughly chop the scallions and slice the celery thinly. I find prepping everything first helps the mixing go smoothly and ensures even flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Mix the base ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, scallions, celery, cranberries, walnuts, dill, and orange zest. Give everything a good stir—this step is key to distributing those fresh flavors like dill and zest evenly, so you don’t find a clump in any one bite.

Step 3: Add mayonnaise and season

Now, dollop in the mayonnaise and gently fold it into your mixture. Don’t overmix—just enough so everything gets a nice coating. Then, taste and season with salt and pepper. I always start with less salt and add a pinch more until it’s just right for my palate.

Step 4: Chill and serve

Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld and the mayo firm up the texture, making the chicken salad all the more delicious.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little things that make this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe truly shine. These tips help you avoid common pitfalls and get the best flavor and texture every time.

Prep chicken thoughtfully: Using leftover roasted chicken or even rotisserie chicken with a bit of skin removed adds quick flavor without extra salt.
Distribute herbs evenly: Mix dill and orange zest with other solid ingredients before adding mayo; it prevents flavor clumps.
Don’t overmix: Fold mayo gently to keep the salad light and avoid turning it mushy.
Chill well: Waiting at least 30 minutes allows flavors to marry and boosts the salad’s overall delight.

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe

cranberry chicken salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts on top right before serving for added crunch and a pop of visual appeal. Sometimes fresh dill sprigs or a little extra orange zest brighten it up too.

Side Dishes

Pair this salad with crusty bread or inside a toasted sandwich bun. I also love serving it alongside a crisp green salad or sweet potato chips for a well-rounded meal that’s satisfying and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

For special get-togethers, I like setting it out in an edible bread bowl or stuffing inside avocado halves. Mini lettuce wraps are also a fresh, fun way to serve individual portions that guests adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The salad holds up beautifully, though walnuts might soften slightly; I just add a handful of toasted nuts fresh when serving again.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this salad because mayo and the fresh ingredients don’t thaw well. It loses texture and can get watery. Best to enjoy fresh or refrigerated within a few days.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn't necessary. If you want warm chicken salad, I suggest separately warming the chicken and mixing in the other ingredients after warming.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use precooked or leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is a wonderful way to use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken, which saves time and adds great flavor. Just make sure the chicken is chopped into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.

What can I substitute for walnuts if I have allergies?

If you’re allergic to walnuts, pecans are a great substitute with a similar flavor and crunch. Alternatively, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds provide a nice crunch without nuts. Just toast them lightly to bring out their best flavor.

Is there a way to make this chicken salad healthier?

Yes! You can use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt to reduce fat and add protein without sacrificing creaminess. Also, adding extra celery or apples can boost fiber and add nutrients.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Definitely! This salad tastes even better after chilling for at least 30 minutes. You can prepare it a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge—it keeps well for up to three days.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it’s simple, flavorful, and always welcomes smiles around the table. Whether you’re nourishing your family or impressing guests, it has that perfect homemade touch you’ll appreciate. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to chicken salad!