There’s something so comforting about the crisp sweetness of apples paired with tart cranberries and tender chicken. This Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe brings all those flavors together in a creamy, crunchy delight you’ll want to make again and again.

A sandwich on a soft and golden-brown round bun with a slightly cracked top. The bottom layer holds fresh, bright green lettuce leaves with curly edges. Above the lettuce is a creamy salad filling made of white chunks, possibly chicken or cheese, mixed with small brown nut pieces and some reddish bits, all coated in a light, creamy dressing. The top half of the bun rests lightly on the filling. The sandwich sits on a white plate lined with white paper, placed on a white marbled surface. 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

I remember the first time I made this Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe—how the sweet fruit and crunchy pecans changed my usual chicken salad game. It’s fresh, easy, and just the right balance of creamy and tangy, perfect for lunches or light dinners.

Fresh Flavor Combo: The mix of apple and cranberry adds a lively sweetness that brightens up every bite.
Simple & Quick: You can throw this together in just 20 minutes with pantry staples and leftover chicken.
Crunch & Creaminess: Toasted pecans and celery give a satisfying crunch while mayo blends it all smoothly.
Versatile Serving Options: Great on sandwiches, salads, or even lettuce wraps for a healthy twist.

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with a creamy mixture of shredded white meat chicken mixed with small cubes of pale green celery, light yellow apple pieces, and chopped brown pecans. The creamy texture binds the ingredients, making the salad look thick and chunky. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the left side. The background shows a soft white cloth, adding a cozy feel to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a role in creating a balanced and flavorful chicken salad. I always recommend choosing crisp apples and fresh celery for texture, plus the dried cranberries are key to adding that tangy pop that complements the chicken perfectly.

Flat lay of cooked shredded chicken piled neatly, a small mound of finely diced red and green apple pieces, a handful of glossy toasted pecans, small white ceramic bowl with finely diced pale green celery, a small white bowl filled with plump dried cranberries, a small white bowl containing creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl holding bright fresh lemon juice, a few sprigs of fresh green parsley, a small pile of coarse salt crystals, a small heap of black peppercorns, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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: Use leftover roasted, poached, or rotisserie chicken cubed or shredded for tender protein.
Apple: Choose a crisp variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for sweetness and crunch.
Toasted pecans: Toast them lightly to bring out the nutty flavor and add texture.
Celery: Finely diced for a refreshing crunch that lightens the rich mayo.
Dried cranberries: These add a burst of tart sweetness that livens the salad.
Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand or try a light mayo for creaminess that binds everything.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds acidity that brightens the flavors and keeps apple slices from browning.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the sweetness.
Fresh herbs (optional): Tarragon, dill, or parsley bring an extra layer of freshness.

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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

Personally, I love tweaking this Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe based on what I have on hand or the season. You should definitely feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or try different herbs for a fresh spin.

Nut Swap: I’ve swapped pecans for walnuts or almonds and still loved the crunch and flavor.
Herbs: Fresh dill gives it a bright, slightly tangy taste, whereas parsley keeps it classic and fresh.
Mayo Alternatives: Greek yogurt or avocado mayo work great if you want a lighter, tangier dressing.

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

Step 1: Gather and Prep All Ingredients

I always start by prepping my ingredients before tossing everything together. Cube or shred your cooked chicken, finely dice the apple and celery, and toast your pecans until fragrant. Having everything ready makes mixing a breeze and keeps the process fun and stress-free.

Step 2: Combine the Mix-Ins in a Large Bowl

Dump the chicken, apples, celery, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries into a big mixing bowl. This is where all the beautiful colors and textures start coming together—always makes me smile.

Step 3: Make the Dressing and Mix It In

Add mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and herbs if you’re using them. Stir everything gently, then taste. Depending on how creamy you like it, add an extra tablespoon or two of mayo. Remember, it’s easier to add more than try to fix a dry salad!

Step 4: Taste-Test and Adjust Seasoning

This step can’t be skipped. Taste for salt, pepper, and tanginess. Sometimes a splash more lemon juice or a pinch of salt really wakes the flavors up. Trust your palate here—it knows best.

Step 5: Serve or Chill

I often dig in right away, but this salad tastes great chilled too. Serve on fresh bread, in crisp lettuce cups, or alongside your favorite greens.

Top Tip

From my experience making this salad for potlucks and family lunches, here's what has helped me get it just right every time.

Toast Nuts Beforehand: Toasting pecans really amplifies their flavor and adds a warm crunch that freshens the salad.
Use Fresh Citrus Juice: I always squeeze fresh lemon instead of bottled—trust me, it makes a noticeable difference.
Don’t Overdo the Mayo: Start with less and add more slowly; it’s easier to add creaminess than to fix an overly wet chicken salad.
Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad rest for at least 30 minutes helps flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this salad, a few fresh herbs sprinkled on top always brighten it. I love a little fresh parsley or even thinly sliced green onions to add a pop of color and mild bite.

Side Dishes

This chicken salad shines with simple sides like a quinoa salad, fresh fruit, or crunchy vegetable sticks. I often pair it with a light soup or a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like to spoon this salad into mini phyllo cups or serve it atop cucumber rounds for bite-sized elegance. It’s a definite crowd-pleaser when presented as pretty finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 4 days. I find the flavors deepen after a day, so leftovers are often better than the first round!

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this particular chicken salad because the apples and mayo-based dressing don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing—they can get soggy or separate.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so I usually let refrigerated leftovers sit out for 10-15 minutes before enjoying to take the chill off.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Canned chicken can be used in a pinch, but for the best texture and flavor, freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken is ideal. The salad benefits from tender, juicy pieces rather than the drier canned variety.

What type of apple works best in this Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe?

Crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they stay firm and add a nice sweet-tart crunch that complements the other ingredients.

Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and using vegan mayonnaise to keep it creamy. The apple and cranberry flavors are still delicious in this variation.

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

Stored in an airtight container, this chicken salad will stay fresh and tasty in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to give it a stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for its unbeatable combo of sweet, savory, and crunchy. Whether you’re packing lunch or hosting friends, it’s a refreshing, satisfying dish that never disappoints. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad too!