There’s something undeniably cozy and fresh about the combination of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts in a creamy chicken salad. This Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe is a perfect balance of bright, savory, and sweet flavors — a real crowd-pleaser for lunches, picnics, or easy dinners.

A sandwich with two slices of golden brown bread, one slice resting slightly tilted on top, filled with a creamy chicken salad that has visible chunks of white chicken, small red dried cranberries, green celery pieces, and chopped herbs mixed in. Underneath the chicken salad, there is a crisp green lettuce leaf on the bottom slice of bread. The sandwich is placed on a white plate with green stripes, set on a white marbled surface. In the background, a large white bowl filled with more chicken salad and a green-striped cloth are partially visible. 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 have a soft spot for chicken salads that mix texture and flavor in a way that feels fresh but comforting — and this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts hits all the right notes. Plus, it comes together with minimal effort and makes for fantastic leftovers.

Sweet and tart cranberries: They give the salad a refreshing zing that brightens every bite.
Crunchy walnuts: Adding a satisfying texture contrast that complements the tender chicken perfectly.
Fresh dill and orange zest: Secret ingredients that elevate the flavor and keep it from being just “another chicken salad.”
Versatility: Great for sandwiches, wraps, or even served over greens — an easy crowd-pleaser anytime.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This salad is really about the harmony of a few simple ingredients that bring together creaminess, crunch, and bursts of flavor. Knowing a bit about why each element is there helps you get the best result — and maybe even customize it.

Flat lay of chopped cooked chicken breast piled neatly, a small mound of chopped green and white scallions, sliced celery sticks arranged in a fan, a delicate heap of dried cranberries with deep red hues, chopped walnuts with rich brown tones, fresh green sprigs of dill finely chopped, a bright orange zest twist, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy mayonnaise, and small white bowls of coarse salt and cracked black peppercorns placed symmetrically, all ingredients fresh and natural, 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

Chopped cooked chicken: The base — tender and mild, it soaks up the other flavors perfectly. You can use leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Chopped scallions: Adds a gentle oniony bite without overpowering the salad. Both green and white parts give nice balance.
Sliced celery: For that classic chicken salad crunch and a fresh note.
Dried cranberries: The star sweet-and-tart flavor that brightens the whole salad.
Chopped walnuts (or pecans): They add richness and crunch; walnuts are my favorite for their slightly bitter edge that pairs beautifully.
Fresh chopped dill: Gives an unexpected herbal lift that keeps this salad lively and fresh.
Orange zest: Tiny bits of zest add citrusy brightness that feels light and fragrant.
Mayonnaise: Binds everything together with creamy richness — I like using a good-quality mayo for the best flavor.
Salt and pepper: To taste — these seasonings bring all the elements into perfect harmony.

📝

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 how easy it is to tweak this salad depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. You might find your perfect combo by swapping out nuts, swapping mayo for Greek yogurt, or adding extra herbs for freshness.

Nut variation: I often swap walnuts for pecans or sliced almonds — each nut changes the texture and flavor subtly, so feel free to experiment.
Dressing swaps: Using half mayo and half plain Greek yogurt works wonders if you want a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
Herb twist: Adding a little chopped tarragon or parsley along with dill gives the salad a different fresh note I enjoy.
Fruit alternatives: Sometimes I try dried cherries instead of cranberries for a different sweet twist.

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-sized pieces, then chop the scallions, slice the celery, and roughly chop the walnuts. I always like to zest the orange first so I can toss it in quickly. Having everything prepped makes mixing the salad a breeze!

Step 2: Mix the Fresh Ingredients First

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, scallions, celery, cranberries, walnuts, dill, and orange zest. Stir gently but thoroughly. This ensures that the fresh herbs and citrus are evenly distributed and the flavors start to mingle before adding the mayo.

Step 3: Add the Mayonnaise and Season

Now fold in the mayonnaise until everything is coated well. Give the salad a taste and adjust with salt and pepper. I usually add a little extra black pepper for a subtle kick. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors marry before serving.

Top Tip

Over my years making this Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe, I’ve learned a few tips that make a big difference in the final dish — and I want to share them so you get the best result every time.

Use high-quality cooked chicken: Whether it's leftover roast or store-bought rotisserie, flavorful chicken really sets the foundation.
Don’t overdress the salad: Start with less mayo and add more only if needed to avoid a soggy texture.
Toast your walnuts: I sometimes toast the walnuts lightly in a dry pan to deepen their flavor and crunch.
Let it rest: Chill the salad before serving to let the flavors blend — it honestly tastes better the next day!

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra fresh dill on top before serving, and sometimes a few whole walnuts for decoration and crunch. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a spritz of fresh lemon juice also brightens things up beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crusty whole-grain bread, pita chips, or a crisp green salad. On warmer days, I often serve it with fresh fruit slices — apples or pears work especially well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun gathering, I’ve stuffed this chicken salad into avocado halves or hollowed-out tomatoes for an elegant, fresh presentation. Another favorite is serving it as sliders with arugula and cheddar on mini buns — always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cranberry chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh and flavorful for about 3 to 4 days. The flavor actually improves after a day or two as everything melds together wonderfully.

Freezing

This salad isn’t the best candidate for freezing because the mayo and fresh ingredients change texture when thawed. I recommend making it fresh or eating leftovers within a few days for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Since this is a cold chicken salad, I usually enjoy it straight from the fridge. If you prefer, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off, but avoid microwaving to keep the textures and flavors intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld beautifully. It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise in this recipe?

If you want a lighter or tangier version, swapping mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt or mixing half mayo and half yogurt works really well and keeps the creamy texture.

Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?

Yes, pecans, sliced almonds, or even pistachios make great alternatives. Each nut brings a different crunch and flavor, so feel free to experiment to your taste.

Is this salad good for sandwiches or wraps?

Definitely! It’s a classic filling for sandwiches and wraps, especially when paired with hearty bread or leafy greens. It also makes a delicious topping for a fresh green salad.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe is a little bit of comfort, a little bit of celebration all in one bowl. It’s stood the test of my busy weeknights and holiday gatherings alike, always bringing smiles and easy satisfaction. I can’t recommend it enough — once you try it, you’ll see why it’s one of my favorite go-to recipes to keep on hand. Give it a whirl, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!