Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices
Looking for a refreshing twist on classic chicken salad? This Cranberry Chicken Salad served over crisp apple slices is sweet, savory, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or creating a healthy holiday appetizer, this simple cranberry chicken salad recipe is the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
PrintCranberry Chicken Salad
A sweet and savory chicken salad with cranberries, pecans, and celery, served on apple slices for a crunchy, refreshing bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Appetizer / Lunch
Ingredients
2 cooked chicken breast halves, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped roasted pecans
1/3 cup thinly sliced celery
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
1/3 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 to 3 medium apples, sliced into thin rounds

Instructions
In a large bowl, combine chopped chicken, dried cranberries, pecans, and celery.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and curry powder. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir until evenly coated.
Arrange the apple slices neatly on a serving tray.
Finish by layering a small mound of the salad atop every apple round.
Serve immediately or refrigerate briefly before serving for a cool, crisp bite.
Notes
Feel free to use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter version.
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: Approximately 280 per serving
Keywords: Cranberry Chicken Salad, cooked chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, plain greek yogurt, dried cranberries, dried dill weed, dijon mustard, green apple, sour cream, red grapes, pine nuts, celery
Let’s connect! Follow me for more Joylicious Recipes: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest
Cranberry Chicken Salad FAQs
Absolutely! Dried cranberries add a delicious sweet-tart flavor and chewy texture that balances the savory chicken.
It typically includes chicken, mayo, celery, dried cranberries, and walnuts—similar to this cranberry chicken salad with pecans.
Enhance flavor with lemon juice, fresh herbs, crunchy nuts, or a touch of spice like curry powder.
Yes, but they are quite tart. Most prefer dried cranberries for better balance in flavor.
It’s a personal preference. Mayo offers a richer taste, while Miracle Whip adds tangy sweetness.
Avoid overmixing, using under-seasoned chicken, or adding too much dressing which can make it soggy.
Lemon juice brightens the flavor and helps balance the richness of mayo and sour cream.
The key is balance—combining savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements in just the right proportions.
Delicious Chicken Salad Recipes You’ll Love
Give this flavorful spin a try: Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe
Need a hearty option? Check out Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Craving bold flavors? You’ll enjoy our Flavorful Chinese Chicken Salad
For spice lovers: Chopped Chicken Salad Chipotle
Sweet and crisp? Try the Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad
Tex-Mex craving? Go for Santa Fe Salad with Chicken
Cook your chicken to perfection: Oven Roasted Boneless Chicken Thighs
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Chicken Salad recipe is not only easy to prepare but also endlessly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, packing lunch, or snacking smart, this healthy cranberry chicken salad recipe hits the spot. Make it once, and it could easily become your favorite!
