Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad That’ll Be Your New Favorite Meal Prep

There’s a special kind of comfort in recipes that bring together flavor, texture, and heart. Cranberry walnut chicken salad does just that—and more. Whether you’re looking for a protein-packed lunch, a satisfying post-gym snack, or a quick dinner, this salad has got you covered. The combination of juicy shredded chicken, crunchy toasted walnuts, sweet dried cranberries, and a creamy, tangy dressing makes it irresistible. And the best part? It comes together in just 10 minutes.

If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of the fridge wondering what to do with leftover chicken or how to make a salad that actually excites you, this is the answer. This chicken salad with cranberries and walnuts is more than just a dish; it’s a go-to recipe you’ll keep returning to. Let’s dive into how you can make it a delicious staple in your kitchen too.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe

• It’s quick: Ready in just 10 minutes.
• It’s flavorful: A perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy.
• It’s versatile: Serve it in sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups.
• It’s meal prep-friendly: Great for lunchboxes or weeknight dinners.
• It’s wholesome: High in protein and satisfying.

Once you taste how all these elements come together in this chicken walnut cranberry salad, you’ll see why it’s become a beloved classic in many homes.

Ingredients for Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

To create this delicious cranberry walnut chicken salad recipe, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and pleasing in texture.

Ingredient Table

How to Make Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad (Step-by-Step)

Creating your own homemade chicken cranberry walnut salad couldn’t be easier. These steps guide you through making a fresh, flavorful dish you’ll want to prepare again and again.

Step 1: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:

• ¾ cup mayo
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Whisk until smooth and creamy. The blend of mayonnaise and yogurt creates a balanced base that’s not too heavy and not too tart.

Step 2: Prep Your Salad Ingredients

• Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Dice the celery and scallions finely.
• Toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to bring out their nutty flavor.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Shredded chicken
• Dried cranberries
• Toasted walnuts
• Celery
• Half the scallions

Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently fold until all the ingredients are well coated. You can adjust seasoning to taste at this point.

Step 4: Chill or Serve

You can serve this walnut cranberry chicken salad immediately, or cover and chill it for 30 minutes to let the flavors develop further. Either way, it’s delicious.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Cranberry Walnut Salad

• Toast the nuts: This small step adds depth and crunch.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish.
• Let it rest: If you have time, chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving.
• Shred, don’t chop: Shredding chicken helps absorb the dressing better.
• Taste and tweak: Always adjust seasoning to your preference.

Delicious Ways to Serve Chicken Walnut Cranberry Salad

This salad is so versatile that you can enjoy it in multiple ways:

• On a sandwich: Use croissants, ciabatta, or whole grain bread.
• In a wrap: Roll it up in a tortilla with fresh greens.
• As a dip: Serve with crackers or pita chips.
• On a bed of lettuce: A light and low-carb meal.
• In a stuffed avocado or tomato: Fancy and filling.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best parts of this cranberry walnut chicken salad recipe is how well it keeps.

• Store: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Meal prep: Divide into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
• Avoid freezing: Mayo-based salads don’t freeze well.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 555
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fat: 32g
• Sodium: 1066mg
• Sugar: 19g
• Fiber: 3g
• Cholesterol: 151mg

It’s a balanced meal that delivers protein, healthy fats, and just the right touch of sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Can I make cranberry walnut chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes! Making it a day ahead actually enhances the flavors. Store it in the fridge and give it a quick stir before serving.

What’s a good substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt, you can use sour cream or simply more mayo.

Is this chicken walnut cranberry salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It keeps well for several days and can be portioned out for easy lunches.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, especially around the holidays when you might have leftover turkey. It works just as well in this cranberry walnut chicken salad recipe.

How can I make it lighter?

Use light mayo, nonfat Greek yogurt, and reduce the amount of walnuts slightly to cut calories and fat.

Final Thoughts: Why Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation

When you want something quick, nutritious, and satisfying, it’s hard to beat this chicken salad with cranberries and walnuts. It’s flexible, full of flavor, and doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Plus, it tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for busy weekdays.

So grab some chicken, toast a few walnuts, and stir up a batch of this creamy, tangy, crunchy deliciousness. You’ll be so glad you did.

Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below to share how you served it or how you made it your own! And don’t forget to share it with a friend who loves easy and delicious meals.

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad That’ll Be Your New Favorite Meal Prep

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• Author: Chef Rina
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

This Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad combines tender shredded chicken, sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and crisp celery in a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over lettuce for a light and refreshing meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon garlic paste

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (or 2–3 cooked chicken breasts)

• ¾ cup dried cranberries

• ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted

• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

• 3 scallions, diced

• Green leaf lettuce, for serving

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Instructions

 

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic paste, salt, and pepper until smooth.

• Add the shredded chicken, cranberries, toasted walnuts, celery, and half of the scallions to the bowl. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

• Serve the chicken salad chilled on a bed of lettuce, or spoon it into sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups.

• Garnish with the remaining scallions and enjoy fresh, or chill in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salads

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 555
• Sugar: 19g
• Sodium: 1066mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0.02g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 151mg