If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing, tasty lunch or a light dinner, you’ll absolutely want to try this Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe. I absolutely love how the sweet cranberries and crunchy celery play off the creamy, tangy dressing—it’s a combo that just wakes up your taste buds! Whether you’re packing a picnic or feeding a family, this salad feels fancy but is so simple to pull together. Keep reading and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail it every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Harmony: The sweet cranberries and toasted pine nuts balance perfectly with savory chicken for an irresistible bite.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal chopping and no cooking required if you have pre-cooked chicken.
Versatile Serving Options: Works beautifully in sandwiches, on crisp apples, or scooped onto greens for a light meal.
Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this salad, and I bet yours will too!

The image shows two croissants on a blue plate placed on a white marbled surface. One croissant is whole with a golden-brown, flaky texture. The other croissant is open and filled with a creamy salad made of small white chicken pieces, chopped celery, dried dark cranberries, sunflower seeds, and light beige dressing, layered inside the croissant’s light and flaky interior. In the background, there is a metal bowl filled with more of the salad, and some green onions and an additional croissant are blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Chicken Salad, Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe, Easy Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Healthy Cranberry Chicken Salad, Refreshing Chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together in harmony. I always recommend getting the freshest celery for maximum crunch and using good-quality dried cranberries—make sure they’re the sweetened kind so they contrast nicely with the savory mustard.

Flat lay of cooked chicken breast chopped into bite-sized pieces, a sliced celery stalk with bright green ribs, thinly sliced green onions showing white and green sections, a small white bowl filled with glossy sweet dried cranberries, a small white bowl containing toasted golden pine nuts, a small white bowl of creamy pale mayonnaise, a small white bowl holding smooth Dijon mustard, a small white bowl with coarse salt crystals, and a small white bowl with freshly ground black pepper 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 awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Cranberry Chicken Salad, Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe, Easy Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Healthy Cranberry Chicken Salad, Refreshing Chicken Salad

Cooked chicken breast: Use leftover roasted chicken or poach fresh breasts and chill for best texture.
Celery stalk: Gives a crisp, fresh crunch that complements the creaminess.
Green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad.
Sweetened, dried cranberries: Brings that signature sweet-tart pop, essential for balance.
Pine nuts: Toast these lightly to deepen their nutty flavor; you can easily swap with pecans or almonds.
Mayonnaise: Choose your favorite brand or homemade mayo for a creamy base.
Dry mustard powder or Dijon mustard: A little mustard adds tang and depth; adjust to your taste.
Coarse salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors.

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.

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on what I have in the fridge or the occasion. Feel free to personalize this Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe to suit your mood or dietary needs. It’s really forgiving and flexible!

Nut Swap: Instead of pine nuts, I’ve used toasted pecans or even almonds, which gives a different but equally delicious crunch.
Dressing Swap: For a lighter version, try substituting half the mayo with Greek yogurt—it adds tang and reduces calories.
Fresh Herbs: I sometimes add chopped fresh parsley or dill for a bright note.
Low Carb Serving: Serve the salad over mixed greens or in lettuce wraps instead of bread or croissants.

How to Make Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by slicing the celery into thin pieces and chopping the green onions finely—this works so much better than just rough chopping because it spreads the flavors evenly. Next, chop your cooked chicken into bite-size pieces or shred if you prefer a softer texture. Take a few minutes to toast the pine nuts in a dry pan until they’re golden and fragrant—this step really elevates the salad and is 100% worth it.

Step 2: Combine Everything in a Bowl

Put the chopped chicken, celery, green onions, dried cranberries, and toasted pine nuts in a big mixing bowl. In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise with the dry mustard powder or Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients, then stir everything gently until it’s evenly combined. Don’t overmix or you’ll lose the texture.

Step 3: Chill and Adjust

Refrigerate your salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This isn’t just for cooling down—the resting time really lets the flavors marry and intensify. Before serving, give it a quick taste and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. I sometimes add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness if it feels too mellow.

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Toast Your Nuts: Toasting pine nuts isn’t just fancy; it really deepens their flavor and adds a gentle crunch that brings this salad to life.
Use Fresh, Crisp Celery: I learned that watery, limp celery completely changes the texture—choose firm stalks for the best crunch.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Give the salad at least 30 minutes in the fridge so the flavors meld beautifully—you’ll notice the difference!
Balance Seasonings Gradually: Add salt and mustard slowly and taste as you go to prevent overpowering the delicate flavors.

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

The image shows a croissant sandwich on a white plate set on a white marble surface. The croissant is golden brown and flaky, split open and filled with a creamy chicken salad. The chicken salad filling has visible chunks of white chicken meat, chopped green celery, dried dark red cranberries, and small pine nuts, all mixed in a light creamy dressing. The sandwich is centered in the image with a blurred background showing a metal bowl with more chicken salad. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Chicken Salad, Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe, Easy Chicken Salad with Cranberries, Healthy Cranberry Chicken Salad, Refreshing Chicken Salad

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few extra toasted pine nuts on top just before serving—it’s such a lovely touch. Sometimes, I add a few fresh parsley leaves or even a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny drizzle of honey over the top highlights the cranberries’ sweetness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with crunchy bread or buttery croissants when served as a sandwich. On lighter days, I serve it alongside a crisp green salad or sliced cucumber. For picnics, it’s great with simple chips or veggie sticks—the contrast in textures and flavors keeps everyone happy.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served this cranberry chicken salad stuffed inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers for a pretty party appetizer—it was a hit! You can also spoon it over butter lettuce leaves as elegant lettuce cups or arrange it on apple slices for a low-carb and colorful snack everyone loved.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad keeps its texture well, but I suggest adding any extra nuts or crunchy garnishes just before eating so they don’t get soggy.

Freezing

Honestly, I don’t recommend freezing this salad because the mayo and celery can separate or get mushy after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to use leftover chicken warm, make a fresh batch of the salad dressing and mix it with the warm chicken just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut here—just shred or chop it into bite-size pieces. Using pre-cooked chicken makes this recipe super quick, especially for busy days.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?

Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute if you want a lighter salad with a bit of tang. You can also do a mix of half mayo and half yogurt to keep creaminess but lower fat content.
How long can I store cranberry chicken salad in the fridge?

It keeps great for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute any dressing that settles at the bottom.
Can I prepare cranberry chicken salad ahead of time for a party?

Yes! I actually recommend making it a few hours in advance or even the day before—it tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight, just keep it refrigerated. Add crunchy toppings just before serving for the best texture.
Are there any nuts I can avoid if allergies are a concern?

Definitely. If pine nuts or other nuts are a concern, you can omit them entirely or substitute with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds to keep the crunch and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe has become one of my go-to meals because it’s quick, satisfying, and just downright delicious. I remember the first time I made it for a family lunch and everyone kept sneaking back for seconds—it’s a real crowd-pleaser. You’re going to enjoy how easy it is to whip up this salad with ingredients you likely have on hand. Give it a try soon—I promise it will be a new favorite in your recipe rotation.