The Perfect Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad for a Delicious Lunch

Sometimes, the most satisfying meals are the simple classics done right. That’s exactly what we’re making today: a timeless cranberry walnut chicken salad that is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crunchy. It’s a reliable favorite that’s elegant enough for a special occasion but easy enough for a quick weekday lunch.

This isn’t just a simple mix of ingredients; it’s a harmony of textures and flavors. We’ll be combining tender shredded chicken and crisp celery with the delightful chew of sweet dried cranberries and the earthy, robust crunch of toasted walnuts.

A creamy, tangy dressing made with a touch of Dijon mustard and fresh parsley brings it all together, creating a chicken salad that is anything but boring.

This is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and even more delicious to eat. Let’s get mixing!

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Here’s a quick look at how easily this elegant and flavorful salad comes together.

Ingredients

This classic chicken salad comes together with a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients.

• Shredded Cooked Chicken – A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and provides wonderfully moist meat. You can also use any leftover cooked and shredded chicken.
  • 3 servings: 2 cups
  • 6 servings: 4 cups
• Celery: 2-3 ribs, finely chopped for a fresh, savory crunch.
• Scallions (Green Onions): 3-4, thinly sliced, for a mild onion flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: ½ cup.
• Toasted Walnuts: ½ cup, coarsely chopped.

For the Creamy Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: 1 cup. For the best flavor, use a high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp, freshly squeezed.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tbsp.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp, finely chopped.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

The Flavor Architects A Look at the Ingredients

• Dried Cranberries: These provide essential pops of tart sweetness and a pleasant chewy texture that beautifully contrasts with the savory chicken.
• Toasted Walnuts: These bring an earthy richness and a robust, satisfying crunch that stands up to the creamy dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: This is the secret weapon in the dressing, adding a sharp, tangy, and complex flavor that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a crucial touch of bright, fresh acidity that lifts all the other flavors and keeps the salad from feeling heavy.
• Celery & Scallions: These are the foundational savory and crunchy elements, providing a fresh, aromatic base that is classic to any chicken salad.

Essential Tools

This is a simple mix-and-serve recipe that requires no special equipment.

• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula or large spoon
• Whisk
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Dry skillet for toasting nuts

Cooking Instructions

This elegant salad is a simple, no-cook assembly that comes together in just a few easy steps, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Step 1: Toast the Walnuts

This is a quick but essential step that dramatically improves the flavor and texture of the walnuts. Place the chopped walnuts in a small, dry skillet over medium heat.

Toast them for 3-5 minutes, tossing them frequently, until they become very fragrant and darken slightly. Be sure to watch them closely, as walnuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of seconds. Immediately remove them from the hot pan and set them aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Dressing

While the walnuts are cooling, you can prepare the simple yet delicious dressing. In a large mixing bowl—the same one you’ll use for the entire salad—combine the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.

Add the finely chopped fresh parsley. Whisk all the ingredients together until the dressing is completely smooth, creamy, and well-combined. Season the dressing with a good pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

To the bowl containing your prepared dressing, add the shredded chicken, the finely chopped celery, and the thinly sliced scallions. Use a large spatula to gently fold all of the ingredients together.

Continue to mix until every piece of chicken and vegetable is evenly and generously coated in the creamy Dijon dressing. Use a gentle folding motion to keep the pieces of shredded chicken intact.

Step 4: Fold in the Stars and Chill

Once the base of the salad is mixed, add the dried cranberries and the cooled, toasted walnuts to the bowl. Gently fold them into the chicken salad until they are just evenly distributed throughout.

For the absolute best flavor, cover the bowl and allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This brief chilling period gives the dried cranberries a chance to soften slightly and allows all the wonderful flavors to meld.

Recipe Variations

This classic recipe is a perfect template for your own delicious additions.

• Add Some Fruit: For an extra touch of sweetness and a juicy crunch, try adding ½ cup of halved red grapes or a finely chopped apple (like a Gala or Fuji).
• Different Nuts: Toasted pecans or slivered almonds would be a fantastic substitute for the walnuts.
• Creamier Base: For an even richer and tangier dressing, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry walnut chicken salad is wonderfully versatile and can be served in many elegant ways.

• Classic Croissant Sandwich: Serve a generous scoop on a large, flaky, buttery croissant with a leaf of butter lettuce for the ultimate sandwich experience.
• On a Bed of Greens: For a beautiful and light lunch, serve a scoop of the chicken salad over a bed of fresh mixed greens, baby spinach, or arugula.
• With Crackers: Serve it as a simple and elegant appetizer in a bowl surrounded by a variety of your favorite sturdy crackers.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a fresh, low-carb option, spoon the salad into crisp butter lettuce or romaine hearts.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This salad is a fantastic make-ahead dish, perfect for meal prep.

• Storage: Store the cranberry walnut chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: This salad is designed to be eaten cold. Do not reheat it.
• Flavor Note: The flavors will continue to meld and improve overnight. If the salad seems a bit dry after a day or two in the fridge, you can stir in an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise to freshen it up and restore its creaminess.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of dried fruit?

Yes, this recipe is very flexible. If you don’t have dried cranberries, chopped dried cherries, golden raisins, or finely chopped dried apricots would all be delicious substitutes, each offering a slightly different sweet and tart flavor.

What is the best chicken to use for chicken salad?

For the best texture and flavor, a mix of white and dark meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken is ideal.

If you prefer to cook your own, poaching 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in seasoned water is a great way to ensure the meat is moist and tender.

Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely. This is a perfect make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

For the best texture, you may want to wait to stir in the toasted walnuts until just before you plan to serve it to ensure they stay crunchy.

Enjoy This Timeless Classic!

You are now ready to make a cranberry walnut chicken salad that is truly a cut above the rest. It’s the perfect combination of savory, sweet, crunchy, and creamy, and it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe collection.

I hope you love this elegant and incredibly delicious dish!