cranberry chicken salad is a real lifesaver when you open the fridge and realize you’ve got leftover chicken but zero enthusiasm for reheating last night’s dinner. It’s got this sweet-tart thing from dried cranberries, plus crunch that always surprises me (in a good way). I mean, who doesn’t want a quick lunch that feels like something you’d order at a cute café, right? If you live for simple dishes but crave something different from plain chicken salad, you’ll probably love this. By the way, if you’re in the mood to experiment, you might wanna check out this bold and flavorful mexican chicken salad you’ll love or even this irresistible strawberry pretzel salad for your next gathering.

Recipe Notes, Tips & Tricks

First of all, don’t get fussy about how you cook your chicken. Rotisserie from the store? Perfect. Leftover grilled chicken? Even better. Heck, I’ve even used poached chicken when it’s all I had. The magic is in tossing everything together, so don’t overthink it.

Honestly, the trick to cranberry chicken salad is getting that balance of creamy and tangy. Use a big scoop of good-quality mayo (though, sometimes I sneak in a little Greek yogurt if I’m trying to be a tad healthier). A handful of chopped celery or even some crisp apples for extra crunch never hurt anyone.

Oh, and let your salad chill for a bit before you eat it. We’re talking at least 30 minutes for those flavors to get cozy. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.

This recipe saved lunch for my whole family. It’s now my go-to for potlucks and picnics. Love the zing from the cranberries!
—Sandy, real home cook

How to Serve Chicken Salad

So…what actually do you do with your cranberry chicken salad once it’s ready? Tons of options, but I’ll mention my top picks.

• Pile it high in a buttery croissant for the best sandwich ever.
• Spoon it onto romaine lettuce leaves if you’re feeling healthy-ish.
• Served with crackers alongside some cheese, it’s dinner in front of the TV at my house.
• Or (not kidding here) eat it straight from the bowl, cold, at midnight.

Mixing things up keeps it from getting old. And if you like warm food, quickly toast the bread or croissant for next-level yum.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Alright, let’s get real. You want the scoop on how “healthy” this cranberry chicken salad actually is. So per serving (which, honestly, depends if you’re a nibbler or a hearty-eater), you’re looking at roughly 320 calories, give or take. Protein is solid thanks to the chicken. You’ll get little bits of fiber from cranberries and celery. Fat comes mostly from mayo, but hey, nobody said salad has to be rabbit food.

If you swap in light mayo or Greek yogurt, that cuts down on the calories. Personally? Sometimes I do the half-and-half trick—half mayo, half yogurt. Still tastes rich. Keep the add-ins light and it won’t wreck your diet.

Oh, and just not to forget, there’s not too much sugar either, since dried cranberries don’t need a ton to add that sweetness. One thing’s for sure, it’s better than picking up fast food again.

Photos of Cranberry Chicken Salad

Let’s be honest—cranberry chicken salad isn’t always the prettiest girl at the lunch table…until you serve it up right. Want my advice? Sprinkle some extra cranberries and parsley on top. Boom—now it looks as good as it tastes. Trust me, having a few bright colors in there makes all the difference when you show up at the kitchen table (especially if you’re trying to trick your kids or picky hubs into eating something not covered in cheese).

Trying out new combos is fun, too. Sometimes I’ll add roasted pecans or walnuts for even more crunch, or slice a few grapes in there for an unexpected burst of sweetness. It’s all about making it look and taste just a little bit special, without breaking a sweat.

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you’re the adventurous type or just plain bored of your usual lunch, you’ve gotta check out these other easy-peasy favorites. This simple and delicious white chicken chili you’ll love is comfort in a bowl, especially on chilly days. Or hey, maybe you’re in the mood for a quick and easy teriyaki chicken and rice that you’ll love—as fast as takeout, but so much fresher.

I get bored easily, so I rotate recipes all week. If friends are coming over, I like to make savory crockpot chicken pasta a comforting one-pot meal ahead of time. These keep the whole week interesting, I swear.

Common Questions

Can I use canned chicken?
Absolutely—just drain well and fluff with a fork before mixing.

How long does cranberry chicken salad last in the fridge?
Three days is about the max for peak freshness, though it usually vanishes way faster around here.

What’s the best way to chop the chicken?
I like it chunky, but you can finely shred it if that’s more your speed.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Sure thing. Use a plant-based mayo and skip the yogurt option.

Is it freezer friendly?
Nah, not really. The mayo gets weird. Just make what you’ll eat in a couple days.

One Last Friendly Nudge to Try This

So that’s my two cents on this cranberry chicken salad. It checks every box in my book for easy and craveable food—creamy, tangy, sweet, crunchy, you name it. Next lunch emergency? You’re ready. And if you love the idea, you might also want to peek at deli-style cranberry chicken salad from Simply Whisked, ridiculously easy cranberry chicken salad on Sweet, Savory & Sassy, or Rachel’s cranberry chicken salad recipe for more inspiration. I honestly don’t think you’ll find an easier—and totally satisfying—go-to salad at home. Give it a try. You’ll be proud of yourself, promise.

Cranberry Chicken Salad

A quick and easy cranberry chicken salad that combines the sweetness of dried cranberries with crunchy veggies, perfect for a lunch or quick snack.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Lunch, Salad

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Salad Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped Use rotisserie, grilled, or poached chicken.
• 1 cup dried cranberries For sweetness.
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped Adds crunch.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise Use good-quality mayo.
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt Optional for a healthier option.
• 1 cup apple, diced For extra crunch (optional).
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped For garnish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, and chopped celery.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt (if using).
3. Add the mayo mixture to the chicken salad and mix until everything is well coated.
4. Fold in the diced apple if using.
5. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

Try serving it in a buttery croissant, over romaine lettuce, or with crackers and cheese. For a special touch, sprinkle with extra cranberries and parsley before serving.