There’s just something so comforting about the sweet crunch of apples combined with the tart pop of cranberries in a creamy chicken salad. This Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe has quickly become my go-to for lunches that feel both fresh and indulgent. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll see why.

A sandwich on a golden brown round bun with a slightly cracked top crust, filled with a layer of fresh green curly lettuce at the bottom, and a thick creamy mixture on top that includes white chunks, dark red bits, and small brown pieces, all sitting on a white plate lined with white paper against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this combo—it hits all the right notes with minimal effort, and it’s great for so many meals. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a last-minute dish to impress, this salad ticks all the boxes.

Perfect balance of flavors: The crisp apples and chewy cranberries provide a delightful contrast to tender chicken.
Quick and easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients, it comes together in about 20 minutes.
Versatile for any occasion: Use it in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or just on its own for a satisfying lunch.
Nutrient-packed: Loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it’s as nourishing as it is tasty.

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with a creamy salad that has several visible layers and textures. The base is white and creamy, mixed with chunks of pale white shredded chicken. Scattered throughout are small cubes of light green celery and pale yellow apple. There are also reddish-brown pecan pieces and red dried cranberries, adding color contrast and texture. A vintage silver spoon is placed inside the bowl, resting on the salad. The background is a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially visible next to the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each element plays a key role in building the layered flavors and textures of this Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe. Plus, these ingredients are easy to find almost year-round, making it a practical staple to keep in your cooking rotation.

Flat lay of cooked shredded chicken piled neatly, a small mound of finely diced red and green apple pieces, a handful of toasted pecans arranged evenly, finely diced celery pieces in a small white ceramic bowl, dried cranberries scattered carefully, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl holding fresh lemon juice, whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically, a few fresh sprigs of parsley for garnish placed delicately, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical composition, 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 m7354615311229779997

Cooked chicken: Whether shredded or cubed, it’s the protein-packed base—leftover roast chicken works beautifully here.
Apple: Adds juicy crunch and just a touch of natural sweetness; I prefer tart varieties like Granny Smith to balance the creaminess.
Toasted pecans: Their rich, buttery flavor and crunch elevate the texture and add warmth.
Celery: Another layer of crisp freshness that brightens the salad.
Dried cranberries: The tart-chewy contrast brings that festive pop of flavor I adore.
Mayonnaise: Holds everything together with creamy richness—adjust amount to your preference.
Lemon juice: The acidity keeps the salad bright and prevents apples from browning.
Salt and pepper: Seasoning essentials to enhance all the flavors.
Fresh herbs (optional): Tarragon or dill add that little “something special” if you’re feeling fancy during prep.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up depending on my mood or what I have on hand. This Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe is such a great canvas for your personal touch—whether you want it lighter, creamier, or herb-forward.

Variation: I've swapped mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version that still feels indulgent—perfect for summer lunches.
Nut-free option: Try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead of pecans to keep the crunch without the nuts.
Herbs: If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried dill or parsley works fine—just use sparingly to avoid overpowering.
Crunch upgrade: Add thinly sliced radishes or even julienned fennel for extra texture and freshness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by cubing or shredding your cooked chicken—leftover rotisserie chicken works like a charm here, saving you so much time! Dice the apple and celery finely so every bite gets a good mix of crispness without overwhelming the chicken. Toasting the pecans is a must; I do it in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant—watch closely because nuts can burn fast.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Mix-Ins

Toss the chicken, apple, toasted pecans, celery, and dried cranberries together in a large bowl. This layering is what makes the salad pop with flavor and texture instead of feeling one-note.

Step 3: Add the Dressing and Season

Pour in about ⅓ cup of mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. I give it a good stir and then taste. This is the moment where I add more mayo if I want it creamier or adjust salt and pepper. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll mix in fresh herbs at this point for a fragrant punch.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Enjoy this salad right away in your favorite sandwich bread or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb twist. If you make extra, store it tightly covered in the fridge—it keeps really well for up to 4 days.

Top Tip

Through all the times I’ve whipped up this Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe, a few little tricks have made all the difference. These tips helped me avoid the classic bland or soggy chicken salad, and I want you to get it just right every time.

Toasting Nuts Properly: Toast pecans just until fragrant and golden—over-toasting makes them bitter.
Control Dressing Consistency: Start with less mayo—you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Keep Apples Crisp: Toss diced apples in lemon juice right after cutting to keep that fresh snap and prevent browning.
Season Last: Always taste after mixing the dressing to adjust salt and pepper—it’s easy to overdo!

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

apple cranberry chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few extra toasted pecans on top for eye-catching crunch and a tiny drizzle of honey mustard if I want a sweet-spicy kick. Fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon add a lovely color and aroma that impress guests.

Side Dishes

To keep lunch well-rounded, I often pair this salad with crisp green apple slices, crunchy carrot sticks, or even a simple mixed greens salad dressed with vinaigrette. For a more hearty meal, warm quinoa or grain bowls go beautifully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served this in little butter lettuce cups topped with microgreens for a party appetizer—it was a hit! You can also spoon it onto toasted English muffins or into hollowed-out tomatoes for a festive lunch presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep my leftovers in a tight-sealing glass container in the fridge, which really helps preserve freshness and keeps apple pieces from browning too much. This way, the salad stays tasty for up to four days without losing its signature crunch.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the mayo and fresh ingredients, so I recommend eating it fresh or within a few days of making it for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Because this is a cold salad, I typically don’t reheat it. If you want a warm version, try serving it over heated grains or toast, letting those warm bases complement the chilled salad beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe vegan or vegetarian?

This recipe relies on cooked chicken and mayonnaise for the creamy, savory base, so to make it vegan or vegetarian, you’d need to substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and swap mayonnaise for a vegan version or mashed avocado. You’ll get a totally different but still tasty twist on the salad!

What type of apple is best for this chicken salad?

I recommend tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn because they hold their crunch well and add a nice balance to the sweet cranberries and creamy mayo. However, if you prefer sweeter apples, Gala or Fuji work fine too—just be aware the salad will have a sweeter vibe.

Can I use dried cranberries that are sweetened or unsweetened?

Either works depending on your preference. Sweetened dried cranberries offer a nice sweetness that complements the tart apple, while unsweetened cranberries keep the salad more tart and less sweet. I often buy the sweetened kind because it balances perfectly with the savory chicken.

How long does this chicken salad last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, this Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe keeps well for about 4 days in the refrigerator. To keep the apples from browning and preserve crispness, I recommend adding the apple right before serving if you anticipate storing leftovers longer.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe is genuinely close to my heart because it takes humble ingredients and transforms them into this harmonious blend of flavors and textures that never gets old. When you make it, I hope you enjoy every bite as much as I do—plus, it’s just one of those dishes that’s easy to keep on hand for a quick, satisfying meal whenever life gets busy.