There’s something about the crunch of fresh apples mixed with tart cranberries and tender chicken that just sings in this Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s a blend of sweet, savory, and creamy textures that instantly perks up any lunch or light dinner.

A sandwich sits on a round white plate lined with white paper, placed on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has a lightly toasted golden brown bun with a soft texture on top. Inside, there is a layer of fresh, bright green curly leaf lettuce at the bottom. Above the lettuce, there is a creamy chicken salad filling mixed with chopped white pieces, dark red bits, and small chunks of nuts, creating a mix of white, dark red, and brown colors. The top bun rests slightly over the filling, completing the sandwich. 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 can’t tell you how many times this Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe has saved me when I needed a quick, healthy, yet delicious meal. The combo of flavors is just perfect every single time, making it one of my go-to staples.

Flavor Harmony: The sweetness of apples and cranberries balances perfectly with the savory chicken and creamy dressing.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your kitchen, which makes it great for last-minute meals.
Meal Prep Friendly: It holds up well in the fridge for a few days, so you can make it ahead without losing that fresh taste.
Endless Customization: You can easily swap nuts or add fresh herbs to keep it exciting each time you make it.

The image shows two wraps cut in half and placed on a white plate over a white marbled surface. Each wrap has a soft, light beige flour tortilla on the outside, filled with a fresh green lettuce leaf lining the inside. The filling includes creamy white chunks of chicken, small pieces of light yellow apple, red dried cranberries, and chopped brown nuts, all mixed in a light creamy sauce. The wraps are arranged side by side, showing the colorful and textured filling inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that play off each other beautifully. I love how the crunch, sweetness, and creamy mayo base create a perfectly balanced bite every time. Here are the key players and why they’re essential:

Flat lay of cooked shredded chicken piled neatly, a small mound of finely diced fresh red apple, a handful of glossy toasted pecans, a small pile of finely diced crisp celery, a small heap of plump dried cranberries, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy mayonnaise, a small white bowl with fresh lemon juice, a few whole uncracked brown eggs arranged symmetrically, a small sprig of fresh green parsley, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes, 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: Tender, shredded or cubed chicken forms the hearty base, and using leftover roasted chicken makes it super easy.
Apple: Adds a fresh, juicy crunch. I like a sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for best flavor.
Toasted pecans: Bring a buttery, nutty crunch that makes every forkful exciting.
Celery: Adds subtle earthiness and extra crunch, balancing the sweetness from the fruit.
Dried cranberries: Provide that tangy pop and pretty color. If you prefer less sweetness, you can use cherries or raisins.
Mayonnaise: The creamy binder that pulls everything together. I usually start with a third of a cup and add more if I want it saucier.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and keeps the salad tasting fresh and vibrant.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning. It’s worth tasting and adjusting as you go.
Fresh herbs (optional): Tarragon, dill, or parsley add a lovely herbal lift if you feel like jazzing things up.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I often tweak the nuts or swap in fresh herbs depending on what I have on hand. Feel free to make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes I use sliced almonds instead of pecans, which gives a different crunch but still works wonderfully — try it for a nice change!
Dietary swap: For a dairy-free version, use a vegan mayo or Greek yogurt instead of traditional mayo.
Seasonal twist: Add some chopped celery root or fennel in the cooler months for an earthy touch.

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

Step 1: Gather and prep your ingredients

I like to start by chopping my apples and celery finely so every bite has a little burst of crunch without overpowering the chicken. Toast your pecans ahead in a dry skillet until fragrant — it only takes a few minutes and really amps up the flavor.

Step 2: Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl

Once everything’s prepped, toss the cubed or shredded chicken with the diced apples, celery, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries. This mix already smells and looks delicious, and it’s where the magic starts.

Step 3: Add the dressing and seasonings

Stir in the mayonnaise, starting with about one-third cup. Add lemon juice, salt, pepper, and any fresh herbs you like. Give it a taste, then add extra mayo or seasoning if needed — it’s all about finding your perfect balance.

Step 4: Chill and serve, or store for later

While you can enjoy this salad right away, I find it tastes even better after chilling for an hour or so — the flavors meld beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Top Tip

From making this Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really make the difference between so-so and fantastic. Here’s what I wish I knew when I first started:

Toast your nuts: It’s subtle, but toasting pecans or any nuts boosts their flavor beyond raw — worth the extra few minutes!
Choose the right apple: Use a crisp, sweet-tart apple variety to keep the salad bright and fresh rather than mushy or overly sweet.
Add lemon juice last: Adding fresh lemon juice right before serving preserves its fresh zing and keeps the apples from browning.
Adjust mayo gradually: Start with less mayo and add more as you mix — it’s easier to add than to try and fix a too-mayo-heavy salad.

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

apple cranberry chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or tarragon right on top for an herbal lift and some extra green freshness. A few pecan halves on the side also make it look extra inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair this chicken salad with crunchy lettuce cups, whole-grain bread, or buttery croissants for a satisfying sandwich. On the side, crisp vegetables or a light soup make it a balanced and filling meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe scooped into avocado halves or stuffed inside hollowed tomatoes—adds a fresh, elegant touch that guests always compliment!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your salad in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days. I recommend giving it a quick stir before serving to redistribute any dressing that might have settled.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t really ideal for this recipe because the mayo dressing and apples lose their texture and freshness once thawed. You’re better off enjoying it fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no need to reheat. If you want to take the chill off, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before digging in.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned or rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time. Just shred or cube it before mixing.

What’s the best way to keep the apples from browning?

Toss the diced apples in lemon juice before combining with other ingredients, or add the lemon juice to the entire salad right after mixing to preserve freshness.

Can I substitute mayonnaise with yogurt or another dressing?

Yes! Greek yogurt makes a lighter, tangy substitution. Some people also enjoy mixing mayo with a bit of Dijon mustard or honey for a flavor twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free or paleo-friendly?

Yes, this Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free and paleo-friendly as long as you use mayo without additives. It’s a perfect healthy option for many diets.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s easy, flavorful, and flexible. I always feel a bit proud serving it to friends or enjoying it on busy weeknights knowing I’m eating something wholesome and satisfying. Give it a try—you’ll likely find it’s one of those meals you come back to time and again.