Enjoy refreshing Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad with crisp greens, tangy cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and tender chicken. A delicious, healthy meal that’s easy to make and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
My cranberry walnut chicken salad is similar to a classic Cape Cod chicken salad, with a mix of flavors and textures that work really well together.
It’s super easy to make and perfect for any time of day. The walnuts add crunch, the cranberries bring a touch of sweetness, and you can customize it with your favorite veggies or toppings. The tangy vinaigrette ties everything together, keeping it light but satisfying.
Not only is this chicken salad with cranberries and walnuts tasty, but it’s also a healthy option. Packed with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it’s a great choice for a balanced meal that’s both filling and nutritious.
If you love Easy Chicken Salad Recipes, try my recipe for CRANBERRY ALMOND CHICKEN SALAD, AIR FRYER BBQ CHICKEN SALAD, ZOE’S CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE, or COPYCAT CHICK-FIL-A CHICKEN SALAD!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts
- Easy to make
- Light and fresh
- Sweet and savory
- Healthy meal
- Easy to customize
- Ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients Needed for My Cape Cod Chicken Salad
Here’s everything you need to make this recipe for Cape Cod chicken salad! The ingredients are simple, and you might already have most of them at home. Check the list below to get started.
For complete ingredients and quantities, as well as nutritional information, keep scrolling until you reach the bottom, where you will find a printable recipe card.
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Tender, juicy chicken adds lean protein to this cranberry walnut chicken salad.
- Mixed Greens: A blend of fresh greens like spinach and arugula creates a light, healthy base.
- Cranberries: Dried cranberries bring a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
- Walnuts: Crunchy walnuts add texture and a rich, nutty flavor.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a little sharpness to balance the sweetness of the cranberries.
- Apple: Crisp, sliced apples add freshness and a subtle sweetness.
How To Make this Cape Cod Chicken Salad Recipe
Let’s get started with the step-by-step process for making this delicious cranberry walnut chicken salad. These easy instructions will guide you through each step to make sure it comes together perfectly.
Step 1: Cook the chicken
Grill or bake the chicken breasts until fully cooked and golden on the outside. Let them rest for a few minutes, then slice them into strips or cubes.
Step 2: Prepare the salad
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, red onion, and dried cranberries. This creates a colorful and crunchy base for your salad.
Step 3: Add the chicken
Toss the sliced chicken strips into the bowl, along with the chopped walnuts. Give everything a quick mix so it’s evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Step 4: Dress the salad
Drizzle your favorite tangy vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing over the top. Start with a little — you can always add more if needed!
Step 5: Mix and serve
Gently toss everything together until the greens are lightly coated, and all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Pro Tips
- Chicken: Short on time? Rotisserie chicken is a quick, easy option. You can also use shredded slow cooker chicken or baked chicken if you prefer — it all works great in this recipe for Cape Cod chicken salad.
- Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts brings out their natural flavor. Simply add them to a pan over medium heat, stirring for 2-5 minutes until they turn golden and fragrant. Let them cool before adding to your salad.
- Chill for Better Flavor: If you have time, let the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. The flavors will blend together nicely.
- Swap Nuts and Dried Fruit: While this recipe uses walnuts, feel free to switch them out for pecans or pistachios. You can also swap the dried cranberries for dried cherries or raisins if that’s what you have on hand.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts FAQs
You can prep the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Yes, the salad itself is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to check the dressing and other ingredients for any hidden gluten.
It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as ingredients like apples, lettuce, and dressing don’t freeze well and may lose their texture.
Fresh cranberries would be too tart for this salad. Dried cranberries are the better choice for a balanced sweetness.
If you’re out of apples, try using pears or grapes for a similar sweet crunch.
Chicken salad can last in the fridge for about 3-5 days if stored in an airtight container. Before eating, make sure to check for any signs of spoilage, like an unusual smell or texture change.
This salad goes great with crispy breadsticks, buttery garlic rolls, or a warm toasted baguette. A light soup, like tomato basil or creamy potato, makes a perfect pairing. For something heartier, try roasted sweet potatoes or a quinoa side dish. And don’t forget a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade to complete the meal!
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Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad (Cape Cod Chicken Salad)
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound Grilled Chicken Breast
- 4 cups Mixed Greens, spinach, arugula, or a mix
- 1/3 cup Cranberries, dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup Walnuts, chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium Apple, sliced (like a Granny Smith or Fuji for a balance of sweet and tart)
Instructions
- Grill or bake chicken breasts until fully cooked, then slice them into strips or cubes.
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, red onion, and dried cranberries.
- Toss in chopped walnuts for extra crunch.
- Use a tangy vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing, adjusting to taste.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Enjoy immediately for a fresh, satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
Nutrition
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