Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

by Kelsey Romano on Jun 5, 2024 (updated Sep 19, 2024)

5 from 1 rating

Crunchy walnuts, sweet dried cranberries and creamy chicken – This cranberry walnut chicken salad is the perfect quick and easy lunch. The sweet and salty combo is absolutely incredible and makes for a delicious summer meal. It’s also perfect for meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This cranberry walnut chicken salad is the perfect combo of sweet & salty.
It is great for meal prep.
It is the perfect easy meal.
All you need is 10 minutes to make it.
It is incredibly versatile.
This chicken salad is made with wholesome ingredients.
It is gluten free and dairy free.
The whole family will love it.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Shredded chicken breasts. You will need 2 cups of cooked, diced shredded chicken (about 1.5 lbs). I love making mine in the instant pot, you can also buy a rotisserie chicken.
Celery. 3-4 ribs of celery, diced.
Cranberries. 1/3 cup of dried cranberries. Choose dried cranberries that are made with only a few ingredients. These add a little sweetness to the cranberry walnut chicken salad.
Walnuts. 1/3 cup chopped walnuts. For a delicious salty flavor and a little crunch. You can also use pecans or almonds.
Avocado oil mayo. 3-4 cup of whole30 compliant mayo. I love Chosen Foods or Primal Kitchen Foods.
Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard adds a little tang to the recipe.
Salt & pepper. You’ll add salt and pepper, to taste.

How To Make

Step 1

Make the chicken salad. Add together shredded chicken, 1/3 cup avocado Mayo, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, celery stalks diced, handful of cranberries, handful of walnuts, salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2

Mix and enjoy! Mix ingredients until fully combined, adjust seasonings to taste. Serve the cranberry walnut chicken salad in a wrap, with almond flour crackers, over greens, or on sourdough.

Expert tips

To save time, make chicken ahead of time or buy a rotisserie chicken.
Make sure to choose a whole30 approved avocado oil mayo. I love Chosen Foods or Primal Kitchen Foods.
Have fun with this cranberry chicken salad! Sometimes I love adding in apples in place of the cranberries. You can also add in fresh herbs like dill.
My favorite way to eat this chicken salad is in an almond flour wrap with pickled onions and greens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cranberry walnut chicken salad allergy friendly?

Yes! It is gluten free and dairy free. To make sure it’s paleo, use unsweetened, unsulfured dried cranberries or sub with apple.

How do I serve it?

It is extremely versatile. You can serve it in a wrap, with almond flour crackers, over greens, or on a piece of sourdough.

How do I store it?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

Is this good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This is the perfect meal prepped lunch.