When I need a quick lunch that still feels nourishing, I turn to this Cranberry Chicken Salad! It’s a 15-minute recipe that packs in protein, healthy fats, and festive flavor all in one bowl.
I’ve made chicken salad in so many variations over the years like my basil pesto chicken salad or my tandoori chicken salad, but this high protein cranberry chicken salad is one that I keep going back to, especially during winter when cranberries are everywhere!
It's actually a lot like classic chicken salad with grapes, but here the grapes are swapped for tart dried cranberries and I added chopped candied cashews for a touch of sweetness! It gives the salad a flavor that feels a little like Thanksgiving, yet it’s light and versatile enough to enjoy any time of year!
This recipe is a great example of an easy yet nutritious meal. It’s made with Greek yogurt for a creamy base that’s higher in protein than mayo, loaded with healthy fats from cashews, and naturally boosted with antioxidants from cranberries. It’s one of those recipes that I feel good eating and serving to family and friends!
Nutrition at a Glance
- High in Protein - Protein from the chicken and Greek yogurt will help keep you full and support muscle repair.
- Omega-3s - Cashews provide plant-based omega-3s for brain and heart health.
- Antioxidants - Dried cranberries are packed with antioxidants that support immunity!
- Probiotics - Plain Greek yogurt provides gut-friendly probiotics.
Ingredients You Need
- Cooked Chicken Breasts: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or follow my shredded chicken recipe.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: Creamy, high-protein base! Swap with mayonnaise or sour cream if preferred.
- Dried Cranberries: Add natural sweetness and chew. You can use raisins or chopped dried apricots if you prefer.
- Glazed Cashews: Crunchy and slightly sweet from the glaze! Almonds, walnuts and pecans all make great alternatives.
- Red Onion: Just a bit adds a crunch and nice bite. Green onion works if you want something milder.
- Garlic Powder: Adds flavor depth without extra chopping!
- Dill Weed: For a bright and herbaceous flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Tangy kick that cuts through the creaminess.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing flavors together. Add to taste.
Dietary Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: This cranberry cashew chicken salad recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, just serve with gluten free bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
- Dairy-Free: Replace Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt or a creamy cashew-based dressing.
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Swap chicken for chickpeas or tempeh and use dairy-free yogurt.
How to Make Easy Cranberry Chicken Salad
- Prep the Ingredients: Add all the ingredients to a large bowl. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Serve & Enjoy: Add chicken salad to a sandwich or use crackers to scoop. Enjoy!
Dietitian Tips for Success
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken! It makes the recipe come together in minutes without sacrificing flavor. Rotisserie chicken also adds a little extra juiciness compared to plain cooked chicken.
- Add more protein if you’d like. Stir in an extra scoop of Greek yogurt or even a handful of chickpeas to boost the protein content. This makes the salad more filling and perfect for a post-workout meal.
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste! If you prefer a less sweet salad, swap the glazed cashews for raw or roasted cashews. You can also use unsweetened dried cranberries to keep the flavors more savory.
- Double the recipe for meal prep. Having a larger batch on hand makes weekday lunches a breeze. Store it in small containers so you can grab one whenever you need a quick meal!
How to Serve It
This Greek yogurt cranberry chicken salad is so versatile! I love it with a buttery croissant, piled on whole grain bread, or scooped into lettuce wraps for a lighter option. It’s also great as a dip with crackers or as part of a protein-packed snack box with veggies and fruit!
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended! Yogurt-based salads don’t freeze well.
- Meal prep: Portion into small containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Cranberry Chicken Salad FAQs
Yes! The flavors actually get better after a few hours in the fridge.
Absolutely! This is a great recipe for postpartum moms, since it is is balanced with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, which can help with energy needs while nursing.
For ease, you definitely can! Just drain it well before mixing. I think that freshly shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken give this cranberry chicken salad the best flavor and texture, but canned chicken can be used if you have it on hand.
More Recipes to Try
- BLT Chicken Salad
- Hot Honey Chicken Salad
- Healthy Caesar Kale Salad
- Easy Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
- Jalapeño Chili Crunch Egg Salad
High Protein Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cooked chicken breasts shredded
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped glazed cashews
- ½ medium red onion diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
- ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a large bowl. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Add chicken salad to a sandwich or use crackers to scoop. Enjoy!
Notes
Storage Suggestions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended! Yogurt-based salads don’t freeze well.
- Meal prep: Portion into small containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
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