Cranberry walnut chicken salad with fresh rosemary, is a delicious and light lunch or dinner. Chunks of breast meat are tossed with plump, dried cranberries, tart and crunchy Granny Smith apples, walnuts, and fresh rosemary.
If you like chicken salad, you’ll love this one!
I love chicken salad. You can tell by the number of recipes I have on my website! This is one of my favorites! It’s based on a similar version that was once available at Trader Joe’s, in their pre-packaged foods section. When they stopped carrying it, I had to create my own version. (This post was originally posted on July 8th, 2016, has been updated to contain nutritional information and contains affiliate links.)
The cranberries make it perfect for autumn, but it’s delicious year round! I keep a large bag of dried cranberries on hand for a quick and easy snack or baking. Spencer loves to grab a handful in place of something sweet late at night. Granny Smith apples are a tart balance to sweet cranberries and pungent rosemary. It’s also naturally gluten-free and low in carbs. 
Perfect for leftover or rotisserie chicken!
A rotisserie bird makes this chicken salad with cranberries, walnuts and rosemary a fast and easy meal. You can also repurpose leftover turkey just as easily! Just a few simple ingredients, some salt and pepper and a dash of dry mustard is all you need. Sometimes I buy two, and use one for chicken salad. This recipe makes a nice, light luncheon for a bridal or baby shower. Serve it on a bed of lettuce or between your favorite bread or baguette. While I prefer chicken thigh meat when I roast a chicken, I think breast meat makes a nicer chicken salad.
Looking for more recipes like this one?
Try this Chicken Salad with Apricot and Almonds, or the Curried Coronation Chicken Salad, a version served to the Queen on her 1953 Coronation.
Some of the items in this post are available at my Amazon Affiliate Store.
This chicken salad has crispy apples, crunchy walnuts, cranberries and fresh rosemary. It serves 4 as a luncheon course or 6 as a sandwich filling.
- 3 cups Chicken cooked and dice
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- 1 granny smith apple diced
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1 tsp. Coleman's dried mustard
- ¾ cup walnuts chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste.
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Mix all ingredients together. Season to taste.
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Chill. Serve as a sandwich filing or on a bed of lettuce.
marcie says
I love chicken salad too, and dried cranberries are something I use year round — I love the color and that tart, sweet flavor! And I love the addition of the apples and rosemary too – delicious!
Cynthia says
Thank you Marcie!
Christina | Christina's Cucina says
I rarely make chicken salad, so maybe I should start! This one looks great with so much flavor, low on the mayo and so nutritious, too! Great recipe for summer!
Cynthia says
Thank you Christina!
allie says
I love this variation on a traditional chicken salad, Cynthia! Looks delicious. I love the cranberries and apples. I have plenty of rosemary in my herb pots. Never can have too many chicken salad recipes, it’s the perfect light dish in the heat!
Jane Couric says
This looks yummy and delicious, i can’t wait to try it out and see how it comes out.
Cynthia says
Let me know you like it Jane!
Jenny | Honey and Birch says
I love chicken salad – this version sounds delicious!
Cynthia says
Thank you Jenny!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
Love the apples in there! Such a great lunch salad!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
This is such a delightful twist on chicken salad! A must try for sure!
Marye says
This looks perfect! I definitely need to try it soon.
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says
I love easy chicken salad recipes like this one. Nuts and berries always add such a refreshing taste to it!!
Mimi says
Mmmmm this sounds wonderful. I love adding goodies to a basic chicken salad recipe as well. Why not?!!
Cynthia says
Thank you Mimi! I love all types of chicken salad!