Gluten-Free Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad
This Gluten-Free Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad is crisp, creamy, and perfect for lunch! Ready in 10 minutes with simple ingredients busy families love.
You know what? Some of my best kitchen wins happen when I’m standing at the counter with leftover chicken and zero patience for fancy recipes.
That’s exactly how this Gluten-Free Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad was born. I needed lunch fast, spotted a crisp apple on the counter, and thought—why not toss it all together? The result was so good that my kids actually asked for seconds, which basically never happens with anything involving celery.
This Healthy Apple Chicken Dish comes together in about 10 minutes flat. No cooking required if you’ve got leftover chicken hanging out in your fridge. Just chop, mix, and you’re done—seriously, it’s that simple for busy families navigating the gluten-free life.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked and cubed or shredded chicken | 12 oz (about 3 cups) |
| Finely diced apple | 1 cup |
| Toasted pecans | 1/2 cup |
| Finely diced celery | 1/3 cup |
| Dried cranberries | 1/3 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 1/3-1/2 cup |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 Tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Pepper | 1/4-1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh herbs (tarragon, dill, or parsley) | 1-2 Tablespoons (optional) |
Instructions
Combine Salad Ingredients. In a large bowl, toss together your chicken, diced apple, toasted pecans, celery, and dried cranberries. The colors alone will make you happy—it’s like edible confetti. Give everything a gentle stir so the ingredients get acquainted.
Add Dressing Ingredients. Pour in 1/3 cup mayo along with the fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper (plus those fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy). Stir everything together until it’s nicely coated, then taste and add a few more tablespoons of mayo if you like your Apple Chicken Salad Lunch a little creamier. I usually land somewhere around 1/2 cup total, but you do you.
Taste & Adjust. This is the fun part—grab a spoon and see what it needs. Maybe a pinch more salt? Another crack of pepper? Trust your taste buds here, because every apple and every batch of chicken is a little different.
Serve & Store. Pile this gorgeous Whole Foods Chicken Salad onto your favorite gluten-free bread, stuff it into lettuce cups for a lighter option, or just eat it straight from the bowl with a fork (no judgment). Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—if they last that long.
Substitutions
No pecans? Swap in toasted walnuts, slivered almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. Each brings its own little crunch and personality to this Gluten-Free Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad.
Mayo alternatives work great too. Try Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed twist, or go half mayo and half Greek yogurt for the best of both worlds. Avocado mayo is another solid choice if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
Fresh out of cranberries? Raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even pomegranate arils (when they’re in season) add that sweet-tart pop. I’ve also used chopped dates in a pinch, and honestly, they were delicious.
Apple variety matters less than you’d think. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are my go-tos, but Fuji, Gala, or even Pink Lady apples work beautifully in this Healthy Apple Chicken Dish. Just pick something crisp and fresh.
Troubleshooting
Salad getting watery? This usually happens when the apple releases moisture after sitting. Pat your diced apple dry with a paper towel before mixing, and don’t dress the salad until you’re ready to serve it.
Apples turning brown too fast? That lemon juice in the dressing helps, but if you’re meal prepping, toss your apple pieces in a little extra lemon juice before adding them to the bowl. Keeps them looking fresh and pretty for days.
Texture feels mushy? Make sure you’re using crisp, firm apples and haven’t overdressed the salad. Start with less mayo and add more as needed—you can always add, but you can’t take away.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store your Gluten-Free Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better after a few hours as everything mingles together.
For best results with meal prep, keep the dressing separate and toss everything together right before serving. This keeps your apples crisp and your celery crunchy, which makes all the difference in texture.
Serving Suggestions
Well… this Apple Chicken Salad Lunch shines in so many ways! Pile it high on your favorite gluten-free bread or crackers for a classic sandwich situation. I’m also obsessed with serving it in butter lettuce cups for a light, refreshing lunch that won’t weigh you down.
It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or even Thanksgiving when you need something fresh to balance out all those rich sides. Pair it with our garlic butter steak bites and potatoes for a heartier meal, or keep it light alongside a simple green salad.
Variations
Make it dairy-free and Paleo-friendly by using compliant mayo (like Primal Kitchen) and skipping any optional cheese some folks like to add. The recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’re already winning on that front.
Kid-friendly version? Leave out the celery if your little ones are texture-sensitive, and maybe go easy on the pepper. My daughter prefers it with extra cranberries and calls it “pink chicken”—whatever gets them eating, right?
Protein boost happens easily by adding a handful of chopped hard-boiled eggs. It makes this Whole Foods Chicken Salad even more filling and turns it into a complete meal all on its own. Plus, according to trusted gluten-free nutrition sources, getting enough protein is especially important when you’re managing a gluten-free lifestyle.
Curry-spiced twist transforms everything—just add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder to the mayo mixture. It pairs beautifully with the apples and cranberries and takes this Healthy Apple Chicken Dish in a totally different direction.
FAQs About Gluten-Free Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon for getting this Gluten-Free Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad on the table fast. Just make sure to check that it’s certified gluten-free if you’re highly sensitive, as some seasonings can contain gluten.
How far in advance can I make this salad?
You can prep it up to 24 hours ahead, but for the crispest results, add the apples and dressing no more than 4-6 hours before serving. The chicken, celery, pecans, and cranberries can hang out together longer without any issues.
Why is my chicken salad bland?
Don’t skip the salt—it really brings all the flavors together! Also, make sure you’re using fresh lemon juice (not the bottled stuff) and taste as you go. Sometimes an extra pinch of pepper or a handful of fresh herbs makes all the difference in this Apple Chicken Salad Lunch.
Can I freeze this salad?
I wouldn’t recommend it, friend. Mayo-based salads don’t freeze well—they get watery and separated when thawed. This Whole Foods Chicken Salad is best enjoyed fresh or within 4 days from the fridge.
Is this recipe Whole30 compliant?
It can be! Just use Whole30-approved mayo and make sure your dried cranberries have no added sugar. Check labels carefully, and you’ll have a perfectly compliant Healthy Apple Chicken Dish ready to go.
Final Thoughts
Man, oh man, there’s something so satisfying about a recipe that delivers big flavor without asking you to spend hours in the kitchen. This Gluten-Free Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad has become my go-to for busy weekdays, last-minute lunches, and even those moments when I need to bring something impressive to a gathering without breaking a sweat.
The contrast of crisp apples against tender chicken, the crunch of toasted pecans, and those sweet-tart cranberries—it all comes together like a little celebration in a bowl. And honestly? It tastes as light and refreshing as a spring breeze, even when you’re making it in the middle of winter.
If you loved this recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out our gluten-free loaded burger bowls for another quick dinner win, or try our honey ginger Asian meatballs when you’re craving something with a little more spice. Both are family favorites that make the gluten-free journey feel a whole lot easier and more delicious.
Gluten-Free Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
For the Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad
- 12 oz cooked and cubed or shredded chicken about 3 cups
- 1 cup finely diced apple
- ½ cup toasted pecans
- ⅓ cup finely diced celery
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- 1/3-1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1-2 Tablespoon fresh herbs tarragon, dill, or parsley – optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss together your chicken, diced apple, toasted pecans, celery, and dried cranberries. The colors alone will make you happy—it’s like edible confetti. Give everything a gentle stir so the ingredients get acquainted.
- Pour in 1/3 cup mayo along with the fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper (plus those fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy). Stir everything together until it’s nicely coated, then taste and add a few more tablespoons of mayo if you like your Apple Chicken Salad Lunch a little creamier. I usually land somewhere around 1/2 cup total, but you do you.
- This is the fun part—grab a spoon and see what it needs. Maybe a pinch more salt? Another crack of pepper? Trust your taste buds here, because every apple and every batch of chicken is a little different.
- Pile this gorgeous Whole Foods Chicken Salad onto your favorite gluten-free bread, stuff it into lettuce cups for a lighter option, or just eat it straight from the bowl with a fork (no judgment). Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—if they last that long.
