Dinner

Cranberry Jalapeño Chicken Salad Recipe

ByAiden Wells January 11, 2026January 11, 2026

Introduction

This Cranberry Jalapeño Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it combines tender chicken with a zesty kick and fruity cranberries for a refreshing twist on classic chicken salad.

A white bowl filled with a creamy chicken salad that has visible shredded white chicken, bits of green herbs and celery, and dark red dried cranberries mixed together in the creamy texture. The salad is topped with three slices of fresh green jalapeño pepper and sits on a bed of large bright green leafy lettuce that lines the back side of the bowl. A silver spoon is partially visible on the right side inside the bowl, and pieces of crackers are on the white marbled surface in the background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups shredded chicken
½ cup dried cranberries
2 medium jalapeños, diced (with or without seeds depending on your preferred spice level)
4 green onions, sliced
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Crackers, for serving
Sliced bread, to make into sandwiches

Instructions

Step 1: Add all ingredients except the crackers or bread to a large bowl and mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Step 2: Taste the salad and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve chilled with your favorite crackers or use as a filling for sandwiches.

Tips & Variations

For a milder salad, remove the jalapeño seeds before dicing to reduce heat.
Substitute Greek yogurt with all mayonnaise for a richer, creamier texture.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Try substituting cilantro with fresh parsley if you prefer a different herb flavor.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving if it has been stored. This salad is best enjoyed cold and is not recommended for freezing.

How to Serve

On a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, there is a layer of bright green lettuce leaves forming the base on the left side, topped with a creamy mixture that appears white with small green bits and scattered dark red dried cranberries, finished with a slice of green jalapeño pepper on top. To the right side of the plate, there are several light beige, hexagon-shaped crackers arranged in a small stack and spread slightly outward. A woman's hand is seen holding one cracker dipped in the creamy mixture near the bottom right of the plate. In the background, there is a small white bowl with fresh green cilantro and a light-brown bowl filled with dark red dried cranberries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the salad a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld together nicely, making it even more delicious when served.

What can I use instead of dried cranberries?

Chopped fresh apples or golden raisins make great substitutes, adding a similar sweetness and texture to the salad.