Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries (WW Friendly)

I love a good chicken salad, and this healthy chicken salad with apples and cranberries has quickly become one of my favorites. It reminds me of a classic Waldorf salad — only lighter, fresher, and with the added protein boost of chicken. The creamy dressing is made with plain nonfat Greek yogurt and just a touch of light mayonnaise, which keeps it tangy and satisfying without a lot of extra calories or fat.

It’s the perfect way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, and I love serving it over a bed of mixed greens or tucked into a whole wheat pita for an easy, WW-friendly lunch. The apples and celery add crisp crunch, while the dried cranberries bring a pop of sweetness that makes every bite feel special.

Why I Love this This Healthy Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries

• Light yet satisfying – Made with Greek yogurt and a touch of light mayo, this chicken salad has all the creaminess I want without being heavy.
• Great use for leftovers – Rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken breast works beautifully, so it’s an easy way to repurpose what I already have.
• Fresh crunch and flavor – Crisp apples, crunchy celery, and sweet-tart cranberries make every bite vibrant and delicious.
• WW friendly – Lower in calories, fat, and points than traditional chicken salad, but still full of flavor.
• Versatile serving options – I can enjoy it over greens, stuffed in a pita, rolled into a wrap, scooped onto crackers, or tucked into a sandwich for a quick meal.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Cooked chicken, chopped – Any type of cooked chicken works well: leftover baked chicken, poached chicken, grilled chicken, canned chicken, or rotisserie chicken. Turkey is a nice substitute, especially around the holidays.
• Celery, chopped – Adds crisp freshness and crunch. If you don’t have celery, substitute with diced cucumber or even finely chopped bell pepper.
• Apple, chopped – Sweet, juicy apples balance the tangy dressing and tart cranberries. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are great options. For a tarter bite, try Granny Smith.
• Dried cranberries – Bring a pop of sweet-tart flavor and chewy texture. Raisins, dried cherries, or dried blueberries make good substitutes.
• Nonfat plain Greek yogurt – Keeps the salad creamy and high in protein while lowering the fat. If you prefer, use regular plain yogurt, sour cream, or more mayo.
• Light mayonnaise – Adds richness and classic chicken salad flavor. You can use full-fat mayo if you don’t mind the extra calories and points, or omit entirely and use all yogurt for an extra-light version.
• Lemon juice – Brightens the flavors and balances the creamy dressing. Apple cider vinegar works as a substitute if you don’t have lemon on hand.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – Adds freshness and color. Other fresh herbs like dill, basil, or cilantro also work.
• Salt and pepper – Simple seasoning to pull everything together. Adjust to taste.

WW Points and Nutrition

According to my calculations, each generous 1-cup serving has:

• Calories: 220
• WW Points: 3
  To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
  (You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
• Old WW Points: 5 PointsPlus

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine Chicken, Celery, Apples and Cranberries

Place the chicken, celery, apple and cranberries in a bowl and stir to combine and then set it aside.

Step 2: Mix the dressing.

In a small bowl (affiliate link), stir together the yogurt, mayonnaise and lemon juice.

Step 3: Combine the Chicken mixture and dressing.

Add this to the chicken mixture and stir to mix well.

Step 4: Season to taste.

Stir in the parsley if desired. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

If you’ve made this deliciously low fat Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

More Chicken Salad Recipes for WW

If you liked this apple cranberry chicken salad, you’l love:

• My Favorite Chicken Salad Recipes
  A roundup of nine of my go-to easy, WW-friendly chicken salads. You’ll find classics like Ina Garten’s Mustard Chicken Salad (lightened up) plus several fresh takes that make meal prep simple and delicious.
• Simple Chicken Souvlaki Salad for One
  Juicy marinated chicken served over crisp veggies with a tangy dressing. Perfect when you want big Mediterranean flavor without a lot of fuss.
• Avocado Chicken Salad
  Creamy, satisfying, and packed with healthy fats, this version skips mayo altogether. It’s a great option if you love avocado toast but want something more filling.
• Easy Rotisserie Chicken and Wild Rice Salad
  A hearty, protein-packed salad that comes together in minutes with the help of a rotisserie chicken. Great for lunches, potlucks, or when you need a wholesome make-ahead meal.

Make Healthy Eating Even Easier

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