lunch/dinner meal prep, salads

Cranberry Jalapeño Chicken Salad

December 28, 2025

This cranberry jalapeño chicken salad is a high-protein snack made with Greek yogurt, cranberries, and a little heat—perfect for meal prep, crackers, or bowls.

Creator: Leslie Stokes

I’m always on the hunt for high-protein snacks that don’t feel sad, boring, or like something I’m forcing myself to eat just to hit macros.

This Cranberry Jalapeño Chicken Salad checks every box.

It’s creamy, a little sweet from the cranberries, has just enough heat from the jalapeño, and feels fresh and filling without being heavy. I originally made it as a snack, but it quickly turned into one of those recipes I keep grabbing from the fridge all week long.

I love eating it:

With crackers
In a bowl with chopped spinach
Scooped up with cucumber slices
Or honestly… straight out of the container

The Greek yogurt keeps it light and protein-packed, while a small amount of mayo gives it that classic chicken salad creaminess. And the jalapeño adds just enough kick to keep things interesting — even if you’re eating it for the third day in a row.

This is one of those “prep once, snack all week” recipes that makes healthy eating feel effortless.

Why High-Protein Snacks Matter (Especially After the Holidays)

After Christmas, everything feels a little off.

Routines are gone. The fridge is full of random leftovers. Snacks are everywhere. And suddenly you’re either not hungry at all… or starving every hour.

That’s usually when people swing to extremes — skipping meals, cutting everything out, or trying to “reset” way too hard.

I’ve found that the most sustainable way to get back into a rhythm is by focusing on protein first, especially during snack times.

High-protein snacks:

Help stabilize blood sugar
Keep you fuller longer
Reduce constant grazing
Make meals feel less urgent

This chicken salad is one of my go-to ways to do that without feeling like I’m eating “diet food.”

What Makes This Chicken Salad Different

There are a lot of chicken salad recipes out there, but this one has a few things that make it stand out.

First, it’s Greek yogurt-based, with just a small amount of mayo. That keeps it creamy without being heavy, and it adds a serious protein boost.

Second, the flavor combo is everything.

The dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness, the jalapeño brings a subtle heat (nothing overpowering), and the lime juice keeps everything fresh and bright. It’s one of those recipes where every bite actually tastes interesting.

And finally, it’s incredibly versatile.

This isn’t just a “one way to eat it” recipe. It works as a snack, a light lunch, or even part of a bigger meal.

How I Love to Eat It

I usually make a batch at the beginning of the week and grab from it as needed.

Some of my favorite ways to eat it:

With crackers for a quick, satisfying snack
In a bowl with chopped spinach when I want something lighter
Scooped with cucumber slices or bell peppers
Wrapped in lettuce cups for an easy lunch
Straight from the container (because let’s be honest)

If you’re someone who struggles with afternoon hunger or finds yourself snacking mindlessly, this is a great recipe to keep on hand.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

This chicken salad is perfect for meal prep because it actually gets better as it sits.

Storage:
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Texture tip:
Finely chopping the chicken helps keep everything creamy and scoopable.
Heat control:
Remove jalapeño seeds for mild flavor, or add more if you like heat.
On-the-go snack:
Portion into small containers so it’s easy to grab and go.