Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, it combines tender chicken, crisp apples, and toasted walnuts in a tangy, creamy dressing.
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded chicken (or diced; rotisserie works well)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 green apple, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (such as Craisins)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 8 minutes until they are toasted and just starting to brown around the edges.
- Step 2: While the walnuts toast, prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Add the salt, pepper, and onion powder, then mix well and set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, green apple, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 4: The salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve on toast, in a sandwich, or with crackers.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the dressing.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to lighten the salad without sacrificing creaminess.
- Try swapping walnuts for pecans or almonds to change the texture and taste.
- Add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh twist.
Storage
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, and if desired, add a little extra lemon juice or mayonnaise to refresh the texture. This salad is best served chilled but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after resting for a few hours or overnight in the fridge, which allows the flavors to fully develop.
What can I serve with Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with toasted bread, crackers, or even wrapped in a tortilla for a quick wrap. It also makes a great topping for leafy green salads.
PrintCranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe
This Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of shredded chicken, crisp celery, sweet green apple, tangy dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts, all coated in a creamy lemon-mayo dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, it can be served immediately or chilled for enhanced flavors and enjoyed on toast or with crackers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie recommended)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 green apple, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (e.g., Craisins)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Toast the Walnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 5-8 minutes until they become toasty and start browning slightly on the edges. Once done, remove and let them cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: While the walnuts are toasting, whisk together the mayonnaise and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a bowl. Add salt, pepper, and onion powder to the mixture and whisk until smooth and combined. Set aside.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, diced celery, diced green apple, dried cranberries, and the cooled toasted walnuts. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve or Chill: The chicken salad can be served immediately if desired, or for a more developed flavor, cover and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour. Serve the salad on toast, with crackers, or as preferred.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- To prevent the apple from browning, toss the diced apple in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad if desired.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans for a slightly different flavor.
- Chilling the salad for up to an hour allows the flavors to meld together better.
Keywords: chicken salad, cranberry salad, walnut chicken salad, lunch recipe, easy chicken salad, rotisserie chicken recipe, fruit nut salad
