Cranberry 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
Scale
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
