Name: Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts; 1/2 cup celery, finely diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (optional); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is not only incredibly easy to make but also highly versatile. It’s the ideal solution for using up leftover chicken and makes meal prepping a breeze. The combination of textures and flavors is vibrant, offering a refreshing twist on classic chicken salad. Plus, it can be enjoyed on its own, on bread, or over a bed of greens.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
Dried cranberries
Chopped walnuts
Celery, finely diced
Red onion, finely diced (optional)
Mayonnaise
Greek yogurt (optional for lighter dressing)
Dijon mustard
Lemon juice
Salt and pepper

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced or shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, diced celery, and red onion if using.
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled as a sandwich filling, over greens, or with crackers.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Apple Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad: Add diced apples for an extra crunch and sweetness.
Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Low-fat Version: Use only Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Herbaceous Twist: Stir in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, or dill.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for walnuts to make it nut-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store the Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish is served cold, so reheating is not necessary. Stir well before serving if it has been sitting for a while to redistribute the dressing.

FAQs

How long does Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad last in the fridge?

It typically lasts up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate and change texture.

What type of chicken is best for this salad?

Cooked chicken breast is most commonly used, but rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works great too.

Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, making it ahead of time actually helps the flavors meld together for an even tastier salad.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can use Greek yogurt in place of all or part of the mayonnaise and add more vegetables like diced cucumbers or carrots.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Dried cranberries are preferred for their sweetness and chewy texture, but you can use fresh cranberries if you chop them finely and add a little extra sweetener.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes, simply omit the Greek yogurt and use a dairy-free mayonnaise.

What can I serve with Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad?

It pairs well with crackers, croissants, lettuce wraps, or simple green salads.

Can I add cheese to this salad?

Absolutely! Adding crumbled feta or goat cheese can enhance the flavor profile.

What other nuts can I use besides walnuts?

Pecans, almonds, or cashews are great alternatives to walnuts.

Conclusion

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it ideal for busy weekdays or laid-back weekends. Whether served on a croissant, in a wrap, or simply with a fork, it’s a versatile dish that you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

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A creamy and flavorful chicken salad featuring tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or serving over greens.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced or shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, diced celery, and red onion if using.
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled as a sandwich filling, over greens, or with crackers.

Notes

Add diced apples for extra crunch and sweetness.
Spice it up with a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
Use only Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Swap walnuts with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, or dill for added flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 65mg