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Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Simple and Tasty Meal

by on March 27, 2025

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Are you looking for a quick and tasty meal? My Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is perfect for you! With a mix of juicy chicken, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, this salad packs flavor and nutrition. I’ll guide you through simple steps to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to customize. Dive in and discover how to make this delightful salad that everyone will love!

To make this tasty salad, you'll need these main items: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup fresh celery, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup creamy Greek yogurt (or substitute with mayonnaise) - 1 tablespoon pure honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish These ingredients blend well together. The chicken gives protein, while cranberries add sweetness. Walnuts add crunch and healthy fats. Celery adds freshness, and red onion provides a bit of bite. The Greek yogurt dressing ties everything together, making it creamy and delicious. You can dress up your salad with some fun extras: - Extra walnuts for crunch - More dried cranberries for sweetness - A sprinkle of feta cheese for tang - Sliced apples for a fresh twist - Mixed greens as a base for serving These additions make your salad more colorful and flavorful. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like. If you want to change things up, here are some easy swaps: - Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken for ease. - Swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds if you prefer. - Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free option for a vegan dish. - Use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a zestier flavor. These options let you customize the salad to fit your taste or dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded. Next, measure out 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. Then, grab 1/2 cup of walnuts, roughly chopped. You will also need 1/2 cup of fresh celery, diced, and 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped. This mix of flavors makes the salad tasty. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cranberries, walnuts, celery, and onion. Stir well to mix everything. This step helps ensure each bite is full of flavor. Now, take a small bowl and add 1/2 cup of creamy Greek yogurt. If you prefer, you can use mayonnaise instead. Add 1 tablespoon of pure honey and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. This dressing will give the salad a creamy touch. Next, pour the dressing over your chicken mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to fold everything gently. Make sure all the ingredients get coated. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. Enjoy the blend of sweet and savory! To get the best flavor in your salad, use fresh ingredients. Fresh celery and red onion add crunch and zing. The dried cranberries bring sweetness, while walnuts add a great nutty taste. When you mix the dressing, taste it first. You want a mix of sweet and tangy. If it’s too sweet, add more vinegar. If it’s too tangy, add a little honey. Adjusting these flavors gives you a perfect balance. Making this salad ahead of time is easy. After mixing, cover the salad bowl tightly. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time lets the flavors blend well. You can make it up to a day early. Just stir it again before serving to mix everything back together. This trick saves time during busy days. Presentation matters when serving this salad. Start with a bed of mixed greens on the plate. This adds color and makes the dish look inviting. Next, place a generous scoop of the salad on top. For extra flair, sprinkle more walnuts and cranberries around the salad. Finally, use fresh parsley as a garnish. It adds a touch of green and makes the dish pop. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to utilize leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken, saving time and reducing waste. Toast the Walnuts: For enhanced flavor, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, feel free to increase the honey or add a little more dried cranberries for an extra burst of flavor. Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator enhances the flavors, making it even more delicious when served cold. {{image_4}} You can make this salad healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Greek yogurt adds creaminess but has less fat. It also brings more protein to the dish. If you want to cut calories, this is a smart swap. The taste stays rich, so you won’t miss the mayo. Feel free to mix in seasonal ingredients. In fall, add diced apples for a crunchy twist. In summer, try fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries. These fruits add more flavor and color. You can also include chopped nuts like pecans or almonds. These swaps keep the salad fresh and exciting. To make a vegan or vegetarian version, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Both options are great protein sources. Use vegan yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for the dressing. You can also add avocado for creaminess. This way, you can enjoy the salad while meeting dietary needs. To store leftover cranberry walnut chicken salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals tightly. This keeps the salad fresh and safe to eat. Refrigerate the container right away. The salad can last for about three to four days. To keep your salad fresh, avoid adding garnishes until you serve. This helps the ingredients stay crisp. If you notice any moisture, use a paper towel inside the container. It absorbs extra liquid and keeps your salad from getting soggy. Always check the salad before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. Freezing cranberry walnut chicken salad is not ideal. The texture of the chicken and vegetables may change. If you must freeze it, do so before adding the dressing. Store the chicken mixture in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then mix in the dressing and enjoy! Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad will stay fresh in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad safe and tasty. After a few days, check for any signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks different, it’s best to throw it away. Yes, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken into pieces. Make sure to remove any skin and bones first. This easy swap makes the recipe quick and delicious. Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad goes well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Mixed greens for extra crunch - Toasted bread or croissants for a sandwich - Fresh fruit like apples or grapes - A light soup, such as tomato or vegetable - Crackers for a crunchy snack These sides complement the sweet and savory notes in the salad. Enjoy mixing and matching! This article covered everything you need for a great Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad. We talked about key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for the best flavors. You also learned about healthy swaps and how to store leftovers. Now, you can make it your way and enjoy it for days. Dive into this tasty meal and impress your family or friends. Simple steps lead to great taste, and I hope you give it a try!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and tart cranberries combined with the crunch of walnuts create a delightful taste that is both refreshing and satisfying.
  2. Healthy Ingredients: This salad is packed with protein-rich chicken, healthy fats from walnuts, and fiber from celery, making it a nutritious choice for any meal.
  3. Quick and Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this chicken salad is perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
  4. Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, as a sandwich, or on a bed of greens for a vibrant and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

To make this tasty salad, you’ll need these main items:

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

– 1/2 cup dried cranberries

– 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

– 1/2 cup fresh celery, diced

– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

– 1/2 cup creamy Greek yogurt (or substitute with mayonnaise)

– 1 tablespoon pure honey

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

– Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

These ingredients blend well together. The chicken gives protein, while cranberries add sweetness. Walnuts add crunch and healthy fats. Celery adds freshness, and red onion provides a bit of bite. The Greek yogurt dressing ties everything together, making it creamy and delicious.

Optional Garnishes and Additions

You can dress up your salad with some fun extras:

– Extra walnuts for crunch

– More dried cranberries for sweetness

– A sprinkle of feta cheese for tang

– Sliced apples for a fresh twist

– Mixed greens as a base for serving

These additions make your salad more colorful and flavorful. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like.

Substitutions and Alternatives

If you want to change things up, here are some easy swaps:

– Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken for ease.

– Swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds if you prefer.

– Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free option for a vegan dish.

– Use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a zestier flavor.

These options let you customize the salad to fit your taste or dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Ingredients

First, gather all your ingredients. You will need 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded. Next, measure out 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. Then, grab 1/2 cup of walnuts, roughly chopped. You will also need 1/2 cup of fresh celery, diced, and 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped. This mix of flavors makes the salad tasty.

Mixing the Chicken Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cranberries, walnuts, celery, and onion. Stir well to mix everything. This step helps ensure each bite is full of flavor.

Making the Dressing

Now, take a small bowl and add 1/2 cup of creamy Greek yogurt. If you prefer, you can use mayonnaise instead. Add 1 tablespoon of pure honey and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. This dressing will give the salad a creamy touch.

Next, pour the dressing over your chicken mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to fold everything gently. Make sure all the ingredients get coated. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. Enjoy the blend of sweet and savory!

Tips & Tricks

How to Ensure Perfect Flavor Balance

To get the best flavor in your salad, use fresh ingredients. Fresh celery and red onion add crunch and zing. The dried cranberries bring sweetness, while walnuts add a great nutty taste. When you mix the dressing, taste it first. You want a mix of sweet and tangy. If it’s too sweet, add more vinegar. If it’s too tangy, add a little honey. Adjusting these flavors gives you a perfect balance.

Make-Ahead Tips for Meal Prep

Making this salad ahead of time is easy. After mixing, cover the salad bowl tightly. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time lets the flavors blend well. You can make it up to a day early. Just stir it again before serving to mix everything back together. This trick saves time during busy days.

Serving Suggestions for Best Presentation

Presentation matters when serving this salad. Start with a bed of mixed greens on the plate. This adds color and makes the dish look inviting. Next, place a generous scoop of the salad on top. For extra flair, sprinkle more walnuts and cranberries around the salad. Finally, use fresh parsley as a garnish. It adds a touch of green and makes the dish pop.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to utilize leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken, saving time and reducing waste.
  2. Toast the Walnuts: For enhanced flavor, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.
  3. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, feel free to increase the honey or add a little more dried cranberries for an extra burst of flavor.
  4. Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator enhances the flavors, making it even more delicious when served cold.

Variations

Healthier Alternatives (e.g., Greek Yogurt vs. Mayonnaise)

You can make this salad healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Greek yogurt adds creaminess but has less fat. It also brings more protein to the dish. If you want to cut calories, this is a smart swap. The taste stays rich, so you won’t miss the mayo.

Adding Seasonal Ingredients

Feel free to mix in seasonal ingredients. In fall, add diced apples for a crunchy twist. In summer, try fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries. These fruits add more flavor and color. You can also include chopped nuts like pecans or almonds. These swaps keep the salad fresh and exciting.

Vegan or Vegetarian Versions

To make a vegan or vegetarian version, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Both options are great protein sources. Use vegan yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for the dressing. You can also add avocado for creaminess. This way, you can enjoy the salad while meeting dietary needs.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Salad

To store leftover cranberry walnut chicken salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals tightly. This keeps the salad fresh and safe to eat. Refrigerate the container right away. The salad can last for about three to four days.

Best Practices for Keeping Freshness

To keep your salad fresh, avoid adding garnishes until you serve. This helps the ingredients stay crisp. If you notice any moisture, use a paper towel inside the container. It absorbs extra liquid and keeps your salad from getting soggy. Always check the salad before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it.

Freezing Options for Meal Prep

Freezing cranberry walnut chicken salad is not ideal. The texture of the chicken and vegetables may change. If you must freeze it, do so before adding the dressing. Store the chicken mixture in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then mix in the dressing and enjoy!

FAQs

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

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad will stay fresh in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad safe and tasty. After a few days, check for any signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks different, it’s best to throw it away.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken into pieces. Make sure to remove any skin and bones first. This easy swap makes the recipe quick and delicious.

What can I serve with Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad?

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad goes well with many sides. Here are some great options:

– Mixed greens for extra crunch

– Toasted bread or croissants for a sandwich

– Fresh fruit like apples or grapes

– A light soup, such as tomato or vegetable

– Crackers for a crunchy snack

These sides complement the sweet and savory notes in the salad. Enjoy mixing and matching!

This article covered everything you need for a great Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad. We talked about key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for the best flavors. You also learned about healthy swaps and how to store leftovers.

Now, you can make it your way and enjoy it for days. Dive into this tasty meal and impress your family or friends. Simple steps lead to great taste, and I hope you give it a tr

To make this tasty salad, you'll need these main items: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup fresh celery, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup creamy Greek yogurt (or substitute with mayonnaise) - 1 tablespoon pure honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish These ingredients blend well together. The chicken gives protein, while cranberries add sweetness. Walnuts add crunch and healthy fats. Celery adds freshness, and red onion provides a bit of bite. The Greek yogurt dressing ties everything together, making it creamy and delicious. You can dress up your salad with some fun extras: - Extra walnuts for crunch - More dried cranberries for sweetness - A sprinkle of feta cheese for tang - Sliced apples for a fresh twist - Mixed greens as a base for serving These additions make your salad more colorful and flavorful. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like. If you want to change things up, here are some easy swaps: - Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken for ease. - Swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds if you prefer. - Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free option for a vegan dish. - Use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a zestier flavor. These options let you customize the salad to fit your taste or dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded. Next, measure out 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. Then, grab 1/2 cup of walnuts, roughly chopped. You will also need 1/2 cup of fresh celery, diced, and 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped. This mix of flavors makes the salad tasty. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cranberries, walnuts, celery, and onion. Stir well to mix everything. This step helps ensure each bite is full of flavor. Now, take a small bowl and add 1/2 cup of creamy Greek yogurt. If you prefer, you can use mayonnaise instead. Add 1 tablespoon of pure honey and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. This dressing will give the salad a creamy touch. Next, pour the dressing over your chicken mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to fold everything gently. Make sure all the ingredients get coated. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. Enjoy the blend of sweet and savory! To get the best flavor in your salad, use fresh ingredients. Fresh celery and red onion add crunch and zing. The dried cranberries bring sweetness, while walnuts add a great nutty taste. When you mix the dressing, taste it first. You want a mix of sweet and tangy. If it’s too sweet, add more vinegar. If it’s too tangy, add a little honey. Adjusting these flavors gives you a perfect balance. Making this salad ahead of time is easy. After mixing, cover the salad bowl tightly. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time lets the flavors blend well. You can make it up to a day early. Just stir it again before serving to mix everything back together. This trick saves time during busy days. Presentation matters when serving this salad. Start with a bed of mixed greens on the plate. This adds color and makes the dish look inviting. Next, place a generous scoop of the salad on top. For extra flair, sprinkle more walnuts and cranberries around the salad. Finally, use fresh parsley as a garnish. It adds a touch of green and makes the dish pop. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to utilize leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken, saving time and reducing waste. Toast the Walnuts: For enhanced flavor, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, feel free to increase the honey or add a little more dried cranberries for an extra burst of flavor. Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator enhances the flavors, making it even more delicious when served cold. {{image_4}} You can make this salad healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Greek yogurt adds creaminess but has less fat. It also brings more protein to the dish. If you want to cut calories, this is a smart swap. The taste stays rich, so you won’t miss the mayo. Feel free to mix in seasonal ingredients. In fall, add diced apples for a crunchy twist. In summer, try fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries. These fruits add more flavor and color. You can also include chopped nuts like pecans or almonds. These swaps keep the salad fresh and exciting. To make a vegan or vegetarian version, swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Both options are great protein sources. Use vegan yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for the dressing. You can also add avocado for creaminess. This way, you can enjoy the salad while meeting dietary needs. To store leftover cranberry walnut chicken salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals tightly. This keeps the salad fresh and safe to eat. Refrigerate the container right away. The salad can last for about three to four days. To keep your salad fresh, avoid adding garnishes until you serve. This helps the ingredients stay crisp. If you notice any moisture, use a paper towel inside the container. It absorbs extra liquid and keeps your salad from getting soggy. Always check the salad before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. Freezing cranberry walnut chicken salad is not ideal. The texture of the chicken and vegetables may change. If you must freeze it, do so before adding the dressing. Store the chicken mixture in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then mix in the dressing and enjoy! Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad will stay fresh in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps the salad safe and tasty. After a few days, check for any signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks different, it’s best to throw it away. Yes, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken into pieces. Make sure to remove any skin and bones first. This easy swap makes the recipe quick and delicious. Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad goes well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Mixed greens for extra crunch - Toasted bread or croissants for a sandwich - Fresh fruit like apples or grapes - A light soup, such as tomato or vegetable - Crackers for a crunchy snack These sides complement the sweet and savory notes in the salad. Enjoy mixing and matching! This article covered everything you need for a great Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad. We talked about key ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for the best flavors. You also learned about healthy swaps and how to store leftovers. Now, you can make it your way and enjoy it for days. Dive into this tasty meal and impress your family or friends. Simple steps lead to great taste, and I hope you give it a try!

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Delight

A refreshing and flavorful chicken salad with cranberries and walnuts, perfect for a light meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.5 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup fresh celery, diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup creamy Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon pure honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, roughly chopped walnuts, diced celery, and finely chopped red onion. Stir thoroughly to ensure that all ingredients are evenly distributed and incorporated.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the creamy Greek yogurt, pure honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
  • Carefully pour the dressing over the chicken mixture, then gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula or spoon, ensuring that every component is evenly coated with the delicious dressing.
  • Taste the salad and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning; feel free to add extra salt, pepper, or honey according to your personal flavor preference.
  • Once fully mixed, cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap, or transfer the salad into an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
  • When you’re ready to serve, gently stir the salad again to mix any elements that may have settled. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top as a vibrant garnish.

Notes

Serve on a bed of mixed greens for added color.
Keyword chicken salad, cranberries, healthy, walnuts

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