Introduction

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of tender chicken, crisp apple, and tangy cranberries, all brought together with a creamy lemony dressing. Its balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy makes it perfect for sandwiches, salads, or a light snack. This easy-to-make dish is a wonderful way to enjoy classic flavors with a fresh twist.

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

3 cups shredded chicken (or diced, rotisserie works well)
1 cup diced celery
1 green apple, diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries (like 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and bake for 5 to 8 minutes, until they are toasty and lightly browned on the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 2: While the walnuts toast, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice in a bowl. Add the salt, pepper, and onion powder, mixing well to create the dressing. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, diced apple, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: You can enjoy the salad immediately or chill it for 30 minutes to 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Serve it on toast, in sandwiches, or with crackers for a satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add chopped celery leaves or a handful of chopped green onions.
Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.
Try pecans instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the dried cranberries or use fresh grapes instead.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the salad chilled before serving. Re-toss gently before serving if ingredients have settled. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the apples and celery may become mushy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries are quite tart and firm, so they are not a direct substitute for dried cranberries in this recipe. If using fresh, consider cooking them with a bit of sugar first to soften and sweeten them.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegan mayonnaise in place of regular mayonnaise. Toast the nuts as usual to keep that nutty flavor and crunch.

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

A flavorful and refreshing Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad combining shredded chicken, crunchy celery, sweet green apple, tart dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts all tossed in a tangy lemon mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for a light lunch served on toast or with crackers.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie preferred)
1 cup diced celery
1 green apple, diced
1/2 cup dried cranberries (such as Craisins)
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

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 the oven to 350°F. Spread the chopped walnuts on a baking sheet and bake for 5-8 minutes, or until they become toasty and start to brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Dressing: While the walnuts toast, whisk together the mayonnaise and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a small bowl. Add the salt, pepper, and onion powder, then mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined. Set the dressing aside.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, diced celery, diced green apple, dried cranberries, and the toasted walnuts. Pour the prepared dressing over these ingredients.
Toss the Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring a balanced flavor in each bite.
Chill and Serve: The salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to let the flavors meld. Serve it on toast, as a sandwich filling, or alongside crackers for a delicious meal or snack.

Notes

Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the salad.
Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor, but you can use any cooked shredded chicken.
Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your desired creaminess and richness.
The salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best freshness.

Keywords: Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad, chicken salad, quick chicken salad, healthy chicken recipe, make-ahead salad, rotisserie chicken salad, easy lunch recipe