Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe
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.
- 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
Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/cranberry-walnut-chicken-salad-recipe/
