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If you’re craving a delightfully fresh and flavorful lunch or light dinner, the Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish combines tender shredded chicken with the sweet tang of craisins, the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, and a creamy, zesty dressing that brings everything together in perfect harmony. Each bite bursts with layers of textures and flavors, making it an irresistibly vibrant salad that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for the Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe is both simple and essential. Each component adds its unique touch—from the creamy base of mayo and Greek yogurt to the zesty lemon and mustard that brighten the overall flavor. The balance of crunchy walnuts and sweet craisins also ensures every forkful is a delightful experience.
- ¾ cup mayo: Provides a rich and creamy foundation to bind all the salad ingredients together.
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and lightens the dressing for a fresher taste.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and adds a subtle acidity that balances the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives a mild spicy kick and depth to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste: Infuses a gentle savory note that lifts the entire salad.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming them.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and a little spice.
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded: The star protein bringing tenderness and heartiness with every bite.
- ¾ cup craisins: Offers chewy bursts of sweetness to complement the savory elements.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted: Toasting these nuts brings out their rich aroma and crunch.
- 1 celery stalk, chopped: Adds refreshing crispness and a clean flavor to the salad.
- 3 scallions, diced: Imparts a subtle, fresh oniony bite that brightens the mix.
- Green leaf lettuce, for serving: Provides a crisp, fresh bed that balances every spoonful.
How to Make Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
Start by combining the mayo, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic paste, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk everything together until it forms a smooth, unified dressing that’s creamy but light, perfectly setting the stage for the rest of your salad’s ingredients.
Step 2: Incorporate the Chicken and Mix-Ins
Gently fold the shredded rotisserie chicken into the dressing so every piece is luxuriously coated. Then add the craisins, toasted walnuts, chopped celery, and half of the diced scallions. This step brings a beautiful medley of flavors and textures that will make this salad so memorable.
Step 3: Serve on Lettuce or Bread
Finally, portion the cranberry walnut chicken salad onto crisp green leaf lettuce or your choice of hearty bread. Add the remaining scallions on top for a pop of color and mild bite. Now your Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few extra toasted walnuts or diced scallions over the top to add a delightful crunch and fresh herbaceous notes. A small drizzle of lemon juice right before serving can also brighten the flavors even further.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, some lightly salted kettle chips, or a refreshing fruit salad. Light, simple sides enhance the main dish without competing with its lively flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like switching things up? Serve the salad in avocado halves for a trendy, creamy presentation, or scoop it into mini pita pockets for a perfect party appetizer. You can even stuff it inside hollowed-out tomatoes or cucumbers for an impressive and healthy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing it chilled allows the flavors to marry even more while ensuring freshness and crispness.
Freezing
Since this salad relies on a creamy dressing and fresh components, freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the mayo and Greek yogurt and make the celery soggy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days cooled.
Reheating
This chicken salad is best served cold or at room temperature and should not be reheated. If you prefer a warm meal, try gently warming the chicken separately and mixing it fresh with the dressing just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Any cooked, shredded chicken will work perfectly. Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but homemade poached or grilled chicken can be delicious alternatives.
What can I substitute for craisins if I don’t have them?
Dried cherries or raisins make great substitutes for craisins, providing a similar sweet-tart balance that complements the nuts and chicken beautifully.
Is Greek yogurt necessary in the dressing?
While not strictly necessary, Greek yogurt adds a lovely tang and lightness that cuts through the richness of mayo. If you skip it, consider adding a splash of buttermilk or extra lemon juice for brightness.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
You can easily adapt the Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe by swapping the chicken for chickpeas or diced tofu and using vegan mayo and yogurt alternatives. The texture and flavor combinations will still be delightful.
What kind of bread pairs best with this chicken salad?
A sturdy whole grain, sourdough, or even a fluffy brioche bun works wonderfully. The key is choosing bread with enough structure to hold the salad without becoming soggy too quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe is such a joy to make and even more wonderful to eat. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both comforting and fresh, honoring classic flavors with a bit of a festive twist. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon and discover how effortlessly it can turn an ordinary meal into something special and memorable.
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