– **Title**: Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (can use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
– 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lettuce leaves (for serving, optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, celery, and red onion.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss until everything is well coated.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce leaves if desired, or enjoy it on its own, with crackers, or as a sandwich filling.
6. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Diced chicken breast is perfect here for a lean protein source. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Leftover chicken works well too!
Cranberries: Dried cranberries are great for adding sweetness and chewiness. If you don’t have them, raisins or chopped dried apricots can be good substitutes.
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts give a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are excellent alternatives.
Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt: This combo makes a creamy dressing. If you want it lighter, you could use just Greek yogurt or a low-fat mayo. Dairy-free options like vegan mayo can also work!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the salad. You can swap it out for lime juice if you prefer or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang.
How Do I Make the Perfect Chicken Salad?
Making chicken salad might seem simple, but there are a few tricks to ensure it’s great. The key is balancing flavors and getting a nice creamy texture without it being too oily.
- Start with well-cooked chicken. If it’s moist, your salad will be more delicious.
- Chop your vegetables (celery and onion) small for even distribution in the salad.
- For the dressing, mix the mayo and yogurt thoroughly before combining with other ingredients.
- Don’t skip chilling the salad! This lets the flavors blend, making every bite better!
How to Make Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
Dressing Ingredients:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh greens (like lettuce or spinach)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and needs at least 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll be ready in about 45 minutes, with most of that time letting the flavors blend. Perfect for a quick meal or a tasty lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Chicken and Veggies:
Start by taking a large bowl and adding the diced cooked chicken, chopped celery, finely chopped red onion, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. Mix everything together so all the ingredients are well distributed. This will create a colorful and crunchy base for your salad.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir it well until the mixture is nice and smooth. This dressing is what will make your salad creamy and flavorful!
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture in the large bowl. Stir everything gently until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Take a moment to taste the mixture, and add a bit more salt or pepper if you think it needs it.
4. Chill and Serve:
Now, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and put it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets the flavors meld together beautifully. Once it’s chilled, serve the chicken salad over fresh greens or pile it into sandwich bread to make a delightful meal. Enjoy your delicious Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great option and will save you some time. Just make sure to shred or dice the chicken as needed, and you can skip the cooking step entirely!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt or even a mashed avocado. This will give the salad a creamy texture while adding additional nutrients!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, consider adding the greens just before serving. If it thickens in the fridge, you can lighten it up with a splash of lemon juice or a little extra yogurt.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other ingredients you enjoy, like apple chunks for sweetness, feta cheese for a tangy bite, or even grapes for a pop of color and flavor. Just adjust the dressing if necessary to balance the flavors!
