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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped - 1/2 cup celery, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise) - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, for garnish These ingredients create a well-rounded salad. The chicken gives protein and flavor. Dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness. Walnuts bring a nice crunch. Celery adds a fresh taste and crispness. Red onion offers a bite that balances it all. Using Greek yogurt makes the salad creamy and light. Honey adds a hint of sweetness, while apple cider vinegar gives it a tangy kick. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds color. This salad packs a lot of nutrients. Each serving has about: - Calories: 300 - Protein: 25g - Fats: 15g - Carbohydrates: 20g It’s a healthy choice for lunch or dinner. The protein helps keep you full. The healthy fats from walnuts provide energy. Plus, the salad is colorful and tasty! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, add the shredded chicken. Next, toss in the dried cranberries. Then, add the roughly chopped walnuts. Follow this with the diced celery and finely chopped red onion. Mix everything well. You want all the ingredients to blend nicely. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing adds flavor and moisture to the salad. Now, pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently fold everything together. Make sure all ingredients get coated with the dressing. This step is key for great taste. After mixing, taste the salad. If you want more flavor, add a bit more salt, pepper, or honey. Adjusting the seasoning helps suit your taste buds. When you are ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir. Then, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This not only makes it look nice but adds a fresh flavor too. Enjoy your meal! Using Pre-Cooked Chicken You can save time by using pre-cooked chicken. Many stores sell cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to your salad. This cuts down your prep time and makes it easy. Prepping Ingredients Ahead of Time Prep your ingredients ahead of time. Chop your celery and onions the night before. Store them in the fridge. This way, you can mix everything quickly when it's time to make the salad. Alternative Dressings You can change the dressing to fit your taste. Try using mayonnaise instead of Greek yogurt. You can also mix in some mustard for a tangy twist. Each option adds a new layer of flavor. Adding Other Ingredients Feel free to add other fruits or nuts. Apples, grapes, or even sliced almonds work well. These extras can change the taste and add crunch. Get creative and make the salad your own! Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This salad is a great way to use up leftover chicken from a previous meal, making it a time-saver! Customize the Nuts: Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile. Add Fresh Fruits: Adding diced apples or grapes can enhance the sweetness and add a refreshing crunch. Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully. {{image_2}} Gluten-Free Options This salad is easy to make gluten-free. Simply ensure that your chicken and all other ingredients are gluten-free. Most nuts and dried fruits are safe. You can enjoy this dish with confidence. Vegan Alternatives To make a vegan version, use chickpeas instead of chicken. Choose vegan yogurt for the dressing. You can also add some diced apples for extra sweetness. This version still tastes great and is full of nutrition. Different Types of Nuts Don’t have walnuts? You can use almonds, pecans, or cashews instead. Each nut adds a different taste and crunch. Try different nuts to find your favorite blend. Modifying the Dressing (yogurt vs. mayo) Greek yogurt gives a tangy flavor. If you prefer a creamier taste, use mayonnaise. You can mix both for a balanced flavor. Experiment to see what you like best! To keep your cranberry walnut chicken salad fresh, use an airtight container. This method works best to seal in flavors and moisture. If you don’t have one, a covered bowl is a good option too. Just make sure it’s well-covered to prevent drying out. How long does it last in the fridge? Your salad will stay fresh for about three to four days in the fridge. Store it right after making it. This helps keep the ingredients crisp and tasty. What about freezing the salad? I don’t recommend freezing it. The texture of the chicken and veggies changes when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately. Then, mix it with the salad when you’re ready to eat. This way, you can enjoy a fresh-tasting meal every time! Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? You can use fresh cranberries, but they are very tart. If you want to use them, add a little extra honey. This will help balance the tartness. Dried cranberries add a nice sweetness and chewiness, which many enjoy. Is Greek yogurt healthier than mayonnaise? Yes, Greek yogurt is often healthier than mayonnaise. It has less fat and more protein. Greek yogurt also brings a creamy texture. It makes the salad lighter and more nutritious. How can I make this salad spicier? To spice up the salad, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also mix in a bit of hot sauce. These additions will give your salad a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors. Can I prepare it the day before serving? Yes, you can make this salad the day before. Just keep it in the fridge. The flavors will develop more overnight. Just give it a quick stir before serving to mix everything back together. What to serve with Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad? This salad pairs well with a fresh green salad or whole grain bread. You can also serve it with crackers or on a bed of spinach. It makes a great light meal or side dish. Can it be served on a sandwich? Absolutely! This salad is great on a sandwich. Use whole grain or sourdough bread. Add some greens or sliced tomatoes for extra flavor and crunch. It makes a tasty lunch option. This blog post covered a tasty dish: Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad. You learned about the fresh ingredients, step-by-step prep, and storage tips. I shared ways to customize the salad and answered common questions. This dish is simple, healthy, and perfect for any meal. You can adjust it to fit your taste or needs. Enjoy making your salad and sharing it with friends!

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

A refreshing and nutritious salad combining shredded chicken, dried cranberries, and walnuts, dressed with Greek yogurt and honey.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 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 celery, diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, diced celery, and finely chopped red onion. Mix well to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
  • Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture, then gently fold everything together until all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or honey to suit your preference.
  • Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for garnish.

Notes

Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Keyword chicken, cranberry, salad, walnut