Let me tell you, my Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is a game changer! It’s so refreshing and packed with flavor, you’ll want to make it every week. The sweet and tart dried cranberries pair perfectly with the crunchy walnuts, while the shredded chicken brings in that satisfying protein we all crave. What I love most is how quick and easy it is to whip up—perfect for those busy days when you still want something nutritious. Plus, it’s gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it! Trust me, once you try this salad, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, and you’ll feel great serving it to family and friends.

Ingredients for Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to put together this delicious salad. Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go for an easy mixing experience!

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Having all your ingredients prepped—like the chicken shredded and the celery diced—makes the process a breeze. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together, and the combo of flavors is just divine!

How to Prepare Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Alright, let’s get this salad party started! First, grab a large bowl and toss in your shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and diced celery. Give that a good stir to mix everything together—trust me, the colors alone make it look so inviting!

Now, in a separate small bowl, combine your mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. This is where the magic happens! Stir them together until they’re smooth and creamy, and then pour this luscious mixture over your chicken salad. Make sure to mix it all up well so every bite is packed with flavor.

Once everything is combined, sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy, it really brings the whole salad to life! Now here’s the key step: cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk nutrition because I know you’re curious! This Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is not just tasty, it’s also quite nutritious. Here’s the breakdown for a typical serving size of 1 cup:

Calories: 350
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 300mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. I always say it’s a good idea to check your own labels, especially if you’re watching certain dietary needs. But overall, you can feel great about enjoying this delightful salad!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick prep time—ready in just 15 minutes!
Refreshing taste that’s perfect for any season.
Nutritious and filling, packed with protein and healthy fats.
Great for meal prep—perfect for lunches or light dinners.
Versatile and gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Honestly, it’s a salad that checks all the boxes—delicious, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to make!

Tips for Success

Let me share some of my top tips to make your Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad truly shine! First off, always use fresh ingredients. Fresh celery and high-quality chicken can really elevate the flavors, making your salad taste vibrant and delicious. If you have the time, let it chill for a bit longer than the 30 minutes—an hour or even overnight works wonders for the flavors to meld together.

Also, feel free to taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking, and if you want a little extra zing, add a splash more of Dijon mustard. And don’t forget, this salad is just as good as a sandwich filling, so consider serving it between slices of your favorite bread for a delightful twist. Enjoy the process, and you’ll end up with a salad that everyone will rave about!

Variations of Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

If you’re like me and love to mix things up in the kitchen, you’ll adore these fun variations for your Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad! One of my favorites is swapping out the walnuts for pecans or even sliced almonds for a different nutty flavor and texture. You could also toss in some diced apples or grapes for an extra burst of sweetness and crunch—yum!

If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It adds a creamy texture while boosting the protein content. For a pop of color and flavor, try adding some diced bell peppers or even a handful of spinach or arugula. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own unique twist to this delightful salad. Get creative and have fun with it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep. Remember, this salad is best served cold, so no need to reheat—just enjoy it straight from the fridge for a refreshing bite anytime you crave it!

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy your Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad! One of my favorite methods is to serve it on a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing meal. You can also scoop it between two slices of crusty bread for a satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for lunch. For a fun twist, try it in a wrap with some crunchy lettuce or even as a topping for crackers—so versatile and delicious!

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad: 5 Reasons You’ll Love It

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and nutritious salad featuring chicken, cranberries, and walnuts.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup cranberries, dried
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and diced celery.
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve on a bed of greens or as a sandwich filling.
Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

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