How to make Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Creating Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is a delightful way to combine the richness of chicken with the sweetness of cranberries and the nuttiness of walnuts. Here’s a simple recipe to guide you through making this flavorful salad:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (or more mayonnaise)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you’re not using pre-cooked chicken, cook the chicken breasts in a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium heat until fully cooked. Shred the chicken using two forks and set it aside to cool.
2. Toast the Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped walnuts for a few minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let them cool.
3. Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or additional mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, honey, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, chopped celery, and finely chopped red onion.
5. Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Chill and Garnish: Cover the bowl and let the Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

This Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or enjoyed on its own.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, such as adding more cranberries or adjusting the creaminess of the dressing. Enjoy your delicious chicken salad!