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The main ingredients in this salad create a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Here's what you need: - 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped - 1/2 cup celery, finely diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped The shredded chicken gives the salad its heartiness. Dried cranberries add a sweet and tangy note. Chopped walnuts provide a nice crunch that balances the dish. The dressing brings everything together with its creamy and zesty taste. You will need: - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain) - 2 tablespoons honey mustard - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste The Greek yogurt offers creaminess while keeping it healthy. Honey mustard adds a touch of sweetness and tang. Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors, making each bite refreshing. You can customize your salad with these optional ingredients: - Fresh arugula or mixed greens for serving - Additional seasoning options like garlic powder or herbs Using arugula or mixed greens gives the salad a fresh base. Add extra seasonings to enhance the flavor profile to your liking. For the full recipe, check out the complete details. Mixing the main ingredients Start by gathering all your main ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken breast, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup of finely diced celery, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion. Mix these ingredients gently to ensure they blend well without breaking the chicken too much. Making the dressing In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of honey mustard, and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Folding the dressing into the chicken mixture Now, pour the yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a spatula to carefully fold the dressing into the chicken. Make sure every piece is coated, but be gentle to keep the chicken pieces intact. Adjusting seasoning to taste Once mixed, taste your salad. You may want to add more salt or pepper depending on your preference. Adjust the seasoning until it is just right for you. Chilling the salad Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step lets the flavors blend beautifully. Plating the dish on greens To serve, lay a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens on each plate. Spoon the chicken salad over the greens. This not only looks great but also adds a fresh crunch. For a finishing touch, consider using the Full Recipe to guide your presentation and impress your guests! To save time, consider these two great options for pre-cooking chicken: - Poaching Chicken: Place chicken breasts in boiling water. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Let it cool before shredding. - Using Rotisserie Chicken: Grab a rotisserie chicken from the store. It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred it and you’re ready to go! For extra zing in your salad, add these spices: - Cinnamon: A pinch can add warmth. - Cayenne Pepper: A tiny dash gives it a kick. You can also mix in fresh herbs: - Parsley: Adds freshness and color. - Thyme: Provides a subtle earthy flavor. How you serve your salad makes a big difference. Here are some tips: - Use a Clear Bowl: A glass bowl shows off the bright colors of your salad. - Garnish with Extras: Sprinkle more chopped walnuts and cranberries on top for a nice touch. Choose the right serving bowl to match your meal. A large bowl works for sharing, while smaller bowls are great for individual servings. {{image_4}} If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free mustard. You can also use gluten-free grains. For dairy-free alternatives, replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt. Almond or coconut yogurt works well. You can add fruits or vegetables to this salad. Try chopped apples for crunch or diced bell peppers for color. Mixing in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro gives it a fresh taste. Changing the nuts used adds a new twist. Pecans or almonds can replace walnuts for a different flavor. Making it a wrap or sandwich is a fun twist. Use a large lettuce leaf or a tortilla to wrap the chicken salad. This makes a great lunch. You can also transform it into a dip. Serve it with crackers or veggies for a tasty snack. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! To keep your Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad fresh, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to seal in flavors and moisture. This helps prevent the salad from drying out. - Make sure the container is clean and dry. - Avoid using plastic wrap as your only cover. - Label the container with the date so you know when you made it. You can freeze chicken salad, but it’s best to do so without the greens. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. - Place the salad in a freezer-safe container. - Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. - Thaw the salad in the fridge overnight before serving. In the fridge, your Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad lasts about three to four days. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. - Look for any off smells or changes in texture. - If the salad looks slimy or has an unusual color, it’s best to throw it out. - Use your senses to ensure safety when enjoying this delicious dish. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Yes, you can use canned chicken. It saves time and makes prep easy. However, canned chicken may taste different than freshly cooked chicken. It often lacks the fresh flavor and tender texture you get from cooking your own chicken. If you choose canned chicken, rinse it well to reduce sodium. Shredding it helps mix it better with other ingredients. Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad lasts about three to five days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you notice any changes in smell or texture, it's best to throw it away. For optimal taste, enjoy it within the first two days. This salad pairs well with a variety of side dishes and drinks. Here are some great options: - Whole grain bread or wraps - Fresh fruit salad - Vegetable sticks with hummus - Crisp white wine or sparkling water Feel free to experiment with these side dishes. They can enhance your meal and make it even more enjoyable. For the full recipe, check the link above! Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad combines tasty chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. You now know how to make the dressing with Greek yogurt, honey mustard, and lemon juice. Adding optional greens and spices makes it your own. Remember to chill the salad for the best taste. You can customize it to meet dietary needs and serve it in many fun ways. Store leftovers well and enjoy this dish for days. Now it’s time to try making your delicious salad!

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Indulge in a delicious and healthy Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, crunchy walnuts, and sweet dried cranberries, all coated in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. In just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup celery, finely diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain)

2 tablespoons honey mustard

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh arugula or mixed greens for serving

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, finely diced celery, and chopped red onion. Stir gently to mix the ingredients evenly.

    Prepare the dressing by whisking together the Greek yogurt, honey mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

      Pour the yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture and carefully fold it in using a spatula, ensuring that all components are coated with the dressing without breaking the chicken further.

        Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding extra salt or pepper according to your preferences.

          Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container and chill it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.

            To serve, create a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens on individual plates or a large serving platter. Spoon the chicken salad over the greens for an appealing presentation.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For an unforgettable visual impact, serve the salad in a clear glass bowl that allows guests to see the vibrant colors and textures of the ingredients. Scatter a few additional chopped walnuts and fresh cranberries on top as a garnish, enhancing both aesthetics and flavor.