Oh, chicken salad! Is there anything more wonderfully versatile? You can have it for a quick lunch, pack it for a picnic, or serve it at a fancy little tea party. But I’m going to let you in on a little secret: the absolute *best* chicken salad, hands down, is this Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad. Trust me on this one! I stumbled upon this combo years ago when I was trying to spice up a basic lunch and was just blown away by how those sweet little dried cherries and crunchy walnuts just *worked* with the creamy chicken. It’s become my go-to, and once you try it, I bet it’ll be yours too. It’s so simple, yet tastes so incredibly special!

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad

Seriously, what’s not to adore about this recipe? It’s a total winner for so many reasons:

Super Quick & Easy: Literally takes 10 minutes. No cooking involved! Just chop, mix, and done. Perfect for those busy days.
Flavor Explosion: The combo of sweet cherries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy chicken is just *chef’s kiss*. It’s got that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and texture.
So Versatile: Eat it with crackers, pile it on bread for a sandwich, stuff it into a croissant, or even serve it over a bed of lettuce. Sky’s the limit!
Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters tend to love the familiar chicken salad base with these fun little additions.

Ingredients for the Perfect Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad

Alright, let’s talk about what goes into making this glorious Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad. Gathering your ingredients is half the fun, right? I’ve tried a few things over the years, and this is the combination that just sings. Don’t skimp on the quality here – it really makes a difference!

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: I usually use chicken breasts that I’ve boiled or roasted, then just pull them apart with forks. Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for this recipe too – talk about speed!
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Use your favorite kind! I tend to go for a full-fat mayo for the best creamy texture, but a lighter one works too if that’s your jam.
1/4 cup dried cherries: These are the little jewels that give us that pop of sweetness and chewiness. Make sure they’re dried, not fresh – the texture is totally different!
1/4 cup chopped walnuts: For that perfect nutty crunch! I like to give them a rough chop so you get nice little pieces in every bite. Toasting them lightly first? Oh, that’s a next-level move if you have a few extra minutes!
2 tablespoons chopped celery: This adds a subtle freshness and a little bit of crunch that just balances everything out. Don’t chop it too fine; you want to feel it.
1 tablespoon chopped red onion: Just a little bit for a hint of sharpness. If you’re not a fan of raw onion, you can totally skip it, or maybe try a super-fine mince of green onion.
Salt to taste: Always essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Black pepper to taste: Freshly ground pepper makes such a difference!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad

Getting this amazing Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad whipped up is seriously a breeze! It’s one of those recipes where you can have a delicious, satisfying meal ready in hardly any time at all. I usually make it right when I need it, but letting it chill for a bit really lets all those flavors meld together beautifully. Here’s how I do it:

Prep Your Chicken: First things first, you need cooked chicken. I find shredding it with two forks gives you the perfect texture – not too chunky, not too mushy. You want those nice little strands. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, just pull the meat off the bones and shred it up. Easy peasy!
Combine the Stars: Grab a medium-sized bowl – nothing too huge, we don’t want to be chasing ingredients around. Toss in your shredded chicken, the mayonnaise, those delightful dried cherries, your chopped walnuts, the fresh celery, and that little bit of red onion. Give it a good stir, but don’t mash it up too much. We’re aiming for everything to be coated and mixed, not pureed.
Season to Perfection: Now for the fun part – tasting and seasoning! Add a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Give it another gentle mix. Taste a little bit (carefully, of course!) and see if it needs more salt or pepper. This is where you really make it your own! Some people like a little zing, others prefer it milder.
Chill and Serve (Or Just Serve!): You can absolutely eat this Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad right away. It’s fantastic fresh! But, and this is my little trick for an even better flavor, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 15-30 minutes. This gives all those flavors a chance to get to know each other. It truly makes a difference! Then, just dig in however you like.

Tips for the Best Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down, but let’s jazz it up and make this Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad absolutely sing! It’s already pretty fantastic, but a few little tweaks and secrets can take it from great to *unforgettable*. I’ve been making this for ages, and these are the things that always seem to make people ask for the recipe.

First off, the chicken itself! While any cooked chicken works, I find that using chicken that’s been gently poached or roasted and then shredded gives you the absolute best moisture and texture. Rotisserie chicken is a total shortcut, but make sure it’s not too heavily seasoned already, or it might throw off the delicate balance here. And for those walnuts? Seriously, give them a quick toasting in a dry pan until they smell amazing – it wakes up their flavor like nothing else! You can even toast them while you lightly warm up a simple syrup if you’re feeling ambitious, though it’s totally not required for this dish. Check out how to make simple syrup if you’re curious!

A quick note on the mayonnaise: don’t be afraid to use a good quality one! It’s the backbone of the creaminess. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even mix in a tiny dollop of Dijon mustard for a little kick, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. And if you can’t find dried cherries? Cranberries are a decent swap, though the cherry flavor is really what makes this dish unique.

Serving Suggestions for Your Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad

Okay, so you’ve made this glorious Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad, and now you’re wondering, “What do I do with it?!” Honestly, the possibilities are endless, and that’s part of why I love it so much! It’s perfect for a quick-and-easy lunch, but totally fancy enough for a little get-together.

My absolute favorite way to serve it is piled high on some soft, buttery croissants – they’re just divine! You can find an amazing recipe for those right here if you’re feeling ambitious. Or, just slap it between two slices of your favorite toasted bread for a classic sandwich. It’s also fantastic scooped onto crisp lettuce cups for a lighter option, or just served with a big ol’ handful of your favorite crackers. It’s just so good no matter how you slice it!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

So, you made a big batch of this amazing Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad, and lucky you, you have leftovers! The best way to keep this yummy stuff around is to get it into an airtight container as soon as you can. Pop it in the fridge, and it should stay perfectly delicious for about 3 to 4 days. Honestly, though, it’s so good, I doubt it’ll last that long!

Regarding reheating, I usually don’t bother. This chicken salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, and honestly, heating up mayonnaise is just… not ideal. It can totally change the texture and make things a bit oily. Just give it a good stir if it’s been chilling for a while, and enjoy it as is!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad

Got questions about my famous Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad? I’ve got answers! This recipe is pretty straightforward, but I always get a few curious questions. Here are some of the most common ones I hear:

Can I use something other than mayonnaise?

You totally can! If mayo isn’t your thing, or you want something a bit lighter, try using plain Greek yogurt. It gives a nice tang and creaminess. Some folks even use half mayo, half Greek yogurt. Just make sure whatever you use is full-fat for the best texture, otherwise, it might get a little watery.

What if I don’t have dried cherries?

No dried cherries? No problem! While they really do add something special, you can substitute dried cranberries. They’ll give you a different flavor profile, a bit more tart, but still delicious. Just make sure they’re dried, not the fresh kind!

Can I add other nuts or ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. Pecans are a fantastic swap for walnuts. Some people like adding a bit of chopped apple for extra crunch and sweetness, or even a swirl of honey for a sweeter kick. Just remember not to go *too* crazy, or you’ll overpower that lovely cherry and walnut combo we love!

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Well, the salad itself isn’t vegetarian because it uses chicken. But if you’re looking for a meatless option, you could totally swap out the chicken for chickpeas! Just mash them up a bit and follow the same recipe. It makes for a delicious vegetarian chickpea salad sandwich.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

This Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad should stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving if it looks like it’s separated a bit. I find it’s even better on the second day after the flavors have really had time to meld together!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just a heads-up, this is an estimated breakdown of what you’re getting per serving of this yummy Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad. Keep in mind that exact amounts can vary a bit depending on the specific brands of mayo, chicken, and other yum-yum ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to check your own ingredient labels if you need super precise numbers!

Serving Size: About 1 cup

Calories: Around 350
Fat: About 20g (with roughly 4g saturated)
Protein: Bringing in a solid 25g!
Carbohydrates: Roughly 15g
Also includes Vitamin C, Iron, and other goodies!

Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad

Author: cocktailmixguide.com
Total Time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple chicken salad recipe with cherries and walnuts.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup dried cherries
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons chopped celery
1 tablespoon chopped red onion
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, mayonnaise, dried cherries, walnuts, celery, and red onion.
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
Serve immediately or chill for later.

Notes

Serve on bread, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 0 min
Category: Lunch
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken salad, cherry, walnut, easy, quick, lunch, no cook