Description
This Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken with a creamy dressing made from mayo, Greek yogurt, and zesty Dijon mustard. Enhanced with crunchy toasted walnuts, sweet-tart craisins, crisp celery, and fresh scallions, it makes a perfect, refreshing lunch or light dinner served on green leaf lettuce or your favorite bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- ¾ cup craisins (dried cranberries)
- ½ cup toasted chopped walnuts
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 3 scallions, diced (reserve half for garnish)
To Serve
- Green leaf lettuce leaves
- Bread of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic paste, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, craisins, toasted walnuts, chopped celery, and half of the diced scallions into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing and the ingredients are well distributed.
- Serve: Place a few green leaf lettuce leaves on your serving plate or bread. Spoon a generous portion of the chicken salad onto the lettuce or bread. Garnish with the remaining scallions for a fresh finish. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor, but you can also use cooked and shredded chicken breasts or thighs.
- To toast walnuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
- For a lighter version, increase the amount of Greek yogurt and reduce mayonnaise.
- This salad can be served chilled and makes excellent leftovers stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Additions like diced apples or grapes can add extra sweetness and crunch if desired.
