Cranberry Delight Chicken Salad
This Cranberry Delight Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines tender chunks of chicken with the sweet and tart flavors of dried cranberries. Perfect for warm weather, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Creamy mayonnaise and tangy yogurt create a luscious dressing that binds all the ingredients together, while crunchy celery, walnuts, and optional green bell pepper add delightful textures. Enjoy it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or as a snack any time of the day. With no cooking required, it’s a fantastic choice for busy days or picnics!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked chicken
4 cups (cubed)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
nonfat plain yogurt
1/2 cup (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
paprika
1 teaspoon (none)
dried cranberries
1 1/2 cups (none)
celery
1 cup (chopped)
onion
1 tablespoon (minced)
green bell pepper
1/2 cup (minced (optional))
walnuts
1 cup (chopped)
black pepper
to taste (none)
garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by cubing the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
2
In a separate medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, nonfat yogurt, salt, and paprika. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
3
To the dressing, fold in the dried cranberries, chopped celery, minced onion, green bell pepper (if using), and chopped walnuts. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4
Carefully add the cubed chicken to the mixture and gently fold until everything is combined.
5
Season the salad to taste with black pepper, additional salt, and garlic powder if desired. Mix again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
7
Serve the salad in your preferred way, whether over greens, in a sandwich, or as a hearty snack!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Delight Chicken Salad?
Cranberry Delight Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines tender chicken chunks with sweet and tart dried cranberries in a creamy dressing.
How much cooked chicken do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of cooked chicken, cubed into bite-sized pieces.
What is used to make the creamy dressing?
The dressing is made using 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 1/2 cup of nonfat plain yogurt.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is an excellent and convenient option for this recipe.
Are the cranberries used in this recipe fresh or dried?
This recipe specifically uses 1 1/2 cups of dried cranberries.
What kind of nuts are added to the salad?
The recipe includes 1 cup of chopped walnuts for added texture and crunch.
Is the green bell pepper mandatory?
No, the 1/2 cup of minced green bell pepper is listed as an optional ingredient.
How much celery should I add?
You should add 1 cup of chopped celery to the salad.
Does this recipe include onion?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 tablespoon of minced onion.
What type of yogurt should be used?
The recipe recommends using nonfat plain yogurt.
Is garlic powder included in the ingredients?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder can be added optionally for extra flavor.
How long should the chicken salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
Why is it important to chill the salad?
Chilling allows the ingredients to meld and ensures the salad is served at a refreshing temperature.
Is this chicken salad recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and requires no actual cooking if the chicken is pre-cooked.
Is this a no-cook recipe?
Yes, as long as you have cooked chicken ready, the preparation involves only mixing and chilling.
Can I serve this salad on a bed of greens?
Absolutely, serving it over a bed of greens is a highly recommended serving method.
Is this chicken salad suitable for sandwiches?
Yes, it makes for a delicious and hearty sandwich filling.
What spices are used to season the salad?
The salad is seasoned with salt, paprika, black pepper, and optional garlic powder.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for plain yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a thicker, high-protein alternative to nonfat plain yogurt.
Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Yes, pecans or other nuts of your choice can be substituted for walnuts.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer salad and is perfect for warm weather.
How much walnut should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped walnuts.
What gives the salad its creamy texture?
The combination of mayonnaise and nonfat yogurt provides a luscious, creamy dressing.
How should the onion be prepared for this recipe?
The onion should be finely minced before being added to the dressing.
Does the salad have a tart flavor profile?
Yes, the dried cranberries and yogurt provide a pleasant tanginess to the dish.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper levels?
Yes, you should season the salad to your personal taste with black pepper and additional salt.
How much paprika is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of paprika in the dressing.
Is this dish suitable for picnics?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for picnics as it is easy to transport and served cold.
How much mayonnaise is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to cube the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl.