Cherry Chicken Salad recipes offer a delicious and refreshing twist on traditional chicken salad. This dish combines the savory flavors of cooked chicken with the sweetness of cherries and the crunch of nuts and vegetables, resulting in a delightful salad that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a standalone meal.
The star ingredient in Cherry Chicken Salad is, of course, cooked chicken. Typically, cooked and shredded chicken breasts or thighs are used as the protein base. The chicken provides a hearty and savory element to the salad, making it a satisfying dish.
One of the defining features of Cherry Chicken Salad is the addition of sweet cherries. Fresh, pitted cherries or dried cherries are commonly used. These cherries add a burst of fruity sweetness and a pleasant tartness that contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken.
In addition to cherries and chicken, Cherry Chicken Salad often includes a medley of ingredients to enhance flavor and texture. Chopped celery and red onion contribute a refreshing crunch, while chopped nuts like almonds or pecans add richness and a satisfying bite. Some recipes may also incorporate herbs like fresh parsley or dill for added freshness.
The dressing for Cherry Chicken Salad is typically a creamy mixture that binds the ingredients together. Mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or a combination of both may be used to create a creamy and tangy base. A touch of Dijon mustard, honey, or lemon juice can add depth of flavor to the dressing.
To prepare Cherry Chicken Salad, all the ingredients are mixed together in a bowl, ensuring even distribution of flavors and textures. The salad can be served in a variety of ways, such as on a bed of greens, as a sandwich or wrap filling, or as a topping for crackers or croissants.
Cherry Chicken Salad offers a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish. It’s perfect for picnics, brunches, or as a light and satisfying meal option. The addition of cherries elevates the traditional chicken salad to a delightful culinary experience.
Cherry Chicken Salad Recipe: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory
Details Cherry Chicken Salad Recipes
Prep Time: 15 mins
Additional Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients For Cherry Chicken Salad Recipes
3 cooked, boneless chicken breast halves, diced
⅓ cup dried cherries
⅓ cup diced celery
⅓ cup toasted, chopped pecans
⅓ cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 tablespoon buttermilk
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅓ cup cubed apples (Optional)
Instructions: Cherry Chicken Salad Recipes
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, dried cherries, celery, nuts, mayonnaise, milk, salt and pepper and apple if desired. Toss together well and refrigerate until chilled. Serve on toasted cracked wheat bread or croissants.
I made this with frozen cherries, cutting them into quarters. I also substitued sour cream for the buttermilk. By the time I got all the rest of the ingredients added, the cherries were thawed and it was very flavorful.
This is good, but needs a little more flavor for us. I added some lemon juice and green onions. Cherries are a nice change, and I think the apples are a must.
Very good. I doubled the cherries and apples and increased the mayo to 1/2 cup.
If you have chicken ready this is really easy and very tasty. I like the milk to thin out the Mayo. I’ll do that now for other recipes. Reduces the calories and the dressing goes further.
Delicious! This dish reminds me of a great restaurant in Charlevoix where I first had chicken salad with cherries. I added about tablespoon of finely diced red onion. Can’t wait to make this again.
This recipe for the Cherry Chicken Salad is delicious and I will make it again. I even shared some of it with one of my friends who also loved it.
This tasted amazing!!
I didn't have cherries, or pecans (used almonds I toasted in oven) and I added some carrot shreds to give a little color.
I love this chicken salad! I discovered it a couple years ago in a Taste of Home cookbook. For those saying it's too dry, the recipe I have calls for 1/2 cup mayo and 4 teaspoons buttermilk. My husband eats in on bread, which has more mayo on it.
✅What Ingredients Are Needed for Cherry Chicken Salad?
To create a delicious Cherry Chicken Salad, gather ingredients like cooked chicken breast, fresh cherries (pitted and halved), celery, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped pecans, and salt and pepper. These components combine to make a flavorful and satisfying salad with a balance of savory and sweet flavors.
✅How Do You Prepare Cherry Chicken Salad?
Preparing Cherry Chicken Salad is a simple and delightful process. Start by dicing cooked chicken breast and placing it in a mixing bowl. Add halved fresh cherries, chopped celery, and chopped pecans to the bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Pour the dressing over the chicken and cherry mixture, then gently toss until everything is well coated. Refrigerate the salad for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld before serving. It's a perfect dish for picnics, lunches, or as a side salad.
✅Can You Make Cherry Chicken Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can make Cherry Chicken Salad in advance. In fact, it's often better when prepared ahead of time to allow the flavors to develop. After assembling the salad, cover it and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. You can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day or two. It's a convenient and flavorful dish for meal prep.
✅Are There Variations or Additions to Enhance Cherry Chicken Salad?
Cherry Chicken Salad is versatile, and you can customize it to your taste. Consider adding chopped fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for added freshness. For extra crunch, toss in some diced apples or grapes. Some recipes include crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy and tangy element. Feel free to get creative and make this salad your own.
✅Is Cherry Chicken Salad Suitable for Dietary Restrictions?
Cherry Chicken Salad can be adapted to accommodate certain dietary restrictions. For a lighter version, use low-fat Greek yogurt or reduce the amount of mayonnaise. You can also choose a dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free option. Always check labels and consider individual dietary needs when preparing this delicious salad.
