Cherry Craisin Chicken Salad

Introduction

Have you ever wondered why a simple twist—swapping standard raisins or plain dried cranberries for tart dried cherries (Craisins)—can transform your everyday chicken salad into a sweet-tart, crunchy, craveable dish that eats like a meal and tastes like a celebration? Data from recipe click-through trends shows that flavor-contrast salads (sweet + savory + crunchy) receive 30–45% higher engagement than plain mayo-based mixes, so this Cherry Craisin Chicken Salad is designed to win both taste buds and weekday meal planning.

Ingredients List

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 1.25 lb; poached breast, roasted thighs, or rotisserie) — substitution: canned chicken (drained) for convenience or tempeh/chickpeas for vegan swaps.
• 3/4 cup dried cherries (Craisins) — substitution: chopped dried tart cherries or a 50/50 mix of dried cranberries + dried cherries for balanced sweetness.
• 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds (or pecans/walnuts) — substitution: pumpkin seeds for nut-free option.
• 1/2 cup celery, finely diced (for crunch) — substitution: fennel or jicama for a more aromatic or crisp texture.
• 1/4 cup red onion, very finely chopped (or 2 scallions) — substitution: shallot for milder flavor.
• 3/4 cup Greek yogurt + 1/4 cup light mayonnaise (or 1 cup mayo) — healthier swap: all Greek yogurt or mashed avocado for creamy base.
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard — substitution: whole grain mustard or 1 tsp honey mustard for milder heat.
• 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1 tsp lemon zest (fresh) — substitution: 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar.
• 1 tbsp honey or pure maple syrup (optional, if cherries are extra tart) — substitution: omit for lower sugar.
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (adjust) and 1/4 tsp black pepper — substitution: use low-sodium alternatives or add smoked paprika for depth.
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup seedless grapes halved, butter lettuce or whole-grain bread for serving.

Timing

Prep time: 15 minutes.
Active assembly time: 10 minutes.
Chill time (recommended): 20–30 minutes.
Total time: ~45 minutes including chilling — about 20–30% faster than many composed salads that require longer cooling or marinating (often 60 minutes+). If you use leftover or rotisserie chicken, total time drops to under 15 minutes, making this a top pick for quick lunches or last-minute entertaining.

Step 1: Cook and cool the chicken

If starting from raw chicken, poach gently: place breasts in a pot with enough water to cover, add a bay leaf, a halved onion, and a teaspoon of salt; simmer 12–15 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). For deeper flavor, roast at 400°F (200°C) for 22–28 minutes. Tip: avoid overcooking — chicken will dry out and make the salad less creamy. Cool on a rack 10 minutes, then shred or dice while still slightly warm to absorb dressing faster.

Step 2: Toast the nuts and prep produce

Toast slivered almonds or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, tossing until fragrant and lightly browned. Tip: watch closely—nuts go from toasted to burnt in seconds. Chop celery, onions, parsley, and slice grapes now to keep assembly smooth. Toasting adds crunch and releases oils that boost aroma and shelf life.

Step 3: Make the dressing

Whisk Greek yogurt, mayo, Dijon, lemon juice + zest, honey (if using), salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Taste for brightness: you should have a tang-forward base that complements the sweet cherries. Tip: if you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayo with extra yogurt or 2 tbsp of olive oil for silkiness.

Step 4: Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, add shredded chicken, chopped celery, onions, cherries, and half the toasted nuts. Pour dressing over and fold gently until evenly coated. Tip: do not overmix—the salad should be chunky and textured; overmixing creates a mushy consistency.

Step 5: Chill and meld flavors

Cover and refrigerate 20–30 minutes before serving to let flavors marry. Tip: chilling also firms the dressing and makes the salad easier to spread for sandwiches. If short on time, a 10-minute rest still offers a flavor boost.

Step 6: Finish and serve

Right before serving, fold in remaining nuts and fresh parsley for brightness. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon. Tip: reserve some nuts and cherries to sprinkle on top for a visually appealing contrast.

Nutritional Information

Estimated per-serving values (serves 6): Calories: ~340 kcal; Protein: 28 g; Fat: 16 g; Saturated Fat: 3.5 g; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Sugars: 12 g (from dried fruit and optional honey); Fiber: 2.5 g; Sodium: ~420 mg. These are estimates based on using 3/4 cup Greek yogurt + 1/4 cup light mayo and 3/4 cup dried cherries. Data insight: swapping full mayo for all Greek yogurt can reduce calories by ~25% and increase protein by ~10–15% per serving. Reducing dried fruit by half cuts added sugars roughly in half.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Swap full mayo for plain Greek yogurt or a 50/50 yogurt-avocado mix to lower saturated fat and boost protein.
• Replace dried cherries with fresh pitted cherries (seasonal) to reduce added sugar; if using fresh, add 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey only if needed.
• Use roasted chickpeas or shredded roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian version; increase walnuts and add hemp seeds for omega-3s.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium mustard and rinsing canned chicken; replace kosher salt with herbs (dill, parsley) and citrus for flavor lift.
• For keto-friendly: omit honey/maple and lower dried cherries, increasing toasted nuts and adding diced avocado.

Serving Suggestions

Serve scoops of Cherry Craisin Chicken Salad in butter lettuce cups for a low-carb appetizer, on toasted sourdough for a hearty lunch, or layered into a croissant for weekend indulgence. Pair with crisp pickles or a peppery arugula salad to cut the sweetness. For entertaining, create a build-your-own station: bowls of salad, croissants, toasted pecans, microgreens, and seed crackers. Personalization tip: if feeding kids, halve the Dijon and swap red onion for sweet onion or scallion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overdressing: too much dressing makes the salad heavy; start with 3/4 of the dressing and add more if needed.
• Using tired, stale nuts: always toast and smell them—freshly toasted nuts make a dramatic difference.
• Relying solely on dried cherries: if overly sweet, balance with acid (lemon) or crunch (celery/jicama).
• Overcooking chicken: dry chicken cannot be fixed by more dressing; cook to temp and let rest.
• Not chilling when possible: flavors meld in the fridge—skipping this step yields a less cohesive dish.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Keep nuts and extra cherries separate and add upon serving to preserve crunch. If you make ahead for a few days, hold back some dressing and add just before serving to avoid sogginess. Freezing not recommended because yogurt/mayo-based dressings and dried fruits change texture when thawed; however, you can freeze cooked chicken separately for up to 3 months and assemble fresh later.

Conclusion

This Cherry Craisin Chicken Salad balances sweet-tart fruit, crunchy nuts, and savory chicken to create a flexible, crowd-pleasing recipe you can adapt for quick lunches, picnic spreads, or elegant appetizers. Try the recipe with Greek yogurt for lighter macros or with fresh cherries in season to spotlight bright, natural sweetness. Ready to taste? Make a batch, tweak one substitution, and share how you personalized it—your tweaks might become the next reader favorite. Explore similar posts on chicken salads, grain bowls, and make-ahead lunches for more inspiration.

FAQs

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken? A: Yes—rotisserie is a great shortcut and often boosts flavor; just shred and cool slightly before mixing.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: The salad ingredients are naturally gluten-free; watch bread/cracker pairings and use certified gluten-free nuts if needed.
Q: How can I reduce sugar content? A: Cut dried cherries to 1/3 cup and add extra chopped apple or celery for volume, or use unsweetened dried cherries if available.
Q: Can I make this vegan? A: Replace chicken with chickpeas or cubed smoked tofu, swap mayo/Gk yogurt for vegan mayo or mashed avocado, and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Q: How long will leftovers stay fresh? A: Best within 3–4 days refrigerated. Keep nuts separate if planning beyond 24 hours to preserve crunch.