Fresh cherries and cilantro add a fun twist to this Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad. Ā Serve it with crescent rolls for a lunch option or a light dinner meal.
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Ā A few years ago, I tried this great chicken salad recipe. Ā It was the first time I had fruit in a chicken salad sandwich, and I have to admit I was a little bit skeptical at first. Ā After all, I had been eating chicken salad the same way for years. Ā Why would you put anything but pickles and eggs in chicken salad? Ā But after one bite, I was completely hooked. Ā In fact, this is my favorite way to eat leftover chicken now. Ā
The other day we made Chicken Enchiladas and only used half the roasted chicken. Ā The very first thing I thought of was making chicken salad with the leftover chicken. Ā I was talking with my husband and asking him what he wanted in his salad, and if he wanted our favorite one or something different.
He got a bright look in his eye and asked if I thought fresh cherries would be good in it. Ā See? I told you most of the good dinner ideas usually start with him.
So fresh cherries it was. Ā And then to change up a few other ingredients in the salad, we chose walnuts and cilantro.
The flavors from the fresh cherries and the crunch of the walnuts added such a great flavor when mixed in with the chicken and cilantro. Ā You can also change it up some more and use yogurt and light mayo, if you wanted to cut some more calories out of this meal.
There are so many ways you can enjoy this salad. Ā Try it on a crusty french roll, wheat bread, on top of a salad, or on crescent rolls. Ā There isn’t a wrong way to eat this cherry walnut chicken salad, so pick your favorite way and go with it.
I may have just finished off the rest of ours with a fork…
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Easy chicken salad with a twist using fresh cherries and walnuts.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups pitted and cut in half fresh cherries
- 3/4 cup packed cilantro, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- salt and pepper
- crescent rolls (I use Pillsbury)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Stir to combine. Salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate a few hours or overnight to let the flavors deepen.
- Serve on crescent rolls or bread. Makes about 6 cups of chicken salad
Here are a few other chicken recipes that we enjoy:
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
I love chicken salad…I love that you used cherries instead of grapes. My husband might actually eat this version of chicken salad!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
It was seriously so good with the cherries! If you try it, let me know what you guys think of it! š
Marcie says
This chicken salad sounds delicious with cherries and cilantro! I normally use grapes, walnuts, and celery, but obviously I need to think outside the box more.
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Marcie!! š I have to remind myself to think outside the box too!
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
I am a huge fan of putting fruit in my chicken salad! In fact I have a recipe for Roasted Grape Chicken Salad that is my go to. I’m gonna have to give this recipe a go.
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Yay! Let me know what you think of it if you make it! š
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says
Oooo now we are talking! What a fun spin on Chicken Salad and I LOVE crescent rolls so you are talking to straight to my heart!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Haha, thanks Julie!! I love those crescent rolls too! š
Laura @ Lauras Baking Talent says
Hmmm… I love chicken salad. I never thought to use cherries before. I have used cranberries and grapes, but I think cherries will be great. Maybe its because I am from MIchigan but this seems like a very “Michigan” chicken salad. Cant wait to try it š
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Mmm cranberries sound really good too!! š
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads says
I love this ingredient combo!! Sounds so yummy!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Sheena!! š
Tieghan says
Mmm!! I love the addition of cherries. I have been obsessed with them these days!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Teighan! š
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
always, always looking for an amazing chicken salad recipe. Will try this soon!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Yay! Let me know what you think of it hen you make it!! š
Chels R. says
Looks delicious!!!!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks!! š
Gloria @ Simply Gloria says
I love this recipe. I always try to make a little extra chicken when I’m already grilling or whatever with it…so I can create something totally different with it. Love this idea! Especially love the cilantro in it!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Gloria!! I love having the extra chicken to use in a different way too! š
Becca @ Crumbs and Chaos says
YUM – chicken salad is one of our faves, totally loving the way you’ve changed it up! My husband can sometimes be a really great source of recipe inspiration too š
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Becca!! Gotta love those hubby’s of ours! š
Krista @ joyfulhealthyeats says
Joceyln this sounds awesome! I love that you added cilantro in the mix with this chicken salad and then put them on croissant rolls. It would be perfect for a bridal or baby shower luncheon! Love this.. pinning! š
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Krista!! š
Heather @ French Press says
I have always loved chicken salad, Cherries make a great addition
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Heather!! š
Lindsay @ Life, Love and Sugar says
Sounds awesome! I LOVE the cilantro addition!
Nicole says
I usually make something very similar to this with either dried cherries or craisins, but I will have to try making chicken salad with fresh cherries! Thanks for the inspiration!
Gloria says
I wish we would have found this recipe years ago. It is absolutely delicious. Refreshing twist on chicken salad. We put on croissant rolls, Italian grain bread , Iām hooked! Thank you for your wonderful recipes
Jocelyn says
I am so glad you are enjoying this chicken salad twist. It’s one of my favorites too!!!