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Easy Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad Recipe

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Fresh cherries and cilantro add a fun twist to this easy Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad recipe.  Serve it with crescent rolls for lunch or on salad for a delicious and healthy dinner.

Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad - this easy chicken salad is made with fresh cherries, cilantro, and walnuts. Try this delicious recipe on rolls or a salad for dinner! #chicken #salad #cherry #recipe #freshcherries #chickensalad

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 A few years ago, I had this Grape Pecan Chicken Salad at a church event.  This was the first time that I had ever had chicken salad with fruit, and I have to admit I was a little bit skeptical at first.  

After all, I had been eating chicken salad with pickles and eggs for years.  But after one bite, I was completely hooked on this easy fruit and chicken salad.  

In fact, now our whole family loves eating fruit in different salads like this Strawberry Orange Spinach Salad or this Hawaiian Chicken Salad. 

Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad - fresh cherries and walnuts give this easy chicken salad a great flavor and crunch. Make this easy recipe for dinner and serve it on rolls or a salad! #chicken #salad #cherry #recipe #freshcherries #chickensalad
The last time that we made Chicken Enchiladas, we still had quite a bit of rotisserie chicken leftover.  My first thought of course was to make a bowl of homemade chicken salad for lunch the next day. 

I was talking with my husband and asking him what he wanted in the chicken salad.  I was curious if he would want our normal recipe or something completely different.

He got a bright look in his eye and asked if I thought fresh cherries would be good in chicken salad.  See? I’ve told you before, most of the good dinner ideas usually start with him.

So fresh cherries it was.  We also decided to we use walnuts and cilantro instead of the pecans and dill.

Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad - adding fresh cherries and walnuts makes this easy chicken salad taste so good. Easy recipe to make for dinner! #chicken #salad #cherry #recipe #freshcherries #chickensalad

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.  

How to make Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad:

Pit the fresh cherries and cut in half. Place them on some paper towels to absorb the juice.

Place the shredded chicken in a bowl.  Stir in the diced celery, chopped walnuts, diced cilantro, chopped green onion, and halved cherries.

Stir in the sour cream and mayonnaise until everything is mixed in.  You can also use Greek yogurt and light mayo if you would like to make this a healthier chicken salad.

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for a few hours, so the flavors can blend together before serving it.

How do you eat Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad?

Enjoy it on crusty french rolls, wheat bread, crescent rolls, Hawaiian rolls, wraps, or on top of a salad.  

Honestly, 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…

Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad - walnuts and fresh cherries add a delicious flavor and crunch to this easy chicken salad. Make this recipe for dinner and serve it on rolls or salad! #chicken #salad #cherry #recipe #freshcherries #chickensalad

More easy chicken salad recipes:

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Yield: 6 cups

Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad

Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad

Fresh cherries and cilantro add a fun twist to this easy Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad.  Serve it with crescent rolls for lunch or on salad for a delicious and healthy dinner.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cups pitted and halved 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

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
  2. Salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate a few hours or overnight to let the flavors deepen.
  3. Serve on crescent rolls, bread, or salad.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 204Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 118mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 10g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

© Jocelyn @ Inside BruCrew Life
Cuisine: American / Category: Salads
Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad - adding fresh cherries and walnuts to this easy chicken salad give it so much flavor. It is a delicious and easy recipe to enjoy on rolls or a salad! #chicken #salad #cherry #recipe #freshcherries #chickensalad

*The post for Cherry Walnut Chicken Salad was first published on July 31. 2013. The photos have been updated and republished on July 17, 2019.

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Comments

  2. 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.

    Reply

  5. 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 🙂

    Reply

  10. 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!

    Reply

  16. 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!

    Reply

  17. 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 , I’m hooked! Thank you for your wonderful recipes

    Reply

  18. Sue says

    I can’t eat cilantro. Is there anything I can substitute? Sweet or sour cherries? Thanks. Can’t wait to make this.

    Reply

    • Jocelyn says

      You could use dill, parsley, or thyme in place of the cilantro. Add it a little at a time until you get a flavor you like. I bought fresh bing cherries when I made this chicken salad. I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply

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