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.
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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.
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.
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…
More easy chicken salad recipes:
- Pineapple Sriracha Chicken Salad
- Fiesta Chicken Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad
- Sweet and Spicy Chicken Salad Crescent Bites
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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.
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
- 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, bread, or salad.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 204Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 118mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 10g
*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.
Sue says
I can’t eat cilantro. Is there anything I can substitute? Sweet or sour cherries? Thanks. Can’t wait to make this.
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!
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
Jocelyn says
I am so glad you are enjoying this chicken salad twist. It’s one of my favorites too!!!
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!
Lindsay @ Life, Love and Sugar says
Sounds awesome! I LOVE the cilantro addition!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Heather!! 😉
Heather @ French Press says
I have always loved chicken salad, Cherries make a great addition
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! 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Krista!! 😉
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 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Becca!! Gotta love those hubby’s of ours! 😉
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! 😉
Chels R. says
Looks delicious!!!!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks!! 😉
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!! 🙂
Tieghan says
Mmm!! I love the addition of cherries. I have been obsessed with them these days!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Teighan! 😉
Sheena @ Hot Eats and Cool Reads says
I love this ingredient combo!! Sounds so yummy!
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Thanks Sheena!! 😉
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 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker says
Mmm cranberries sound really good too!! 😉
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! 🙂
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! 😉
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!! 😉 I have to remind myself to think outside the box too!
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! 😉