why make this recipe
This salad is quick, fresh, and easy. The berries add sweet flavor and the candied walnuts add crunch. It works for lunch, a light dinner, or a potluck. If you like salads with chicken and bacon, try the similar avocado egg salad with chicken and bacon for another idea.
introduction
Berry Chicken With Candied Walnuts mixes cooked chicken, mixed berries, celery, and sweet nuts. It is simple to make and needs no oven. Use cooked chicken you have on hand. This dish is good cold or at room temperature. For a warm stuffed chicken idea that pairs well with fruit, see the method used in cranberry brie stuffed chicken.
how to make Berry Chicken With Candied Walnuts
- Shred 2 cups of cooked chicken and put it in a large bowl.
- Add 1 cup mixed berries, 1 cup chopped celery, and 1/2 cup candied walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mix. Toss gently so berries do not break.
- Chill for 10–20 minutes or serve right away. You can serve it on greens or in a sandwich roll. For a side idea with herbs and cranberries, you may like cranberry stuffing with fresh herbs.
Ingredients :
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded, 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), 1/2 cup candied walnuts, 1 cup celery, chopped, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed berries, chopped celery, and candied walnuts. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to combine. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
how to serve Berry Chicken With Candied Walnuts
Serve on a bed of fresh greens for a light meal. Spoon into croissants or wraps for a picnic. You can also top toasted bread for an open-faced sandwich. Add extra berries or nuts on top for a pretty look.
how to store Berry Chicken With Candied Walnuts
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add nuts just before serving if you want more crunch. Do not freeze the salad; berries and dressing do not hold well after freezing.
tips to make Berry Chicken With Candied Walnuts
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Toss gently to keep berries whole.
- Taste the dressing and adjust salt and pepper.
- If berries are very sweet, add a little extra balsamic for balance.
- Add nuts right before serving to keep them crunchy.
variation (if any)
- Swap candied walnuts for toasted pecans or sliced almonds.
- Use plain walnuts and a touch of honey in the dressing instead of candied nuts.
- Add diced apple or pear for more crunch.
- Mix in a spoon of plain yogurt for a creamier dressing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen berries?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain them well so they do not make the salad watery.
Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: It can be prepped a day ahead, but keep nuts separate until serving for best texture.
Q: Can I use a different dressing?
A: Yes. A light lemon vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing also works well.
Q: How much does one serving make?
A: This recipe makes about 3–4 small servings as a salad or 2 sandwich servings.
Conclusion
For another chicken and berry salad idea that uses candied walnuts and dried fruit, see this similar recipe for inspiration: a similar chicken and berry salad with candied walnuts.
Print
Berry Chicken With Candied Walnuts
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and fresh salad combining cooked chicken, mixed berries, celery, and crunchy candied walnuts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/2 cup candied walnuts
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed berries, chopped celery, and candied walnuts.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Toss gently to keep berries whole. Add nuts right before serving to maintain crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: salad, chicken salad, berry salad, easy recipe, healthy meal