Cranberry chicken salad is a real winner in my house. It mixes tender chicken and tart cranberries into a dish thats both fresh and filling. It's perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or even a holiday meal. You can put it on lettuce or in a sandwich and everyone will like it.
The tart cranberries pair so good with the chicken and crunchy veggies, nuts, even a creamy dressing. The colors pop and it looks reall nice. You're tastebuds get a fun trip with every bite, and its also pretty healthy. It's the kind of recipe that makes you feel like your eating something fancy and good for you at the same time.
Nutritional Benefits
Besides tasting great, cranberry chicken salad has a lot of good stuff inside. The main parts of this salad give you vitamins, protein and more that keeps you healthy. Let's look at each ingredient and why it's so good.
1.1 Health Benefits of Cranberries
Cranberries arent just for holidays, they are loaded with vitamin C and K wich help your immune system and blood clotting. They also got antioxidants called proanthocyanidins that can help stop urinary tract infections. Some folks say they can also be good for your heart cause they fight inflammation. Adding cranberries to your salad gives it that tang and a boost for your health.
1.2 Nutritional Value of Chicken
Chicken is a top source of protein that helps your muscles repair and grow. A cup of chicken breast has loads of protein, plus B vitamins like B6 and B12, phosphorus and selenium. These work together to give you more energy, help your brain and immune system. Using lean chicken in your salad makes it yummier and even more nutritious.
Key Ingredients
To make this salad awesome, you need the right ingredients. Each one adds taste, texture and health benefits. Here's what you should grab:
2.1 Chicken
You can use grilled chicken for a smoky taste or roasted chicken for a richer flavor. If you in a hurry, canned chicken works too. Just make sure the chicken is cooked all the way and cut into small bits so it's easy to mix.
2.2 Cranberries
Fresh cranberries give a punch of tartness and a firm bite, while dried cranberries are chewy and sweet. Watch out for added sugar in dried ones. Both kinds make the salad look bright and add a burst of flavor.
2.3 Other Essential Ingredients
Other things to toss in are fresh greens like spinach or lettuce, nuts such as walnuts or pecans for crunch, and cheeses like feta or goat cheese for creaminess. All these stuff mix together in a tasty way and make the salad more filling.
Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
3.1 Ingredients
Here's what you'll need:
- Cooked chicken breast – 2 cups, diced
- Dried cranberries – 1 cup
- Celery – 1 cup, chopped
- Red onion – ¼ cup, finely chopped
- Greek yogurt or mayonnaise – ½ cup
- Walnuts – ½ cup, chopped
- Fresh parsley – ¼ cup, chopped
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Optional: Green apples – 1 cup, diced
- Optional: Cheese (feta or goat) – to taste
3.2 Directions
Try these steps:
- Dice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a big bowl, stir Greek yogurt or mayo with salt and pepper for the dressing.
- Add chicken, cranberries, celery, red onion, walnuts, and parsley to the bowl.
- Mix everything gently so the flavors spread evenly.
- For best taste, chill the salad for at least an hour before serving so the flavors can see each other.
3.3 Tips and Alternatives
Some ideas to switch things up:
- Use sliced almonds or pecans instead of walnuts for a new crunch.
- Try non-dairy yoghurt if you want it lighter or have allergies.
- Put the salad on lettuce leaves for a cool lunch.
- Or eat it in a sandwich or with crackers for a quick snack.
Serving Suggestions
4.1 Accompaniments
This salad goes well with:
- Whole grain bread or rolls for extra carbs.
- Crunchy veggie sticks like carrots or peppers.
- A light soup or a fresh fruit salad to round out the meal.
4.2 Presentation Tips
Make it look good by:
- Serving in a colorful bowl that shows off the bright ingredients.
- Sprinkling extra parsley or feta cheese on top.
- Using clear cups to show the layers if youre doing individual servings.
Storing and Meal Prep
5.1 How to Store Leftovers
To keep it fresh:
- Put leftovers in an airtight container and chill right away.
- You can eat it up to 3-4 days later if you store it proper.
5.2 Meal Prep Ideas
For easy meal prep:
- Pre-chop chicken and veggies and keep them separate.
- Mix the dressing at the last minute so everything stays crisp.
- Assemble the salad in the morning for a quick lunch or dinner.
FAQs
6.1 Common Questions from “People Also Ask”
- What can I substitute for cranberries in chicken salad? You could use apples, raisins, or other dried fruits for a different taste.
- Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe? Sure! Rotisserie chicken saves time and taste great.
- How long does cranberry chicken salad last in the fridge? It stays good for 3-4 days in a sealed container.
- Is there a way to make this salad vegan? Yes, swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use vegan mayo or yogurt.
Conclusion
Cranberry chicken salad is super flexible and tasty. You can bring it to a picnic, a party, or just eat it for lunch. Try your own twists and see what you like best. Let us know how you make it your own!
cranberry chicken salad recipe
Equipment
- 1 medium pot
- 1 cutting board
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded About 300 grams.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries About 100 grams.
- ½ cup chopped celery About 70 grams.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts About 60 grams.
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt About 120 grams.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise About 60 grams.
- 1 tablespoon honey About 15 grams.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice About 15 milliliters.
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- lettuce leaves For serving.
Instructions
- In a medium pot, bring water to a boil. Add chicken and cook for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Drain and let cool, then shred the chicken into bite-size pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth.
- In another bowl, add the shredded chicken, cranberries, chopped celery, and walnuts. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to a refrigerator-safe container and chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Divide the salad onto plates or serve as a scoop on lettuce leaves. Enjoy your refreshing Cranberry Chicken Salad!
