Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry chicken salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines tender chicken with sweet and tangy dried cranberries. It is perfect for lunch, light dinners, or even as a party appetizer. This salad is easy to make, healthy, and packed with flavor. It balances savory chicken, creamy dressing, and crunchy textures. Whether you want a quick meal or something to impress your guests, this recipe is a great choice. You do not need fancy ingredients or cooking skills to prepare it. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize for your taste or dietary needs. Keep reading to learn how to make this tasty cranberry chicken salad with step-by-step instructions, useful tips, and serving ideas.
Ingredients Needed
Here are the ingredients you will need for a classic cranberry chicken salad. Cooked chicken breast forms the protein base. Dried cranberries add sweetness and tang. Celery and green onions provide freshness and crunch. The creamy dressing is a mix of mayonnaise and plain Greek yogurt, making it rich but light. Slivered almonds give a nutty crunch. Lemon juice brightens the flavors, and honey adds a hint of sweetness. Salt and pepper season the salad to taste. Below is a table with quantities and approximate calories for each ingredient to help you keep track:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken breast | 2 cups shredded | 330 |
| Dried cranberries | 1/2 cup | 123 |
| Celery chopped | 1/2 cup | 8 |
| Green onions sliced | 2 tablespoons | 6 |
| Mayonnaise | 1/3 cup | 300 |
| Plain Greek yogurt | 1/4 cup | 35 |
| Slivered almonds | 1/4 cup | 132 |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | 4 |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon | 21 |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | 0 |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | 1 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Start by preparing your chicken. Use leftover cooked chicken or cook fresh chicken breast by boiling, baking, or grilling.
Once cooked, shred it into bite-sized pieces. Next, mix the dressing in a small bowl. Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
Whisk until smooth and creamy. In a large bowl, add shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped celery, sliced green onions, and slivered almonds.
Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to mash the ingredients.
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
After chilling, stir gently and serve.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Feel free to personalize this salad to suit your preferences.
To lighten it up, swap some or all mayonnaise for more Greek yogurt or mashed avocado.
Add fresh fruits like apple slices or grapes for extra sweetness.
If you have nut allergies, replace almonds with seeds or omit them.
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley add brightness.
Spice lovers can add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a kick. For a vegan version, use chickpeas instead of chicken and vegan mayo instead of regular.
These simple swaps keep the salad fresh and exciting.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of cranberry chicken salad contains roughly 239 calories.
It provides about 25 grams of protein, which helps keep you full.
The fat content is moderate at around 13 grams, with low saturated fat.
Carbohydrates come in at 11 grams, including natural sugars from cranberries and honey.
There is about 2 grams of fiber per serving.
Sodium is moderate, coming mainly from seasoning and mayonnaise.
This salad offers a balanced mix of macronutrients along with vitamins and antioxidants, making it a nutritious meal option.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry chicken salad is very versatile. Serve it over mixed greens for a healthy salad.
Use it as a sandwich filling on whole grain bread or croissants for a quick lunch.
It also works well stuffed into pita pockets or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
For parties, serve it with crackers or toasted bread slices as an appetizer.
Pair it with soup or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
No matter how you serve it, this salad is always a hit.
Conclusion
Cranberry chicken salad is a simple yet flavorful recipe that anyone can make. It perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors with crunchy and creamy textures. This dish is easy to prepare, nutritious, and flexible enough for many dietary preferences. Whether you want a light lunch or a dish to impress guests, this salad delivers. It stores well and tastes even better after resting. Give it a try, and it will likely become one of your go-to recipes for quick, healthy meals.