Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe: A Deliciously Healthy Dish

Chicken salad’s one of those meals thats easy to throw together and always tastes good. You can have it for lunch, bring it to a picnic or maybe eat it light for dinner, whatever you prefer. Adding cranberries gives it a tangy sweet kick that just works so well with the tender chicken and greens. Plus, it looks pretty with all that red popping out.

Cranberries aren’t just for decoration. They got vitamins and antioxidants that help keep you healthy. Theyre kinda sour and sweet at the same time, so they balance out the chicken and veggies. When you toss them in your salad it feels like each bite got a little surprise.

These days, everyone’s talking about eating better and feeling good. That’s why having a simple cranberry chicken salad recipe is handy. You get protein, fiber, and good stuff from fruits and veggies without messing up flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners or when friends drop by. Whether you eat it solo or serve it with other dishes, people’ll love it.

Nutritional Benefits of Cranberries and Chicken

Cranberries do more than make your salad look cool. They got loads of antioxidants like vitamin C which helps your immune system. They also help your bladder and urinary tract stay clear from infections. And since they’re low in calories but high in fiber, they’re awesome if you wanna stay a healthy weight.

Chicken brings lean protein to the party. Protein builds and fixes muscles so you stay strong. It also keeps you full longer so you dont snack on junk. Mixing juicy chicken with tart cranberries makes a salad thats tasty and good for you, a really nice match if you ask me.

Essential Ingredients for Cranberry Chicken Salad

Here’s what you need to put together a delicious cranberry chicken salad.

Main Ingredients

• Cooked chicken: Shredded or chopped, whichever you like more.
• Fresh cranberries: They bring the tartness. If you dont have them, dried ones work too.
• Salad greens: Romaine, spinach or any mixed greens make a good base.

Optional Ingredients

• Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add nice crunch.
• Cheese: Feta or goat cheese give a creamy bite.
• Celery and green onions: For extra texture and flavor.
• Dressing: You can use yogurt-based or a simple vinaigrette, your choice.

Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients List

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or ½ cup dried cranberries)
• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• ½ cup chopped celery
• ¼ cup sliced green onions
• ½ cup walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup feta cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Get everything ready: Cook and shred chicken if it’s not already cooked. Chop celery and green onions. Rinse cranberries.
2. Mix in a bowl: Put chicken, cranberries, greens, celery and onions all in one big bowl.
3. Add extras: Throw in nuts and cheese if you want that crunch and creaminess.
4. Make dressing: Whip up your favorite dressing or just drizzle store bought.
5. Toss gently: Pour dressing over salad and mix lightly so you dont mash the berries.
6. Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper until it tastes just right.
7. Serve or chill: Eat right away or let it rest in fridge 30 minutes so flavors blend better.

Cooking and Serving Advice

Serve your salad with crusty bread to make it more filling or use it as a sandwich filling. Leftovers keep in the fridge up to three days if you store them in an airtight container. Feel free to swap ingredients for low-fat chicken or skip stuff depending on diets or allergies.

Variations on the Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe

You can easily change this salad to match the season or whatever you got in your pantry:

• Different dressings: Try honey mustard, citrus vinaigrette or balsamic glaze.
• Seasonal add-ins: In fall add apples, in winter add mandarin oranges or fresh herbs like dill or cilantro.
• Make it heartier: Mix in quinoa, couscous or even pasta to bulk it up.

Ideal Occasions for Serving Cranberry Chicken Salad

This salad works for lots of events:

• Summer get-togethers: Perfect for picnics or barbecues cause it’s light and fresh.
• Winter dinners: A warmer version with quinoa or nuts keeps you cozy without feeling heavy.
• Potlucks: It’s a crowd-pleaser so bring it to parties or family gatherings.
• Serving ideas: Eat it as an appetizer, main dish or side salad.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Lots of home cooks say this salad’s a winner. They love how simple it is and how cranberries add a pop of color and taste. On social media you’ll see tons of pics with people’s own twists, proving this recipe’s super versatile and popular.

FAQs

What type of chicken is best for the salad?

You can use grilled, roasted or rotisserie chicken. Pre-cooked chicken saves you time and it usually tastes great.

How long can I store cranberry chicken salad in the fridge?

This salad stays good in the fridge for up to three days. It’s tastiest fresh, but leftovers are still yummy.

Can I use frozen or canned cranberries?

Frozen or canned cranberries work but might change the texture and flavor. Fresh ones give the best bright taste.

What are some good dressings for chicken salad?

You can go with yogurt-based dressing, classic balsamic vinaigrette or creamy ranch. Each gives a different twist.

Is cranberry chicken salad healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with lean protein from chicken and antioxidants from cranberries, making it a healthy and filling meal.

Conclusion

Cranberry chicken salad is a tasty, healthy dish that’s easy to make and perfect for many occasions. You can tweak ingredients and dressings to fit your taste. We’d love to hear how you make it your own, so share your version and inspire others!

cranberry chicken salad recipe

This delightful cranberry chicken salad is a perfect blend of flavors, combining tender chicken, tart cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a creamy dressing. It makes for a refreshing, protein-packed meal that's ideal for lunch or a light dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 cutting board
• 1 measuring cups and spoons
• 1 medium saucepan
• 1 spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  

• 2 large chicken breasts About 1 pound.
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
• ½ cup celery Chopped.
• ½ cup walnuts or pecans Chopped.
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper
• lettuce leaves For serving (optional).

Instructions

 

• In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and add the chicken. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
• Remove the chicken from the water and let it cool slightly. Once cool, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cranberries, celery, and chopped nuts.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
• Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce leaves if desired, or enjoy it on its own.

Notes

For added flavor, consider adding diced apples or grapes to the salad.

This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for easy meal prep.

Serve with whole grain crackers or on a sandwich for variety.