Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe: A Festive & Flavorful Twist
Are you looking for a delicious and unique salad recipe to brighten up your lunch or dinner? Look no further! This cranberry chicken salad recipe offers a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It's perfect for a holiday gathering or a simple weeknight meal. This recipe is easy to follow, packed with flavor, and easily adaptable to your dietary needs. Let's dive in!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1.5 lbs cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!)
- 1 (12 ounce) bag fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional additions: Toasted pecans or walnuts, dried apricots, chopped apples, a sprinkle of fresh thyme
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Begin by preparing your chicken. If using a rotisserie chicken, simply shred the meat. If cooking your own chicken breast, ensure it's fully cooked and then shred or dice it. Set aside.
- Roughly chop the fresh cranberries. Don't worry about making them perfectly uniform; a rustic chop adds to the charm.
Mixing the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped cranberries, mayonnaise (or yogurt), celery, red onion, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Gently mix all the ingredients until thoroughly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain some texture.
- If using optional additions like pecans, walnuts, dried apricots, or apples, add them now and stir gently to incorporate.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve your cranberry chicken salad on croissants, crackers, lettuce cups, or bread rolls.
- It's also delicious served alongside a bed of mixed greens or as a filling for a wrap or sandwich.
- Consider adding some extra crunch with toasted slivered almonds or sunflower seeds.
Tips & Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Make it sweeter: Increase the amount of orange zest or add a tablespoon of maple syrup.
- Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with cooked quinoa or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.
This cranberry chicken salad is a versatile and delicious recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation will impress your guests, whether it's a casual lunch or a holiday feast. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us on social media! #cranberrychickensalad #saladrecipe #holidayrecipe #easyrecipe #deliciousfood
