why make this recipe
Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad is a tasty and healthy dish that combines the warmth of chicken with the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of almonds. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or as a light dinner. This recipe is simple to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken!
how to make Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (You can use rotisserie chicken or poach your own.)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (Greek yogurt or vegan mayo can be used as alternatives.)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (Freshly squeezed is best.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped celery (Optional for added crunch.)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (Optional for flavor.)
Directions:
Preparation: Start by shredding the cooked chicken into small pieces. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, it will be easy to pull apart.
Mixing the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If you are using celery and green onions, add them to the bowl as well. Mix everything until well combined.
Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together. When you’re ready to serve, take it out and give it a little stir.
how to serve Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad
You can serve Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or in a wrap. It also works great with crackers or on its own as a snack!
how to store Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to three days. If you plan to use it later, consider keeping the almonds separate until you’re ready to serve to keep them crunchy.
tips to make Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad
- Use leftover chicken from a previous meal to save time.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you love citrus, add more lemon juice.
- For an extra crunch, toast the almonds before adding them to the salad.
variation
You can add other ingredients like chopped apples or grapes for extra flavor and sweetness. For a spicy kick, consider adding a bit of diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, canned chicken can be used if you don’t have fresh chicken on hand. Just drain and shred it before mixing.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all the ingredients you use are gluten-free, such as the mayonnaise and any optional additions.
Can I freeze Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad?
It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the ingredients can change when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded You can use rotisserie chicken or poach your own.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds Consider toasting for extra flavor.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise Greek yogurt or vegan mayo can be used as alternatives.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Freshly squeezed is best.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
- 1/4 cup chopped celery Optional for added crunch.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions Optional for flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by shredding the cooked chicken into small pieces.
Mixing the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- If you are using celery and green onions, add them to the bowl as well. Mix everything until well combined.
Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- When you’re ready to serve, take it out and give it a little stir.
