Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad
This delightful Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad combines tender chicken with the sweetness of cranberries (or raisins) and the crunch of toasted almonds, all tied together with a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or snack, this salad can be served chilled or immediately over fresh greens for a refreshing main dish or tucked into pita pockets or multi-grain bread for a tasty sandwich. Customize with your choice of green onions or celery, and adjust the seasoning to your taste. Whether using poached or roasted chicken or turkey, this versatile salad promises a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
10
Servings
185
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
raisins or dried cranberries
3/4 cup
apple juice
1/3 cup
mayonnaise
1/2 cup
prepared mustard
1 tablespoon
diced cooked chicken or turkey
3 cups
thinly sliced green onions or diced celery
1/3 cup
slivered almonds, toasted
1/3 cup (toasted)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, combine the dried cranberries (or raisins) and apple juice. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Once simmering, remove from heat and let cool in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and prepared mustard. Add the diced chicken or turkey, green onions and/or celery, and toasted almonds. Mix thoroughly to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.
3
Once the fruit mixture is cooled, stir it into the chicken mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Chill the salad if desired for enhanced flavor, or serve immediately.
5
Serve as a main dish over crisp salad greens, or as a sandwich filling in pita pockets or multi-grain bread.
Nutrition Information
10.5g
Carbs
12g
Protein
0.6g
Fiber
6.8g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad?
It is a creamy salad made with tender chicken, sweet dried cranberries or raisins, and crunchy toasted almonds, often served as a sandwich or over greens.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the 3 cups of diced cooked chicken with diced cooked turkey.
How do I prepare the dried cranberries or raisins?
Combine them with apple juice in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and cool in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
What kind of juice should I use for the fruit mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of apple juice to simmer the dried fruit.
Can I use raisins if I do not have cranberries?
Yes, the recipe allows for either raisins or dried cranberries based on your preference.
How many calories are in one serving of this chicken salad?
There are 185 calories per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 12 grams of protein.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 10 servings.
What are the primary sources of crunch in this salad?
The crunch comes from toasted slivered almonds and either diced celery or thinly sliced green onions.
Is this chicken salad healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy option and provides a good balance of protein and moderate carbohydrates.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, it can be served immediately, though chilling it first can help enhance the flavor.
What is the best way to serve Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad?
It can be served as a main dish over crisp salad greens, or as a filling for pita pockets or multi-grain bread.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 10.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, there are 6.8 grams of sugar per serving, primarily from the dried fruit and apple juice.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of prepared mustard.
Can I use both green onions and celery?
Yes, you can use 1/3 cup of thinly sliced green onions, diced celery, or a combination of both.
How do I toast the almonds?
You can toast slivered almonds in a dry pan over medium heat or in the oven until they are golden brown and fragrant.
Is there any fiber in this salad?
Yes, there is 0.6 grams of fiber per serving.
What kind of mustard is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 'prepared mustard,' which can be yellow, Dijon, or any variety you prefer.
Is this recipe suitable for a light lunch?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for a light lunch or a snack.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely, using diced rotisserie chicken is a convenient way to prepare the 3 cups of cooked chicken required.
How long should the fruit mixture cool?
The fruit mixture should cool in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes after simmering.
What seasoning is used?
The salad is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Can I use pecans instead of almonds?
While the recipe specifies toasted slivered almonds, you could certainly substitute with pecans for a different flavor profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free; however, you should check the labels on your mayonnaise and mustard to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How do I mix the salad?
Whisk the dressing first, add the meat, vegetables, and nuts, then stir in the cooled fruit mixture last.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the salad is recommended for enhanced flavor, making it a great make-ahead dish.
Is the chicken cooked or raw when starting?
The recipe requires 3 cups of diced cooked chicken or turkey.
What type of bread is suggested for sandwiches?
The instructions suggest using pita pockets or multi-grain bread.
Is this a poultry-based dish?
Yes, it is categorized under poultry and chicken salad tags.