Zesty Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad
This delicious and refreshing Zesty Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad combines tender chunks of chicken with crunchy slivered almonds and sweet, tangy dried cranberries, all brought together with a hint of Greek seasoning. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch option, a hearty picnic treat, or a delightful dish to serve at gatherings, this salad is sure to impress. The toasted almonds add a rich nuttiness and texture, while the fresh lemon juice and Greek seasoning deliver a zesty kick. You can easily swap the almonds for toasted pecans if you prefer. Enjoy this versatile dish in lettuce wraps, on a sandwich, or simply on its own!
N/A
Servings
170
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
slivered almonds
2/3 cup (Toasted)
chopped cooked chicken
3 cups (Cooked and chopped)
dried sweetened cranberries
3/4 cup (Dried)
celery ribs
2 (Diced)
sweet onion
1/2 small (Diced)
mayonnaise
3/4 cup (N/A)
all-purpose Greek seasoning
1 tablespoon (N/A)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the slivered almonds in a single layer on a shallow baking pan.
2
2. Bake the almonds in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes or until they are lightly toasted and fragrant. Be sure to watch them closely to avoid burning. Once toasted, remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.
3
3. In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, diced celery, and diced sweet onion.
4
4. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek seasoning, and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
5
5. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
6
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. Serve the salad on beds of lettuce, in a sandwich, or as desired.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
8g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad?
It is a refreshing salad combining tender chicken, crunchy slivered almonds, and sweet dried cranberries with a zesty Greek-inspired dressing.
What ingredients are needed for this chicken salad?
You will need slivered almonds, chopped cooked chicken, dried sweetened cranberries, celery ribs, sweet onion, mayonnaise, Greek seasoning, and fresh lemon juice.
How do I toast the almonds for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, spread the almonds on a baking pan, and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until lightly toasted.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of almonds?
Yes, you can easily swap the slivered almonds for toasted pecans if you prefer.
How long should the almonds cool after toasting?
Allow the toasted almonds to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.
What is the calorie count for this chicken salad?
Each serving contains approximately 170 calories.
How much protein is in a serving of this salad?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
Is there a specific dressing used for this salad?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon all-purpose Greek seasoning, and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
It is recommended to chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What are the best ways to serve Zesty Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad?
You can serve it in lettuce wraps, as a sandwich, on beds of lettuce, or simply on its own.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of chopped cooked chicken.
How many grams of fat are in this dish?
There are 13 grams of fat per serving.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 of a small sweet onion, diced.
Does this recipe use fresh or dried cranberries?
This recipe uses 3/4 cup of dried sweetened cranberries.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 8 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What temperature should the oven be for the almonds?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How much Greek seasoning is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of all-purpose Greek seasoning.
How do I prepare the celery for the salad?
You should use 2 celery ribs and dice them before adding to the mixture.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While bottled can work, the recipe recommends 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for the best zesty flavor.
How many ingredients are in the Zesty Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad?
There are 8 total ingredients in this recipe.
What gives the salad its zesty kick?
The combination of fresh lemon juice and all-purpose Greek seasoning provides the zesty flavor profile.
How do I ensure the almonds don't burn?
Watch them closely while they are in the oven for those 5 to 7 minutes as they can burn quickly.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is described as a hearty picnic treat and is great for gatherings.
Can I make the dressing in the same bowl as the chicken?
It is recommended to whisk the dressing in a separate smaller bowl first to ensure it is smooth before pouring it over the chicken.
How much slivered almonds do I need?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of slivered almonds.
What is the texture of this chicken salad?
The salad features tender chicken contrasted with crunchy toasted almonds and crisp diced celery.
Is this a good lunch option?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as a satisfying and refreshing lunch option.
How do I mix the salad together?
Combine the chicken, almonds, cranberries, celery, and onion in a large bowl, then gently stir in the prepared dressing until evenly coated.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
While the recipe calls for mayonnaise, you could likely use a similar creamy base, though it may alter the traditional flavor and nutritional values.
What type of almonds should I buy?
The recipe specifically calls for slivered almonds, which are then toasted for better flavor.