Chicken salad is a classic dish that never goes out of style. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a sandwich, on top of greens, or as a side dish. While there are many variations of chicken salad, one delicious and nutritious twist is to add cranberries to the mix. In this article, we will explore the world of chicken salads with cranberries, from their health benefits to different types and creative variations.
The Health Benefits Of Cranberries
Cranberries are small, round berries that are native to North America. They are known for their tart and slightly sweet flavor and are often associated with Thanksgiving meals. But these little berries offer more than just a festive taste – they are packed with health benefits. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, which help fight against free radicals in the body and may help prevent certain diseases. They also contain high levels of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin. Adding cranberries to your chicken salad not only adds a burst of flavor but also boosts its nutritional value.
There are countless ways to incorporate cranberries into your chicken salad, depending on your taste preferences and creativity. The most common type is the classic chicken salad, which includes diced chicken, mayonnaise, and celery. Other variations include adding fruits like apples or grapes, nuts like almonds or pecans, and herbs like parsley or cilantro. With the addition of cranberries, these salads are taken to a whole new level of flavor and nutrition.
Basic ingredients for chicken salads with cranberries
To make a basic chicken salad with cranberries, you will need diced chicken, dried cranberries, mayonnaise, celery, and seasoning. You can also add other ingredients like chopped apples, sliced almonds, and chopped herbs to add more flavor and texture to your salads
CRANBERRIES can be eaten raw, and if you have any left over they can be freezed quite easily.
One of the nice things about CRANBERRIES is that you don’t have to remove seeds
CRANBERRIES also have some amazing benefits for your health. Cranberries according to one study out of 20 different fruits have the highest level of phenols which are a type of antioxidant.
Cranberry Chicken Salad Products
- Electric Food Chopper
- Fship Chicken Shredder Shred Machine
- Makerstep Over the Sink Colander Strainer Basket
- TOPZEA 3 Pack Collapsible Colander Strainer
Below are my favorite Chicken Salad with Cranberries recipes
Simply Whisked : CRANBERRY CHICKEN Salad
Striped Spatula : CRANBERRY CHICKEN Salad
Nourished Simply : Cranberry PECAN Chicken Salad
Delish : Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
A Southern Soul : Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Haute and Healthy Living : MAYO FREE APPLE Cranberry Chicken Salad
Slender Kitchen with their Cranberry Chicken Salad with APPLES
Baked Broiled and Basted : Cranberry PECAN Chicken Salad
Happily Mag : CRANBERRY DILL Chicken Salad
Amanda Cooks & Styles : Chicken Salad with Cranberries
This Gal Cooks: Cranberry PECAN Chicken Salad
Cranberry chicken salad by 15 spatulas
Chicken salad with APPLES and CRANBERRIES from the Spruce Eats
adds curry which sounds delicious, the apple taste makes it sound so good, they also add pecans and walnuts
Chicken salad by Bellyfull
they show a picture of a croissant, it looks amazing, also includes GREEK YOGURT as well as creamy DIJON MUSTARD
Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad by Myrecipes.com this recipe also comes with almonds
Cranberry Chicken Salad by Taste Of Home
Chicken Salad with APPLES and CRANBERRIES from Simply Nourished
The Poppyseed Dressing makes this interesting, CRANBERRY Chicken Salad from Julias Album
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Basic Ingredients For Chicken Salads with Cranberries
To make a basic chicken salad with cranberries, you will need diced chicken, dried cranberries, mayonnaise, celery, and seasoning. You can also add other ingredients like chopped apples, sliced almonds, and chopped herbs to add more flavor and texture to your salad.
Step by Step Instructions for making a Basic Chicken Salad with Cranberries
To make a basic chicken salad with cranberries, start by cooking and dicing your chicken. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with dried cranberries, diced celery, and mayonnaise. Add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings to taste. Mix everything together until well combined. You can serve the chicken salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Creatinve Variations on Chicken Salads With Cranberries
To add more depth to your chicken salad with cranberries, you can get creative and add different ingredients. For a nutty flavor, try adding chopped almonds or pecans. For a savory twist, add crumbled feta or shredded cheddar cheese. You can also add a bit of sweetness with diced apples or sliced grapes. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own unique combination.
Incorporating Different Dressings
While mayonnaise is the classic dressing for chicken salad, there are many other options that pair well with chicken and cranberries. For a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also try a vinaigrette dressing with a mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Whichever dressing you choose, make sure to taste and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Using Leftover Chicken
Chicken salad with cranberries is a great way to use up leftover chicken. Simply shred or dice the chicken and mix it with dried cranberries, mayonnaise, and other desired ingredients. This is a quick and easy way to turn leftovers into a delicious and nutritious meal.
Healthier Options
To make your chicken salad with cranberries even healthier, you can make a few simple swaps. Instead of using regular mayonnaise, opt for a healthier option like Greek yogurt or avocado. You can also skip the bread and serve the chicken salad on top of a bed of greens for a low-carb option. Adding more vegetables like diced carrots or bell peppers can also increase the nutritional value of your salad.
Serving Suggestions and Meal Ideas
Chicken salads with cranberries are not only delicious and nutritious, but they are also versatile and can be served in many ways. You can make a sandwich with whole wheat bread, serve it on top of a bed of greens for a light lunch, or even use it as a dip with crackers or veggies. You can also pair it with a bowl of soup or serve it as a side dish with grilled meat or fish. The possibilities are endless, making chicken salads with cranberries a great addition to any meal.
Conclusion
Chicken salads with cranberries are a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional chicken salad recipes. With their many health benefits, variety of types and creative variations, these salads are a great addition to any meal. So next time you’re looking for a tasty and healthy dish, try making a chicken salad with cranberries – your taste buds and body will thank you