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Cranberry Chicken Salad

Cranberry Chicken Salad

  • Author: Christopher
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Cranberry Chicken Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and satisfying meal that combines tender cooked chicken breast, juicy dried cranberries, smoked turkey bacon, and crunchy fresh vegetables. This quick and simple recipe delivers a balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, complemented by a creamy plant-based mayonnaise dressing with apple cider vinegar (natural) and honey (natural). Perfect for lunch, a healthy snack, or a colorful dinner addition, it is customizable, wholesome, and delicious both fresh and as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 3 green onions, sliced thinly
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (natural)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Shred or dice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then chop into small bits for texture.
  2. Chop Fresh Vegetables: Finely dice the celery stalks and slice the green onions thinly. These add crispness and a mild sharp flavor to brighten the salad.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the plant-based mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar (natural), and honey (natural). Season with salt and pepper according to taste to create a creamy and tangy dressing.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the shredded chicken, dried cranberries, chopped smoked turkey bacon, diced celery, sliced green onions, and chopped nuts. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently stir to coat evenly while keeping the salad light and fresh.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color and herbal freshness. Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour to allow flavors to meld beautifully before enjoying.

Notes

  • Use leftover roasted or grilled chicken breast to save time.
  • Lightly toast walnuts or pecans beforehand to enhance flavor and crunch.
  • Chilling the salad before serving improves flavor blending.
  • Adjust dressing by adding more apple cider vinegar (natural) or plant-based mayonnaise for preferred creaminess.
  • Maintain texture balance by combining soft, chewy, and crunchy ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: cranberry chicken salad, quick chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, plant-based mayonnaise salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, protein salad, gluten free salad, easy lunch recipe

Find it online: https://easyrecipeplanet.com/cranberry-chicken-salad/