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Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad Recipe
Delilah Cooks

Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad Recipe

Cranberry almond chicken salad is a fresh and tasty meal for busy days. This cranberry almond chicken salad combines tender chicken, sweet cranberries, and crunchy almonds.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 3/4 cup sliced almonds toasted
  • 1 cup celery finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion diced
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 4 cups lettuce leaves for serving

Method
 

Cooking Instructions for Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad
  1. Cook and Cool the Chicken
  2. Boil or bake the chicken until fully cooked. Let it cool completely. Shred the meat into small pieces for easy mixing and serving.
  3. Toast the Almonds
  4. Place sliced almonds in a dry pan. Cook over low heat for several minutes. Stir often until they become fragrant and lightly golden.
Prepare the Fresh Vegetables
  1. Chop the celery, onion, and parsley into small pieces. Uniform cuts help create better texture and ensure every bite tastes balanced.
Make the Creamy Dressing
  1. Combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.
Add the Chicken
  1. Place the shredded chicken into a large bowl. Spread it evenly so the dressing and other ingredients mix throughout the entire salad.
Mix in the Vegetables
  1. Add chopped celery, onions, and parsley. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly without breaking the tender chicken pieces too much.
Add Cranberries and Almonds
  1. Pour in the dried cranberries and toasted almonds. Their sweetness and crunch create wonderful texture and flavor in every delicious bite.
Combine with the Dressing
  1. Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken mixture. Fold everything together gently until all ingredients become evenly coated and beautifully combined.
Chill Before Serving
  1. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for fifteen minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to blend and become even more delicious.
Serve and Enjoy
  1. Place the salad on lettuce leaves or inside sandwiches. Garnish with extra almonds and cranberries for a lovely presentation.

Notes

  • Use freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor.
  • Toast almonds for extra crunch.
  • Chill the salad before serving.
  • Use Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
  • Add fresh parsley for brightness.
  • Dice vegetables into small pieces.
  • Taste the dressing before mixing.
  • Adjust honey according to your preference.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers.
  • Serve with crisp lettuce leaves.