Cranberry almond chicken salad is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Made with tender chunks of chicken, dried cranberries, slivered almonds, and a creamy dressing, this salad is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the crunchy almonds, creates a satisfying and refreshing meal. This salad can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite bread or crackers.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy and delicious meal option or want to mix up your lunch routine, cranberry almond chicken salad is a perfect choice. So why not try this delectable salad today and enjoy its delicious and nutritious flavors?
One of my favorite easy lunches to meal prep is chicken salad. I love this cranberry almond chicken salad! The crunch from the almonds and the slight sweetness from the dried cranberries is so good.
Even though this has dried cranberries, it is still keto-friendly with only 5 net carbs per serving. I am a big fan of chicken salad…in fact, I have 2 other versions on my blog you should check out. They are all equally delicious!
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What Kind of Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad Can I Use?
Cranberry almond chicken salad is so versatile, you really can use any chicken that you have on hand. I have used rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, and chicken breast that I have poached or baked myself. Poaching the chicken yields the juiciest chicken so that is my favorite way to prepare it.
I simply bring a pot of salted water or chicken broth and the chicken breasts to a boil and then reduce it to a simmer. Let the chicken cook until the internal temperature is 165F. I have also written an article on Crunchy Almond Chocolate Bark Recipe to Make.
What Can I Use Instead of Lemon Juice?
If you are out of lemon juice, you can use orange juice, white vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar. This will alter the flavor a little so we recommend using lemon juice for the best flavor. I like to serve this chicken salad in a wrap. Look for a low-carb or gluten-free wrap at any grocery store.
Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked chicken, chopped
- ¾ Cup Mayo
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- â…“ Cup Dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ Cup Sliced almonds
- 1 Stalk celery, diced
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Method
Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix until combined thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.
Keep in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Does it Help With Weight Loss?
Chicken salad is a food that has both pros and cons when it comes to weight loss.
Chicken salad might help some people lose weight, while it could hinder the process for others.
The protein content of chicken salad may help keep you feeling full longer. It might also assist in regulating your appetite and food cravings — each of which can help with weight loss.
Some studies have even found that high-protein diets are particularly helpful for losing weight and maintaining weight loss long-term.
Still, even though chicken salad is high in protein, one dish alone isn’t super impactful for weight loss.
Instead, eating an overall healthy diet that is within your daily calorie needs and is rich in lean protein, healthy fats, fiber, and nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables is best for weight loss. In moderation, chicken salad easily fits into a diet like this.
Is Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad Healthy?
Definitely — chicken salad is full of lean proteins, minerals, and vitamins. It is low in sugar, carbs, and fiber while high in protein. Therefore, this low-calorie salad is good for your health.
It is recommended for those who want to eat a filling and healthy meal thanks to the protein-packed chicken and vitamin-rich salad it contains. You can also read more about the Make Creamy Honey Almond Butter Spread Recipe.
How Many Calories Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad?
Depending on the ingredients and serving size, a portion of chicken salad is 400 calories on average. It also varies according to the cooking method of the chicken.
When the chicken is grilled, the calorie amount is 150 cal lower than when it is fried, for example. Chicken kebab is in between these two.
Salad with chicken can be a good choice as a nutritious and tasty meal for adults who consumes about 2000 calories per day. Chicken salad, which is a source of lean protein, is a delicious and substantial meal. You can get more from this video.
Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad Benefits
Helps Build Strong Bones
Bone is made up of bone-building minerals, vitamins, and proteins. When these nutrients are not provided in the diet, they are provided by the body itself from stored protein.
The chicken salad recipe above contains a large amount of protein, making it an excellent source of this essential nutrient.
Enhances Immune System Function
The immune system’s role is to protect our body from bacterial and viral attacks by producing antibodies against different diseases that can affect us, such as herpes, flu, and colds.
This recipe contains vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system’s power and results in better immunity against these diseases.
Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad Helpful in Digestion
Foods that will aid your digestion include turkey, chicken, celery, and cabbage. Fiber is also very helpful here as it helps to balance stomach acid levels, slows the rate at which food passes through, and keeps your system functioning smoothly.
The recipe above contains a lot of fiber and is therefore an excellent source of this key micro-nutrient.
Conclusion
Chicken salad is rich in lean protein and a decent source of iron.
Depending on what other ingredients it contains, it might also provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
Still, using ingredients such as mayonnaise or serving the salad on a croissant adds calories and fat.
Therefore, it’s best to enjoy chicken salad occasionally in moderate portions and as part of a well-rounded diet.
Chicken is viewed as one of those food varieties that contain the most measures of proteins. It is additionally low in calories when contrasted with other red meats like lamb and hamburger.
Chicken is a wellspring of lean protein, which assists the body with fixing itself. Chicken likewise gives a scope of minerals and B nutrients. The chicken will in general be not difficult to process.
Eating an excessive amount of chicken can prompt more elevated cholesterol levels. It won’t come as a shock that this is connected with cardiovascular infection.