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Cranberry Orange Chicken Salad Fresh and Flavorful Dish

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To create a delicious Cranberry Orange Chicken Salad, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped - 1 large orange, segmented and juiced - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 1/4 cup diced celery - 1/4 cup chopped pecans - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional serving: Fresh arugula or mixed greens These ingredients work together to create a bright and tasty salad. The chicken gives protein, while the cranberries add a sweet and tart flavor. The orange juice freshens it up, and the yogurt brings creaminess. The pecans add crunch, making every bite exciting. You can serve it on a bed of arugula or mixed greens for extra color and nutrients. This salad is not just tasty; it is also good for you! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Combine shredded chicken and cranberries: Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of shredded chicken and 1 cup of chopped cranberries. Mix them well. 2. Add orange segments and juice: Next, take one large orange. Segment it and squeeze out the juice. Toss both the segments and juice into the bowl. 3. Prepare the dressing with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup of mayonnaise. Add 1 tablespoon of honey, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth. 4. Mix the dressing with other ingredients: Pour the dressing over the chicken and cranberries. Stir gently to coat everything well. 5. Chill the salad before serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors blend nicely. - Prep Time: 15 minutes - Total Time: 45 minutes - Number of Servings: 4 - Suggested serving styles: Serve the salad on a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens for a colorful and healthy dish. - Adjusting seasoning: After mixing your salad, taste it. If it's too bland, add more salt or pepper. A little extra honey can also boost the flavor. - Substituting ingredients for taste enhancement: You can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream. This gives a tangy twist. If you like spice, add a dash of hot sauce. - Best practices for storing leftovers: Place your salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh longer. Use plastic wrap if you don’t have a lid. - How long to keep in the refrigerator: Store your salad in the fridge for up to three days. - Ideas for serving style: Serve your salad on a big platter for a nice look. You can also use individual bowls for each guest. - Garnishing suggestions: Add orange slices or a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top for a pop of color. Fresh herbs can also add a bright touch. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This salad is an excellent way to use up leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken, maximizing flavor and minimizing waste. Sweetness Balance: Adjust the honey to your taste. If you prefer a tangier salad, you can reduce or omit the honey altogether. Chill for Flavor: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more cohesive taste. Nut Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts such as walnuts or almonds for a unique twist on texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas. Both options add protein and flavor. If you want a dairy-free dressing, use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. This keeps your salad creamy without dairy. Adding more fruits can bring a new taste. Try chopped apples or a handful of grapes. They add sweetness and crunch. In summer, grapes shine as a fresh option. You can mix these in when the season changes for a new twist. For low-fat options, use less mayonnaise and more yogurt. This keeps the creamy texture while cutting calories. You can also make it gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Check labels on yogurt and mayonnaise to stay safe. Greek yogurt is a star in this salad. It is rich in protein, which helps build muscle. It also contains probiotics, which support gut health. This creamy ingredient is lower in fat than sour cream, making it a smart choice. Cranberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. They can help fight infections and support heart health. The sweet and tangy flavor they add is a bonus. Oranges bring vitamin C and fiber. Vitamin C boosts your immune system, while fiber aids digestion. Together, these fruits make this salad both tasty and healthy. This salad fits perfectly into a healthy diet. It combines protein from the chicken and yogurt with fruits and nuts. This mix provides a variety of nutrients. Eating it on a bed of greens adds more vitamins and minerals, making it even better. You can pair this salad with whole-grain bread or crackers for a filling meal. It also works well as a light lunch or dinner. Add a side of fruit or a simple vegetable dish for a complete meal. Each serving of this salad has about 300 calories. This number may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes. - Chicken: 140 calories - Greek yogurt: 50 calories - Cranberries: 50 calories - Pecans: 20 calories - Orange: 30 calories - Mayonnaise: 40 calories This breakdown shows how balanced and nourishing this dish is. You can enjoy a delicious meal without feeling guilty. You can easily prep this dish ahead of time. Start by cooking the chicken. You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. Shred the chicken and chop the cranberries and celery. Segment the orange and juice it, too. Store these items in separate containers. Mix them together just before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. Yes, you can use leftover turkey. It works great in this recipe. Just shred the turkey like you would the chicken. The flavors will blend well with the cranberries and orange. You can also use cooked tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. This salad pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with whole grain bread or crackers. A light soup makes a nice addition, too. You can also serve it on a bed of fresh greens. This adds extra color and nutrients to your meal. This blog post shared a simple Cranberry Orange Chicken Salad recipe. We walked through the main ingredients, preparation steps, tips for storage, and flavor variations. You learned how to enhance flavors and meet dietary needs. Now, you have a tasty, healthy option for any meal. Enjoy exploring this recipe and make it your own. With every bite, you’ll taste the sweet and tangy flavors coming together. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find your favorite twist!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Ready to elevate your lunch game? My Cranberry Orange Chicken Salad is both fresh and flavorful, perfect for any occasion. With juicy oranges and tart cranberries blending flawlessly with tender chicken, this dish is a taste explosion. Plus, it’s easy to make in just 15 minutes! Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need and show you how to whip up this delightful salad. You won’t want to miss it!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Bright Flavors: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange creates a refreshing balance that elevates the dish.
  2. Healthy Ingredients: Using Greek yogurt and fresh produce makes this salad a nutritious option for any meal.
  3. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
  4. Versatile Serving: It can be enjoyed on its own, in a wrap, or as a topping for greens, making it adaptable to your preference.

Ingredients

To create a delicious Cranberry Orange Chicken Salad, gather these simple ingredients:

– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

– 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped

– 1 large orange, segmented and juiced

– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

– 1/4 cup mayonnaise

– 1/4 cup diced celery

– 1/4 cup chopped pecans

– 1 tablespoon honey

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Optional serving: Fresh arugula or mixed greens

These ingredients work together to create a bright and tasty salad. The chicken gives protein, while the cranberries add a sweet and tart flavor. The orange juice freshens it up, and the yogurt brings creaminess. The pecans add crunch, making every bite exciting. You can serve it on a bed of arugula or mixed greens for extra color and nutrients. This salad is not just tasty; it is also good for you!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Combine shredded chicken and cranberries: Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of shredded chicken and 1 cup of chopped cranberries. Mix them well.

2. Add orange segments and juice: Next, take one large orange. Segment it and squeeze out the juice. Toss both the segments and juice into the bowl.

3. Prepare the dressing with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup of mayonnaise. Add 1 tablespoon of honey, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth.

4. Mix the dressing with other ingredients: Pour the dressing over the chicken and cranberries. Stir gently to coat everything well.

5. Chill the salad before serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors blend nicely.

Cooking Time

– Prep Time: 15 minutes

– Total Time: 45 minutes

Serving Information

– Number of Servings: 4

– Suggested serving styles: Serve the salad on a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens for a colorful and healthy dish.

Tips & Tricks

Flavor Enhancement Tips

– Adjusting seasoning: After mixing your salad, taste it. If it’s too bland, add more salt or pepper. A little extra honey can also boost the flavor.

– Substituting ingredients for taste enhancement: You can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream. This gives a tangy twist. If you like spice, add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage Tips

– Best practices for storing leftovers: Place your salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh longer. Use plastic wrap if you don’t have a lid.

– How long to keep in the refrigerator: Store your salad in the fridge for up to three days.

Presentation Tips

– Ideas for serving style: Serve your salad on a big platter for a nice look. You can also use individual bowls for each guest.

– Garnishing suggestions: Add orange slices or a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top for a pop of color. Fresh herbs can also add a bright touch.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Leftover Chicken: This salad is an excellent way to use up leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken, maximizing flavor and minimizing waste.
  2. Sweetness Balance: Adjust the honey to your taste. If you prefer a tangier salad, you can reduce or omit the honey altogether.
  3. Chill for Flavor: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more cohesive taste.
  4. Nut Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts such as walnuts or almonds for a unique twist on texture and flavor.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas. Both options add protein and flavor. If you want a dairy-free dressing, use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. This keeps your salad creamy without dairy.

Flavor Variations

Adding more fruits can bring a new taste. Try chopped apples or a handful of grapes. They add sweetness and crunch. In summer, grapes shine as a fresh option. You can mix these in when the season changes for a new twist.

Dietary Restrictions

For low-fat options, use less mayonnaise and more yogurt. This keeps the creamy texture while cutting calories. You can also make it gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Check labels on yogurt and mayonnaise to stay safe.

Nutritional Benefits

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Greek yogurt is a star in this salad. It is rich in protein, which helps build muscle. It also contains probiotics, which support gut health. This creamy ingredient is lower in fat than sour cream, making it a smart choice.

Cranberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. They can help fight infections and support heart health. The sweet and tangy flavor they add is a bonus. Oranges bring vitamin C and fiber. Vitamin C boosts your immune system, while fiber aids digestion. Together, these fruits make this salad both tasty and healthy.

Balanced Meal Considerations

This salad fits perfectly into a healthy diet. It combines protein from the chicken and yogurt with fruits and nuts. This mix provides a variety of nutrients. Eating it on a bed of greens adds more vitamins and minerals, making it even better.

You can pair this salad with whole-grain bread or crackers for a filling meal. It also works well as a light lunch or dinner. Add a side of fruit or a simple vegetable dish for a complete meal.

Caloric Information

Each serving of this salad has about 300 calories. This number may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

– Chicken: 140 calories

– Greek yogurt: 50 calories

– Cranberries: 50 calories

– Pecans: 20 calories

– Orange: 30 calories

– Mayonnaise: 40 calories

This breakdown shows how balanced and nourishing this dish is. You can enjoy a delicious meal without feeling guilty.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe in advance?

You can easily prep this dish ahead of time. Start by cooking the chicken. You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. Shred the chicken and chop the cranberries and celery. Segment the orange and juice it, too. Store these items in separate containers. Mix them together just before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty.

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use leftover turkey. It works great in this recipe. Just shred the turkey like you would the chicken. The flavors will blend well with the cranberries and orange. You can also use cooked tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

What can I serve with Cranberry Orange Chicken Salad?

This salad pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with whole grain bread or crackers. A light soup makes a nice addition, too. You can also serve it on a bed of fresh greens. This adds extra color and nutrients to your meal.

This blog post shared a simple Cranberry Orange Chicken Salad recipe. We walked through the main ingredients, preparation steps, tips for storage, and flavor variations. You learned how to enhance flavors and meet dietary needs. Now, you have a tasty, healthy option for any meal. Enjoy exploring this recipe and make it your own. With every bite, you’ll taste the sweet and tangy flavors coming together. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find your favorite twis

To create a delicious Cranberry Orange Chicken Salad, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped - 1 large orange, segmented and juiced - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 1/4 cup diced celery - 1/4 cup chopped pecans - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional serving: Fresh arugula or mixed greens These ingredients work together to create a bright and tasty salad. The chicken gives protein, while the cranberries add a sweet and tart flavor. The orange juice freshens it up, and the yogurt brings creaminess. The pecans add crunch, making every bite exciting. You can serve it on a bed of arugula or mixed greens for extra color and nutrients. This salad is not just tasty; it is also good for you! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Combine shredded chicken and cranberries: Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of shredded chicken and 1 cup of chopped cranberries. Mix them well. 2. Add orange segments and juice: Next, take one large orange. Segment it and squeeze out the juice. Toss both the segments and juice into the bowl. 3. Prepare the dressing with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup of mayonnaise. Add 1 tablespoon of honey, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth. 4. Mix the dressing with other ingredients: Pour the dressing over the chicken and cranberries. Stir gently to coat everything well. 5. Chill the salad before serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors blend nicely. - Prep Time: 15 minutes - Total Time: 45 minutes - Number of Servings: 4 - Suggested serving styles: Serve the salad on a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens for a colorful and healthy dish. - Adjusting seasoning: After mixing your salad, taste it. If it's too bland, add more salt or pepper. A little extra honey can also boost the flavor. - Substituting ingredients for taste enhancement: You can swap Greek yogurt for sour cream. This gives a tangy twist. If you like spice, add a dash of hot sauce. - Best practices for storing leftovers: Place your salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh longer. Use plastic wrap if you don’t have a lid. - How long to keep in the refrigerator: Store your salad in the fridge for up to three days. - Ideas for serving style: Serve your salad on a big platter for a nice look. You can also use individual bowls for each guest. - Garnishing suggestions: Add orange slices or a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top for a pop of color. Fresh herbs can also add a bright touch. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This salad is an excellent way to use up leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken, maximizing flavor and minimizing waste. Sweetness Balance: Adjust the honey to your taste. If you prefer a tangier salad, you can reduce or omit the honey altogether. Chill for Flavor: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more cohesive taste. Nut Variations: Feel free to experiment with different nuts such as walnuts or almonds for a unique twist on texture and flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas. Both options add protein and flavor. If you want a dairy-free dressing, use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. This keeps your salad creamy without dairy. Adding more fruits can bring a new taste. Try chopped apples or a handful of grapes. They add sweetness and crunch. In summer, grapes shine as a fresh option. You can mix these in when the season changes for a new twist. For low-fat options, use less mayonnaise and more yogurt. This keeps the creamy texture while cutting calories. You can also make it gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Check labels on yogurt and mayonnaise to stay safe. Greek yogurt is a star in this salad. It is rich in protein, which helps build muscle. It also contains probiotics, which support gut health. This creamy ingredient is lower in fat than sour cream, making it a smart choice. Cranberries are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. They can help fight infections and support heart health. The sweet and tangy flavor they add is a bonus. Oranges bring vitamin C and fiber. Vitamin C boosts your immune system, while fiber aids digestion. Together, these fruits make this salad both tasty and healthy. This salad fits perfectly into a healthy diet. It combines protein from the chicken and yogurt with fruits and nuts. This mix provides a variety of nutrients. Eating it on a bed of greens adds more vitamins and minerals, making it even better. You can pair this salad with whole-grain bread or crackers for a filling meal. It also works well as a light lunch or dinner. Add a side of fruit or a simple vegetable dish for a complete meal. Each serving of this salad has about 300 calories. This number may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes. - Chicken: 140 calories - Greek yogurt: 50 calories - Cranberries: 50 calories - Pecans: 20 calories - Orange: 30 calories - Mayonnaise: 40 calories This breakdown shows how balanced and nourishing this dish is. You can enjoy a delicious meal without feeling guilty. You can easily prep this dish ahead of time. Start by cooking the chicken. You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. Shred the chicken and chop the cranberries and celery. Segment the orange and juice it, too. Store these items in separate containers. Mix them together just before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. Yes, you can use leftover turkey. It works great in this recipe. Just shred the turkey like you would the chicken. The flavors will blend well with the cranberries and orange. You can also use cooked tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. This salad pairs well with many sides. Consider serving it with whole grain bread or crackers. A light soup makes a nice addition, too. You can also serve it on a bed of fresh greens. This adds extra color and nutrients to your meal. This blog post shared a simple Cranberry Orange Chicken Salad recipe. We walked through the main ingredients, preparation steps, tips for storage, and flavor variations. You learned how to enhance flavors and meet dietary needs. Now, you have a tasty, healthy option for any meal. Enjoy exploring this recipe and make it your own. With every bite, you’ll taste the sweet and tangy flavors coming together. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find your favorite twist!

Cranberry Orange Chicken Salad

A refreshing and flavorful chicken salad with cranberries and oranges, perfect for a light meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 1 large orange, segmented and juiced
  • 0.5 cup Greek yogurt
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup diced celery
  • 0.25 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for serving fresh arugula or mixed greens

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken breast and chopped cranberries.
  • Add the orange segments and the juice from the orange to the bowl.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken and cranberries.
  • Add the diced celery and chopped pecans into the bowl.
  • Gently stir all the ingredients together until everything is well coated with the dressing.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Serve the chicken salad on a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens for a delightful presentation.

Notes

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
Keyword chicken salad, cranberry, healthy, orange

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