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Welcome to a delightful culinary journey where the fresh flavors of apples and cranberries meet the savory goodness of chicken. This Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings a burst of freshness and a touch of elegance to your table. Perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even a special gathering, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this recipe because it combines the crunchiness of apples and celery with the tart sweetness of cranberries and the savory depth of chicken. It’s a great way to use leftover chicken or turkey, making it both economical and delicious. Plus, the addition of nuts gives it a delightful texture, and with the option to use light ingredients, it’s a healthy choice too!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 2½ cups chopped cooked chicken
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup chopped apple (about 1 large; consider using a Pink Lady and keep the peel if organic)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Hellman’s light mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, celery, apple, and cranberries. Stir to mix evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour the yogurt mixture over the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
- If using, add the chopped parsley and mix again.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, then serve as desired.
Tips for Success
- For the best texture, chop the ingredients into uniform sizes.
- If you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to leave them out or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- To save time, use a rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breast strips.
Additional Tips and Variations
Consider adding a pinch of curry powder for an exotic twist or mixing in some chopped dill pickles for a Southern flair. You can also serve the salad in lettuce leaves for a gluten-free option or wrap it in tortillas for a portable lunch.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving provides approximately 220 calories, 5 g of fat, 13 g of carbohydrates, 2 g of fiber, and 28 g of protein.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?
If you prefer, you can substitute the Greek yogurt with sour cream or regular yogurt.
Conclusion
This Chicken Salad with Apples and Cranberries is not just a recipe; it’s a delightful way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Why not give it a try and bring a bit of culinary sunshine to your day? We’d love to hear about your experience and any personal twists you might add. Happy cooking!
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