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Easy Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices make a sweet, crunchy, protein-packed lunch!
Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices
For those who love my chicken salad you’re going to like this healthy Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices! It’s a refreshing tackle lunch that’s as nutritious because it is delicious. Made with chicken breast from a roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken, craisins, red onion, celery, a bit mayo and barely enough chicken broth to make it juicy. Its combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy elements makes it a balanced and satisfying option for anyone seeking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices
This dish has quickly turn out to be my go-to lunch option, offering an ideal mix of sweetness, crunchiness, and high protein content. Here’s why I’ve fallen in love with it and the way you may make it too.
- High Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Gluten-free: Apple slices function a low-calorie, gluten-free alternative to bread, making it perfect for those seeking to cut down on carbs or with gluten sensitivities.
- Great taste and texture! The sweetness of the apples complements the savory chicken salad, while the cranberries add a tartness that elevates the general flavor profile. The crunch of the apple slices against the creamy chicken salad makes for a satisfying mouthfeel that keeps me coming back for more.
Ingredients
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Lean protein source, shredded or diced. You should use a rotisserie chicken.
- Celery: Adds crisp texture and a subtle flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy binding agent that balances flavors; can substitute with Greek yogurt.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture without needed more mayonnaise, keeping it light.
- Dried Cranberries: For tart sweetness and a burst of flavor
- Red Onion: Provides a contrast to the dish’s sweet and savory elements.
- Sweet Red Apples: A sweet crunchy base, complementing the chicken salad’s flavors.
How you can Make It
It’s surprisingly easy and could be prepared upfront, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
- Prepare the Chicken Salad: In a medium bowl mix the chicken with celery, mayonnaise, chicken broth, cranberries and red onion, and stir until combined. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice the Apples: When able to eat, slice the apples into 1/4 inch thick slices, then remove the seeds. (I used a piping tip). It’s best to eat straight away so that they don’t turn brown, but in the event you are planning to eat later, you may toss the apple slices in a bit lemon juice.
- Assemble: Spoon a generous amount of chicken salad onto each apple slice and luxuriate in!
Variations
Considered one of the good things about this recipe is how versatile it’s. You’ll be able to easily customize it to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences. Listed here are a number of suggestions:
- Swap the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try using turkey or tuna.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the dietary content by adding shredded carrots or chopped broccoli.
- Add Nuts: Pecans or walnuts can be great here.
- Change Up the Fruit: While apples are great, pear slices also work beautifully with this salad.
More Chicken Salad Recipes You’ll Love
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Serving Size: 1 apple, 1 generous cup salad
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Prepare the Chicken Salad: In a medium bowl mix the chicken with celery, mayonnaise, chicken broth, cranberries and red onion, and stir until combined. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
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Slice the Apples: When able to eat, slice the apples into 1/4 inch thick slices, then remove the seeds. (I used a piping tip). It’s best to eat straight away so that they don’t turn brown, but in the event you are planning to eat later, you may toss the apple slices in a bit lemon juice.
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Assemble: Spoon a generous amount of chicken salad onto each apple slice and luxuriate in!
Last Step:
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Variations
Considered one of the good things about this recipe is how versatile it’s. You’ll be able to easily customize it to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences. Listed here are a number of suggestions:
- Swap the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try using turkey or tuna.
Add More Veggies: Boost the dietary content by adding shredded carrots or chopped broccoli. - Add Nuts: Pecans or walnuts can be great here.
- Change Up the Fruit: While apples are great, pear slices also work beautifully with this salad.
Serving: 1 apple, 1 generous cup salad, Calories: 439 kcal, Carbohydrates: 30 g, Protein: 36 g, Fat: 20 g, Saturated Fat: 3.5 g, Cholesterol: 105 mg, Sodium: 245 mg, Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 22.5 g