Cranberry walnut chicken salad is a delicious and healthy dish for lunch or dinner. It is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit individual tastes. In this blog post, we will explore the various aspects of this dish and provide a step-by-step guide to making it at home.
Table of Contents
How to make cranberry walnut chicken salad?
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Two tablespoons honey
- Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
Instructions:
1. Start by cooking your chicken breast. You can do this by grilling, baking, or boiling it. Once cooked, dice it into small pieces and set it aside.
2. Combine the dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, celery, and red onion in a large mixing bowl. Mix them well.
3. In another mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until they form a smooth dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the cranberry and walnut mixture and stir until evenly coated.
5. Add the diced chicken to the bowl and mix everything until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. If you want to serve the cranberry walnut chicken salad on a bed of lettuce, arrange some leaves on a serving platter or individual plates.
6. Spoon the chicken salad onto the lettuce leaves and garnish with additional chopped walnuts and cranberries, if desired.
7. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Variations:
There are many ways to customize this recipe to suit individual tastes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Use leftover turkey or ham instead of chicken.
- Add some diced apple or pear for extra sweetness and crunch.
- Swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds.
- Use dried cherries or raisins instead of cranberries.
- Add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information:
This cranberry walnut chicken salad is not only delicious but also healthy. Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving:
Benefits of Cranberries and Walnuts:
Both cranberries and walnuts are superfoods that offer numerous health benefits. Here are a few:
Cranberries:
- Rich in antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and reduce inflammation.
- It may help prevent urinary tract infections.
- It may improve digestive health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
- It may help lower the risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels and improving blood pressure.
Walnuts:
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are important for brain health.
- It may help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
- It may help lower the risk of cancer.
- It may help improve gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Take To Prepare
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: Varies depending on how you cook your chicken breast
- Total Time: Approximately 20-30 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
best health benefits
There are several health benefits associated with the consumption of cranberry walnut chicken salad:
High in Protein:
Chicken is an excellent protein source, essential for muscle growth and repair. Consuming adequate amounts of protein can also help you feel fuller for longer, aiding in weight management.
Rich in Antioxidants:
Cranberries are packed with antioxidants that can help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. This, in turn, may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Good Source of Healthy Fats:
Walnuts are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that may help reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
May Help Prevent Urinary Tract Infections:
Cranberries contain compounds that can help prevent bacteria from attaching to the bladder and urinary tract walls, reducing the risk of infection.
May Improve Digestive Health:
The probiotics found in Greek yogurt may help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, improving digestive health and reducing the risk of gut-related disorders.
May Improve Brain Function:
Walnuts are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids essential for brain health. Consuming adequate amounts of omega-3s may improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
May Help Lower Inflammation:
The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds found in cranberries and walnuts may help reduce inflammation in the body, which has been linked to several chronic diseases.
Overall, consuming cranberry walnut chicken salad as part of a balanced diet can provide various health benefits that can improve overall well-being and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Ingredients for Cranberry-Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwiches:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- One tablespoon honey
- One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Bread or rolls for serving
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
Calories in Chicken Walnut Cranberry Salad:
The number of calories in chicken walnut cranberry salad will depend on the specific recipe and serving size. However, a typical serving of 1/2 cup of chicken walnut cranberry salad may contain approximately 250-300 calories.
Are Cranberries and Walnuts Good for You?
Cranberries and walnuts are both considered healthy foods that offer a range of health benefits. Cranberries are a good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. They may also help improve urinary tract health and prevent infections. Conversely, walnuts are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They may help reduce cholesterol levels, improve heart health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s.
Calories in a Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad:
The number of calories in a cranberry pecan chicken salad will depend on the specific recipe and serving size. However, a typical serving of 1/2 cup of cranberry pecan chicken salad may contain approximately 300-350 calories.
Remember that this may vary depending on the ingredients, such as the mayonnaise type or dressing. To manage your calorie intake, consider using lighter versions of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise. Additionally, serving the salad on a bed of lettuce or using smaller portions can help reduce the overall calorie content of the dish.
cranberry walnut chicken salad Costco
Costco offers a variety of pre-made salads, including cranberry walnut chicken salad. The availability and cost may vary depending on location, but typically, the price for a container of cranberry walnut chicken salad at Costco is around $10-15.
The container usually contains around 3-4 servings. Remember that the price and serving size may vary depending on the location and current promotions or discounts. Additionally, making your own cranberry walnut chicken salad at home is often more affordable and customizable.
grilled chicken salad with cranberries and walnuts
If you’re looking for a grilled chicken salad with cranberries and walnuts, here’s a recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
- Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- One tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 8 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Brush with one tablespoon of olive oil.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Whisk together three tablespoons of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl to make the dressing.
- Toss mixed salad greens, cranberries, walnuts, and sliced chicken in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
This grilled chicken salad with cranberries and walnuts is a delicious and nutritious meal perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, making it a great option for anyone looking to maintain a balanced and healthy diet. Additionally, this recipe is easy to customize by adding other ingredients such as sliced avocado, chopped apples, or roasted sweet potatoes.
Conclusion:
Cranberry walnut chicken salad is a delicious and healthy dish for any occasion. It is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit individual tastes. This recipe is a great way to incorporate the health benefits of cranberries and walnuts into your diet. So why not try it and enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal?