Easy Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices make a sweet, crunchy, protein-packed lunch!
Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices
If you love my chicken salad you’re going to love this healthy Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices! It’s a refreshing take on lunch that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Made with chicken breast from a roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken, craisins, red onion, celery, a little mayo and just enough chicken broth to make it juicy. Its combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy elements makes it a balanced and satisfying option for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices
This dish has quickly become my go-to lunch option, offering a perfect blend of sweetness, crunchiness, and high protein content. Here’s why I’ve fallen in love with it and how you can make it too.
- High Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Gluten-free: Apple slices serve as a low-calorie, gluten-free alternative to bread, making it perfect for those looking 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 overall 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 can 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 to Make It
It’s surprisingly easy and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
- Prepare the Chicken Salad: In a medium bowl combine 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 ready 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 right away so they don’t turn brown, but if you are planning to eat later, you can toss the apple slices in a little lemon juice.
- Assemble: Spoon a generous amount of chicken salad onto each apple slice and enjoy!
Variations
One of the great things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences. Here are a few suggestions:
- Swap the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try using turkey or tuna.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content by adding shredded carrots or chopped broccoli.
- Add Nuts: Pecans or walnuts would 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
Yield: 2 servings
Serving Size: 1 apple, 1 generous cup salad
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Prepare the Chicken Salad: In a medium bowl combine 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 ready 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 right away so they don’t turn brown, but if you are planning to eat later, you can toss the apple slices in a little lemon juice.
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Assemble: Spoon a generous amount of chicken salad onto each apple slice and enjoy!
Last Step:
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One of the great things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences. Here are a few suggestions:
- Swap the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try using turkey or tuna.
Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional content by adding shredded carrots or chopped broccoli. - Add Nuts: Pecans or walnuts would 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