Cranberry Chicken Salad
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 16
Description:
This Cranberry Chicken Salad is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, making it both elegant and crowd-pleasing—perfect for any occasion, including family gatherings and springtime parties. Its combination of tender chicken, crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and crisp apples creates a flavorful harmony that even the kids will love. Serve it elegantly in endive leaves for a sophisticated touch that will impress your guests and make the meal feel extra special. 🌟
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 3 cups cooked chicken breasts, chopped
- 4 ounces pecans, roughly chopped
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup Fuji apples, diced
- 3/4 cup endives, leaves separated
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Mayo Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, blend the mayonnaise with 2 teaspoons of fresh lime juice until well combined. This tangy base will give the salad its creamy texture and a hint of citrus brightness. Set this mixture aside for now.
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Toss the Apples: To prevent the diced Fuji apples from browning, mix them with the remaining 1 teaspoon of lime juice. This simple trick keeps the apples fresh and vibrant in your salad.
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Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the lime-treated apples into the mayonnaise mixture. Next, add in the chopped chicken breasts, pecans, dried cranberries, and finely chopped celery. Stir everything together until evenly combined. The pecans add a delightful crunch, while the cranberries provide a touch of sweetness, balancing out the flavors perfectly.
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Season to Taste: Sprinkle salt and pepper to your liking. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the overall flavor profile.
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Assemble the Salad: To serve, arrange the endive leaves on a large serving platter. Spoon generous portions of the chicken salad mixture into each endive leaf, creating a visually appealing presentation that is also easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
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Garnish and Enjoy: For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle additional dried cranberries over the top of the salad. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a pop of color and an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 119.8
- Fat: 8.9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1g
- Cholesterol: 5.2mg
- Sodium: 151.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 9.6g
- Fiber: 5.2g
- Sugar: 3.3g
- Protein: 2.3g
This Cranberry Chicken Salad not only offers a beautiful presentation but also a delicious blend of flavors that everyone will enjoy. It’s a great choice for entertaining, potlucks, or simply as a fresh and tasty meal. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the satisfaction of a meal that’s both easy to prepare and delightfully sophisticated! 🥗✨
