Easy Chicken Cranberry Salad
This Chicken Cranberry Salad is an excellent choice for everyone but may be of particular interest to weight watchers and those who are health conscious. It’s January and a lot of people may be on a lighter diet. This is my go to salad when I’m eating on the lighter side. It is not only quick and easy to make but also very delicious. You can whip up this salad in a short time and be on your way.
I am creating quick and easy-to-make meals for the busy family and those who have more exciting things to do with their time. I am also a firm believer in healthy eating, so salads are my favorite
Chicken Cranberry Salad does not need a lot of ingredients. Most of the ingredients are everyday vegetables you purchase all the time. So gather your ingredients, and let’s whip this up quickly. You will need:
- Lettuce
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Corn
- Red Onions
- Grilled Chicken diced
- Dried Cranberries
How to make Chicken Salad?
The first thing you would need to do is get your boneless chicken breast (without skin) and cut them into small cube like sizes. Coat the chicken evenly with seasonings. Set aside to marinate for about 5-10 minutes.
Chop the lettuce, cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and shredded carrots. Mix to distribute vegetables evenly in the bowl. Place in the refrigerator to chill.
Meanwhile, heat a skillet or pan on medium to high heat. Add one tablespoon vegetable oil to the heated pan, let heat for about 30 more seconds. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and turn on each side until golden brown and cooked thoroughly. Set aside.
In a small bowl, add extra virgin olive oil, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and chopped thyme. Whisk together and set aside. This honey lemon dressing was inspired by Melissa Rubel Jacobson of https://www.foodandwine.com/
Take vegetables from the refrigerator, pour half of the dressing over salad and mix from bottom up with your salad spoon and fork to evenly distribute. Place chicken cubes in your salad . Pour the other half of the dressing over salad to make sure the chicken cubes are perfectly coated, sprinkle dried cranberries and serve chill.
Easy Chicken Cranberry Salad
Ingredients
Ingredients for Salad
- 4 cups lettuce
- 2 cups carrots shredded
- 2 cups cucumber chopped
- 1 cup tomatoes diced
- 1 cup red onions chopped
- 3/4 cup cranberries dried
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Cubes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to grill
- 1 pound chicken breast boneless without skin
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger minced
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon thyme fresh and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon rosemary fresh and finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Ingredients for Honey Lemon Dressing
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme chopped
Instructions
- Cut your boneless chicken breast (without skin), into small pieces (cube like sizes). Coat the chicken evenly with seasonings. Set aside to marinate for about 5-10 minutes.
- Chop the lettuce, cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, and shredded carrots. Mix to distribute vegetables evenly. Place in the refrigerator to chill.
- Meanwhile, heat a skillet or pan on medium to high heat. Add your vegetable oil to the heated pan, let heat for about 30 more seconds. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and turn on each side until golden brown and cooked thoroughly. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, add extra virgin olive oil, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and chopped thyme. Whisk together and set aside.
- Take vegetables from the refrigerator, pour half of the dressing over salad and mix from bottom up with your salad spoon and fork to evenly distribute. Place chicken cubes in your salad . Pour the other half of the dressing over salad to make sure the chicken cubes are perfectly coated, sprinkle dried cranberries and serve chill.