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Easy Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices make a sweet, crunchy, protein-packed lunch!
Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices
If you enjoy chicken salad, you will love this healthy Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices! It offers a refreshing twist on lunch that is both nutritious and delicious. Made with chicken breast from a roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken, craisins, red onion, celery, a touch of mayo, and chicken broth for juiciness, this dish combines sweet, tart, and crunchy elements for a satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Chicken Salad on Apple Slices
This dish has become my go-to lunch choice due to its perfect blend of sweetness, crunchiness, and high protein content. Here’s why I enjoy it and how you can make it too:
- High Protein: Chicken is a lean protein source essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Gluten-Free: Apple slices serve as a low-calorie, gluten-free alternative to bread, making it suitable for those watching their carb intake 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 enhances the overall flavor profile. The crunch of the apple slices against the creamy chicken salad provides a satisfying mouthfeel.
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 added mayo.
Dried Cranberries: For tart sweetness and flavor.
Red Onion: Provides a contrast to the dish’s sweet and savory elements.
Sweet Red Apples: A sweet crunchy base.
How to Make It
- Prepare the Chicken Salad: Combine chicken, celery, mayonnaise, chicken broth, cranberries, and red onion in a bowl.
- Slice the Apples: Slice apples into 1/4 inch thick slices.
- Assemble: Spoon chicken salad onto each apple slice and enjoy!
Variations
This recipe is versatile. Here are some suggestions for customizing it:
- Swap the Protein: Try turkey or tuna.
- Add More Veggies: Incorporate shredded carrots or chopped broccoli.
- Add Nuts: Pecans or walnuts can be a great addition.
- Change Up the Fruit: Experiment with pear slices in place of apples.
Calories per serving: 439kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 36g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 3.5g, Cholesterol: 105mg, Sodium: 245mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 22.5g.