Description
This Cranberry Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, tangy cranberries, crisp vegetables, and a smooth, creamy consistency using natural plant-based ingredients. Perfect as a light lunch, picnic treat, or side dish, it comes together quickly and delivers balanced, vibrant flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 4 strips smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables and Fruits
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium green apple, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
- 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Shred or dice the cooked chicken breast. Chop the celery, green apple, smoked turkey bacon, and parsley into bite-sized pieces to ensure the best texture and easy eating.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the plant-based mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, natural gelling agent, salt, and pepper until smooth and well incorporated.
- Mix All Components: Add the chicken, cranberries, celery, apples, smoked turkey bacon, and parsley to the bowl with the dressing mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the natural gelling agent to create a perfect creamy consistency.
Notes
- Use fresh crisp vegetables and cranberries for the best texture and flavor.
- Poach or bake chicken breast to keep it tender and juicy.
- Refrigeration enhances flavor melding and helps the salad set.
- Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent to your preferred creaminess.
- This salad is ideal for making ahead and tastes better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Cranberry Chicken Salad, chicken salad, plant-based mayonnaise, smoked turkey bacon, healthy lunch, easy salad recipe, gluten free