Keto Cran-Almond Chicken Salad
Welcome to our recipe for Keto Cran-Almond Chicken Salad! This delicious and healthy salad is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect option for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of tender chicken, tangy cranberries, crunchy almonds, and a creamy dressing is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s keto-friendly, so you can enjoy it while sticking to your low-carb diet. Let’s dive into the details of this amazing recipe.
Ingredients
For the salad:
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped celery
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the dressing:
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Steps
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken breast, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, chopped celery, chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve the Keto Cran-Almond Chicken Salad chilled and enjoy!
Variations
This recipe is versatile, and you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
– Add some diced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
– Swap the dried cranberries for fresh cranberries or another type of dried fruit like raisins or chopped apricots.
– Substitute the sliced almonds with chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
– Include some fresh greens like spinach or arugula to add a pop of color and extra nutrition.
Tips
– To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken from a rotisserie chicken or leftovers from a previous meal.
– If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add a drizzle of keto-friendly honey or a sprinkle of a natural sweetener like erythritol or stevia to the dressing.
– Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and vinegar according to your desired consistency. If you like a creamier dressing, add more mayonnaise, and if you prefer a tangier taste, increase the amount of vinegar.
– Make a double batch of the dressing and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can be used as a tasty dip or dressing for other salads.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Keto Cran-Almond Chicken Salad is a delicious and nutritious option for those following a keto diet or anyone looking for a healthy meal. With its combination of protein-packed chicken, crunchy almonds, tart cranberries, and creamy dressing, it’s a satisfying and flavorful dish. Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients and enjoy this salad for lunch, dinner, or as a refreshing snack. Bon appétit!
FAQs
Q: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
A: Yes, you can substitute cooked turkey for the chicken in this recipe. It will still be equally delicious!
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the salad and dressing separately and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply mix them together and enjoy.
Q: Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
A: Unfortunately, this particular recipe contains chicken, so it is not suitable for vegetarians. However, you can easily adapt it by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives.
Q: How long does this salad stay fresh?
A: If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this salad will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of nut?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different nuts like cashews, pistachios, or hazelnuts. They will add a unique flavor and texture to the salad.
Keto Cran-Almond Chicken Salad
A delicious and healthy salad packed with flavor and nutrients, combining tender chicken, tangy cranberries, crunchy almonds, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner and suitable for a keto diet.
Ingredients
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
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1/2 cup sliced almonds
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1/2 cup dried cranberries
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1/4 cup chopped celery
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1/4 cup chopped red onion
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt
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Black pepper
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken breast, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, chopped celery, chopped red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently until well coated.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Serve the Keto Cran-Almond Chicken Salad chilled and enjoy!
