Cranberry Chicken Salad (Whole30 Paleo Keto) 
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Cranberry Chicken Salad (Whole30 Paleo Keto) – sweet dried cranberries and crunchy almonds round out this creamy chicken salad, perfect for a quick lunch!
Just give me some chicken salad for lunch, and I’m a happy girl. I love the simplicity of a good chicken salad recipe – nutritious and filling with a little bit of sweet and a little bit of crunch. There are countless ways to make chicken salad, but I’m currently loving this version with dried cranberries and almonds. This Cranberry Chicken Salad recipe can easily be made ahead for lunches on the go during your busy week. It’s also just fancy enough to add to a brunch or party menu.
I think I really formed my chicken salad-for-lunch habit on my first round of Whole30. I created this Curry Chicken Salad with Apples recipe and quickly became addicted! From there, I tried a Buffalo Chicken Salad and found another favorite, this Rosemary Chicken Salad. With the addition of this Cranberry Chicken Salad recipe, I have a whole repertoire of delicious chicken salad varieties to choose from!
What You’ll Need
Cooked chicken breast
Avocado Oil Mayonnaise (store bought or homemade)
Dried Cranberries
Slivered Almonds
Green Onions
Sea Salt
How to Make Chicken Salad
Here’s why chicken salad is the perfect meal – you’ve got your protein and healthy fat, along with some veggies, nuts, and fruit for some crunch and some sweet…all combining with your choice of seasonings for a super delicious and filling meal. This seems to be the perfect combo for keeping me feeling full and satisfied until my next meal.
To make chicken salad, start with a base of shredded or cubed cooked chicken and add a creamy mayonnaise (Greek yogurt is also a good alternative.) Butcher Box has been my favorite source of organic chicken for years – it’s top quality, affordable, and delivered right to your door!
Choose your flavor profile to add to the chicken and mayo – buffalo sauce, curry powder, fresh herbs, whatever your fancy.
Choose finely chopped veggies and/or fruits that will compliment your flavor profile. For example, carrots and celery for a buffalo chicken version.
Then add some nuts for crunch – almonds, pecans, and walnuts are all great choices, just pick your favorite.
Finally, season with salt and pepper.
Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
I highly recommend using this Instant Pot method for cooking your chicken. It’s so simple and quick! My other pro tip for making your own shredded chicken is to skip the forks and shred the chicken using your stand or hand mixer. It’s like magic!
My favorite creamy mayo is my own homemade avocado oil recipe but a Whole30 compliant store bought version is fine too!
To keep this Cranberry Chicken Salad Whole30 compliant, look for the dried cranberries that do not have any added sugar. There are several varieties of dried cranberries that are naturally sweetened with apple juice. Just check your labels!
Combine the chicken, mayo, cranberries, sliced almonds, and green onion in a large bowl. Toss is together and season with salt and pepper.
If making it ahead, portion individual servings into these glass containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Cranberry Chicken Salad (Whole30 Paleo Keto)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked cubed or shredded chicken breast
- 1/3 cup homemade Whole30 Mayo or compliant brand
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries (sweetened with apple juice)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 green onion, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a bowl. Toss together until well coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Nutrition
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Vegetarian
Dairy Free
3 Comments on “Cranberry Chicken Salad (Whole30 Paleo Keto)”
Love the chicken salad with cranberries!
So good and so easy! Thanks for sharing.
Great combination! Love it!