Looking for a vibrant and refreshing dish that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than this Cranberry Jalapeno Chicken Salad! Bursting with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, this easy-to-make salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a healthy option for lunch or dinner. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a delightful meal that serves four, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week. Ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s as delicious as it is colorful? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Salad
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken, shredded
- Cranberries, dried
- Jalapeno, diced
- Red onion, diced
- Greek yogurt
- Honey
- Lime juice
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: cooked shredded chicken, dried cranberries, diced jalapeno, diced red onion, Greek yogurt, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and dried cranberries. Make sure the cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the chicken.
- Add the diced jalapeno to the bowl. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference; more jalapeno will result in a spicier salad.
- Next, add the diced red onion to the mixture. The red onion will provide a nice crunch and a slight sweetness.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing together the Greek yogurt, honey, and lime juice. Stir until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to gently fold the dressing into the salad until everything is well coated.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- Once everything is mixed well, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- After chilling, give the salad a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Cranberry Jalapeno Chicken Salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or in a wrap. Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful dish!
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quick prep. Shredded chicken works best for even distribution in the salad.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount of diced jalapeno and gradually add more to suit your taste. You can also remove the seeds for a milder flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, opt for fresh lime juice instead of bottled. It enhances the dressing and brings a zesty kick to the salad.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Versatile Serving Options: This salad is incredibly versatile! Serve it on a bed of mixed greens, as a filling for wraps, or even in a sandwich for a satisfying meal.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the salad ahead of time, but keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain freshness.
- Garnish for Presentation: Consider adding some chopped cilantro or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 329kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
