Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful lunch or light dinner? Look no further! This Boar's Head Cransational Chicken Salad recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend treat. Combining the delightful tang of cranberries with succulent chicken and creamy mayo, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple yet satisfying meal at home. It's one of those easy recipes that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it only takes minutes to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
- 1 (8 ounce) package Boar's Head Craisins® Dried Cranberries
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use your favorite brand – we love Duke's!)
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breasts. Grilling, baking, or boiling all work wonderfully. Once cooked, let the chicken cool completely before shredding or dicing.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Craisins, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
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Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
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Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is especially helpful if you're making this ahead of time.
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Serve & Enjoy: Serve your Cransational Chicken Salad on croissants, crackers, lettuce cups, or bread. If using nuts, sprinkle them on top just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
- Chicken Quality Matters: Using high-quality chicken breast will make a noticeable difference in the taste of your salad.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can make the chicken salad gummy. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Some people prefer more lemon juice or Dijon mustard.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Besides nuts, consider adding grapes, apples, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or dill.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad: Add 1/2 cup of diced apples for a sweet and tart twist.
- Curried Chicken Salad: Add 1 tablespoon of curry powder for a flavorful, aromatic variation.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a serving size of approximately 1 cup and may vary depending on specific ingredients used. Please note that this is an estimate and you should consult a nutrition calculator for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This Boar's Head Cransational Chicken Salad is a fantastic example of a delicious and healthy meal that's also incredibly easy to make. It's perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a delightful addition to your next gathering. Enjoy!