1 serving Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad contains 486 calories, as per USDA. This salad is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a light meal or a snack.

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is a perfect mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It contains chicken, cranberries, walnuts, celery, and Greek yogurt, all of which provide essential nutrients important for good health.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad, from its calorie count to health benefits, storage tips, and more.

Ingredients that make Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is a simple recipe that requires only a few ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

• 1/2 cup cooked and shredded chicken
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 stalk of celery, chopped
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, mix well, and enjoy!

Caloric count of Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

1 serving of Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad contains 486 calories, as per USDA.

Health benefits of Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is not only delicious, but it's also healthy. Here are some of the health benefits of this salad:

• Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, needed for muscle growth and repair.
• Fiber: Walnuts and celery are a great source of fiber, which helps keep your digestive system healthy.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Cranberries, walnuts, and celery all contain essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium.
• Healthy Fats: Walnuts are high in healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health.

Tips for making a delicious Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

To make a flavorful Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Cook the chicken properly to ensure it's tender and juicy.
• Chop the celery and walnuts into small pieces.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a healthier option.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add a hint of honey or balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.

How to store Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture and taste of the salad.

Add-ons that accompany Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is delicious on its own or as a side dish. Here are some add-ons to give it a boost:

• Sliced avocado
• Greens like spinach or arugula
• Grilled chicken or shrimp
• Crispy bacon
• Sliced apples or pears
• Toasted pecans or almonds

Nutritional value of Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Here's a breakdown of the nutritional value of 1 serving of Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad:

• calories: 486
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 22g

Occasions to serve Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad is versatile and can be served on different occasions. Here are some ideas:

• Lunch at work or school
• Picnic or BBQ
• Brunch with friends
• Light dinner
• Baby shower or potluck

Variations of Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

You can customize Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad to suit your taste. Here are some variations to try:

• Use quinoa or brown rice instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
• Add dried apricots or raisins instead of cranberries.
• Replace walnuts with almonds, pecans, or cashews.
• Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream or mayo for a creamier texture.
• Add diced apple or pear for extra sweetness.

Substitutes for Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad

If you don't have some of the ingredients for Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad, here are some possible substitutes:

• Chicken: use tuna or canned salmon instead.
• Cranberries: use dried cherries or blueberries.
• Walnuts: use pecans or almonds.
• Celery: use cucumber or bell peppers.
• Greek yogurt: use sour cream or mayo.