Cranberry Orange Chicken Salad
This vibrant Cranberry Orange Chicken Salad combines tender chicken with sweet-tart cranberries, fresh orange segments, and a zesty citrus dressing for a refreshing and nutritious meal. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, this healthy cranberry orange chicken salad recipe with mixed greens delivers a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates that will keep you satisfied without weighing you down.
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The combination of juicy orange segments with dried cranberries creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, while the citrus dressing brightens up the entire dish. Served over a bed of mixed greens, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick, healthy dinner option, this recipe delivers on both taste and nutrition.
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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍽️ Perfect Balance – Sweet cranberries, tangy oranges, and savory chicken create a harmonious flavor profile
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work
- ✨ Nutrient-Dense – Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly – Appeals to both adults and children with its sweet and savory combination
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Get It on Amazon Basics✔ Free Delivery | ✔ Top Rated | ✔ Budget-FriendlyCranberry Orange Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large oranges, segmented
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 orange (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
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Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- While chicken cooks, prepare the citrus dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper until well combined.
- Segment the oranges by cutting off both ends, removing the peel and pith with a knife, then cutting between membranes to release segments. Collect any juice that escapes and add to your dressing.
- In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced chicken, orange segments, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, red onion, and chopped parsley.
- Drizzle the citrus dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated. For the best healthy cranberry orange chicken salad recipe with mixed greens, be careful not to overdress.
- Divide the salad among four plates or bowls. For extra crunch, toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding to the salad.
💡 CHEF’S TIP: For optimal flavor, let the sliced chicken marinate in 2 tablespoons of the dressing for 10 minutes before assembling the salad. This allows the chicken to absorb the citrus flavors and stay moist.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Using 2-3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Just skip the chicken cooking steps and proceed with assembling your healthy cranberry orange chicken salad recipe with mixed greens. Choose a plain rotisserie chicken without heavy seasoning for best results.
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Get It on Amazon Basics✔ Free Delivery | ✔ Top Rated | ✔ Budget-FriendlyHow long does this salad keep in the refrigerator?
The assembled salad is best enjoyed immediately, but you can store components separately for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate from the greens and chicken. The chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed) or 1 package of baked tofu. For the dressing, replace honey with maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly. The salad will still be delicious and packed with protein.
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Conclusion
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