How to Make the Delicious, Tasty Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe For You?

Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe is one of my favorites when I want a quick, tasty, and healthy meal. It combines the savory flavor of chicken with the sweet tartness of Craisins, creating a perfect balance. Over the years, I’ve made this salad countless times for family gatherings and lunch breaks. It’s a refreshing dish, and I’m excited to share the recipe with you. In this post, I’ll walk you through the ingredients and steps to make your own Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe at home. Let’s get started!

Ingredients for the Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe

• 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)

• 1/2 cup Ocean Spray Craisins (dried cranberries)

• 1/4 cup chopped celery

• 1/4 cup chopped red onion

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon honey

• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe

1. Cook the Chicken: Begin by cooking the chicken. You can grill, bake, or boil it. Once cooked, shred or cube it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate clean bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey. Stir the ingredients well to create a perfect smooth dressing.

3. Combine Chicken and Dressing: Add the shredded or cubed chicken to the dressing. Stir until the shredded or cubed chicken is fully coated with the creamy mixture.

4. Add Craisins: Toss in the Ocean Spray Craisins (dried cranberries) for a lovely and tart flavor. This ingredient is key in the recipe, giving the salad a delicious contrast.

5. Add Fresh Vegetables: Chop celery and red onion. These vegetables bring crunch and flavor to the salad, balancing the sweetness of the Raisins.

6. Optional: Add Almonds: Sliced almonds add extra texture and a bit of crunch. This step is entirely optional but adds a nice contrast to the creamy dressing.

7. Season the salad: Sprinkle salt and pepper on it to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

8. Chill the Salad: Let the delicious salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and gives the salad an incredible, refreshing taste.

9. Serve: After chilling, scoop the salad into bowls. You can serve it alone, with crackers or a fresh salad.

10. Enjoy every spoonful of the Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe! The combination of savory, sweet, and crunchy ingredients makes each bite genuinely satisfying.

Serving and Enjoying the Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe

Ladle the Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe into bowls when serving it. This salad is best served chilled, so let it sit in the fridge for a while before serving. The balance of sweet Craisins, savory chicken, and crunchy veggies makes every bite delicious. You can enjoy this delicious recipe as a main dish or a side, and it’s perfect for picnics, gatherings, or meal prep. The Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe is an excellent addition to any meal.

Here are some Chef’s Tips for making the Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe even more delicious

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker and more flavorful option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It adds a rich, attractive smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the Craisins.

2. Balance the Sweetness: If you really prefer a less sweet salad, then reduce the amount of honey or Craisins. Adjusting the sweetness to your liking will help achieve a perfect balance of flavors.

3. Toast the Almonds: Lightly toasting the sliced almonds before adding them to the chicken salad will enhance their flavor and provide extra crunch. This simple step makes a big difference.

4. Add Fresh Herbs: Try adding fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil for an extra layer of flavor. Fresh herbs can bring brightness to the salad and complement the other ingredients.

5. Chill Before Serving: Allow the delicious salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This method helps the flavors blend and makes it more refreshing.

6. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other fresh vegetables, such as chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots, to give your Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe more color and crunch.

7. Use a Lighter Dressing: If you prefer a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a combination. This will cut down on calories while still maintaining a creamy texture.

8. Make It a Wrap: For a fun twist, serve the Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe as a wrap in a tortilla or lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

9. Serve with a Side: To make it a complete meal, pair the salad with whole-grain crackers, toasted bread, or a side of mixed greens.

10. Add a Protein Boost: To make the salad even more filling, add extra protein such as boiled eggs, chickpeas, or shredded cheese for added texture and flavor.

Here is an approximate nutrition breakdown for the Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe based on standard ingredients and serving sizes (for four servings)

Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe – Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal

• Protein: 25-30g

• Fat: 20-25g
  • Saturated Fat: 3-5g

• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
  • Fiber: 2-3g

• Sugars: 12-15g (from Craisins, honey, and dressing)

• Sodium: 300-400mg

• Cholesterol: 50-60mg

• Vitamin A: 6-8% of the Daily Value (DV)

• Vitamin C: 6-10% of the Daily Value (DV)

• Calcium: 2-4% of the Daily Value (DV)

• Iron: 4-6% of the Daily Value (DV)

Notes:

• Protein: The chicken provides an absolutely significant source of lean protein, making this salad filling and nutritious.

• Healthy Fats: The almonds (if included) provide healthy fats suitable for heart health.

• Natural Sugars: The Ocean Spray Craisins (dried cranberries) contribute natural sugars, adding sweetness to the dish without added refined sugars.

• Fiber: The Craisins and veggies in the recipe provide fiber, which is really essential for digestive health.

If you’d like to adjust the calorie count, you can substitute lighter mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for the dressing.

Here are some related recipe names that pair well with or offer a similar vibe to the Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe

1. Cranberry Chicken Salad with Walnuts

2. Grilled Chicken and Cranberry Salad

3. Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

4. Crispy Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Almonds

5. Waldorf Chicken Salad with Craisins

6. Cranberry and Spinach Chicken Salad

7. Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts

8. Autumn Chicken Salad with Dried Fruit

9. Harvest Chicken Salad with Craisins and Apples

10. Sweet and Savory Chicken Salad with Cranberries

These recipes all feature a blend of savory chicken with sweet dried fruits or nuts, similar to the Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe, offering different flavor profiles for variety.

FAQ for the Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe

Conclusion

The Ocean Spray Craisins Chicken Salad Recipe is a delightful dish that is easy to make and bursting with flavors. Combining chicken, sweet Craisins, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing makes for a balanced, satisfying meal. Whether serving it for lunch or taking it to a gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Make this simple yet delicious salad today and enjoy every bite’s wonderful mix of flavors!