Smoked-chicken, cranberry and almond salad with coriander
This smoked chicken, cranberry, and almond salad combines savory smoked chicken with sweet cranberries and crunchy almonds, enhanced by coriander and lime dressing. It's a refreshing choice for lunch or dinner, easy to prepare and nutritious.
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1 tsp coriander leaves3 tbsp olive oil
2 stalks celery
4 chicken breasts
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup almonds
1 tbsp lime juice
This smoked-chicken, cranberry, and almond salad with coriander and lime juice is a delightful and refreshing dish that balances savory and sweet flavors. It's perfect for a light lunch or a wholesome dinner, offering a variety of textures and tastes. This recipe is easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious food lovers.
Instructions:
- Begin by smoking the chicken breasts. If you have a smoker, smoke the chicken according to your manufacturer's instructions until fully cooked. If you do not have a smoker, you can bake or grill the chicken instead for a similar effect.
- Once cooked, let the chicken cool slightly, then shred or slice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash the celery stalks thoroughly and chop them into small, thin slices.
- Coarsely chop the almonds if they are whole.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sliced celery, dried cranberries, and chopped almonds.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, and finely chopped coriander leaves.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for a short period to allow the flavors to develop.
This smoked-chicken, cranberry, and almond salad with coriander and lime juice is a quick and easy recipe that provides a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. The smokiness of the chicken, the sweetness of the cranberries, the crunchiness of the almonds, and the zesty lime juice all come together to create a delightful dish. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or as a side dish to complement any main course.
Smoked-chicken, cranberry and almond salad with coriander FAQ:
Smoke the chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), which usually takes about 1 to 2 hours depending on your smoker's temperature. If baking or grilling, cook until the same internal temperature is achieved.
Fresh cranberries are more tart than dried cranberries. If you prefer to use them, you'll need to increase the sweetness of the salad, possibly by adding a bit of honey or sugar to balance the flavors.
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last about 2 to 3 days. However, the salad may become soggy if dressed beforehand, so consider adding the dressing just before serving.
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the dressing due to its rich flavor and health benefits. It enhances the overall taste of the salad while contributing healthy fats.
Yes, you can substitute almonds with other nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or cashews. Just make sure to adjust the quantity based on size and texture, as some nuts may be larger or crunchier than others.
Cooking Tips:
- Tip 1: For added flavor, roast the almonds in a dry pan over medium heat until they are golden brown before adding them to the salad.
- Tip 2: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a dollop of yogurt or mayonnaise to the salad dressing.
- Tip 3: Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits or nuts, such as raisins or walnuts, if you don't have cranberries or almonds on hand.
- Tip 4: For a vegetarian version, substitute the smoked chicken with smoked tofu or grilled vegetables.
- Tip 5: To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or couscous.
Nutrition Facts
4 ServingsCalories 210kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 7g
Fiber 2.17g
Sugar 3.65g
Fat 18g
More recipes
Easy sweet potato and chicken salad
A nutritious sweet potato and chicken salad with arugula.
04 Jan 2026Ground beef taco salad
A quick and nutritious ground beef taco salad with fresh veggies.
03 Dec 2025Fresh salmon salad with avocado, tomato and cucumber
Delicious salmon salad with avocado, cucumber, and tomato.
20 Dec 2025Citrusy avocado, apple and chicken salad
A refreshing citrusy salad with chicken, avocado, and apple.
22 Jan 2026Vietnamese tofu and noodle salad
A vibrant Vietnamese tofu and noodle salad with fresh veggies.
18 Jan 2026Coconut cottage cheese toast with honey
A nutritious coconut cottage cheese toast topped with honey.
06 Dec 2025Avocado-yogurt chicken salad with lime and onion
Creamy avocado-yogurt chicken salad with lime and onion.
27 Jan 2026