Grilled Chicken Cranberry Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Grilled Chicken Cranberry Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette ~ Fresh bed of salad greens topped with dried cranberries, grilled chicken, blue cheese, apples and a citrus vinaigrette.The other day my neighbor Caydee was over visiting and we got chatting about the start of fall (my favorite season) which leads to winter (her favorite season). We both acquiesced it might have something to do with our birthdays being in our respective favorite seasons.

As we chatted about the various things we love this time of year, we found we had something in common; we both tend to restock our cupboards and freezers. Maybe we’re like squirrels and gathering for winter?

Maybe it has something to do with the fact I hate driving in the snow. Psychologically speaking, it’s possible I want to overstock the shelves to avoid going out in the weather. Or it could be all the holidays and extra cooking I do. She and I also talked about all the foods associated with this time of year. Personally, I love hearty soups and stews, cheesy pastas, holiday comfort food, and don’t laugh, brussel sprouts and cranberries. Yes, I love brussel sprouts and cranberries. I even have a dish or two with them together, like this one.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BetterWithCraisins #CollectiveBias

Luckily, I can enjoy cranberries all year long by picking up a bag or two of Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries. I’m not sure when I discovered dried cranberries, but it was love at first sight, it’s something about their taste, texture and color – it’s the “zing” that make them unique. I have used Craisins® Dried Cranberries in both sweet and savory dishes, several of which are published here.In the past, I’d buy them in bulk at Sam’s club, however, Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries may not be available at all Sam’s Club locations, but they are still available at a number of retailers! I picked up a bag at Walmart and they were on the rollback price of $4.98 for the 24 oz package and a $1 off coupon. Score!

I love having Craisins® Dried Cranberries on hand. They make a great snack for my daughter after school and I love to toss them in about everything from her hot cereal for breakfast to my pasta dishes. They almost always end up in my salads as well, like this one.

As the weather turns, the foods I cook tend to be heartier and richer. My taste buds love it, but my waistline, well not so much. I still need to keep things light and healthy as much as possible (so I can indulge when the time comes). The citrus at the store has looked amazing and with my new package of Craisins® Dried Cranberries, this salad pretty much made itself in my shopping cart. The salad is an amazing combination of tangy, a bit of sweet, and savory. Pretty much the trifecta of eating. You’ll have leftover vinaigrette and it’d make a great marinade for chicken, pork, and seafood. 

Grilled Chicken Cranberry Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chicken, citrus, cranberry, salad dressing, vinaigrette

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Author: Michelle De La Cerda

Grilled Chicken Cranberry Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette ~ Fresh bed of salad greens topped with dried cranberries, grilled chicken, blue cheese, apples and a citrus vinaigrette.

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Ingredients

• Citrus Vinaigrette
• 1 small shallot; minced
• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tbsp honey or orange honey +/- to taste
• 1/8 tsp lemon zest
• 1/8 tsp orange zest
• 1 small garlic clove; minced/grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Salad
• 6 oz mixed greens; cleaned
• 10 oz cooked cubed chicken
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
• 1/4 cup sliced red onion
• 1 apple; cored and cubed
• 1/4 cup Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries
• 3 tbsp sliced almonds

Instructions

1. Citrus Vinaigrette
2. Combine all the ingredients but the salt and pepper together in a large bowl and whisk or a jar with a lid and shake until combine.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and chill until ready to be used.
5. Shake/whisk well before serving.
6. Salad
7. Add all the salad ingredients to a large bowl and toss.
8. Serve and add the vinaigrette to each serving.
9. Enjoy.

Thank you for sharing!