Avocado Cranberry Chicken Salad

Why hello there! How’s your summer going so far? Every year we do a big family vacation in Dauphin Island, Alabama. I spend the week before and the week after at my sister’s house in Mobile so it’s basically a three week travel extravaganza. Doesn’t that make it more exciting than saying I’m hanging in Alabama? Well whatever it is we love it. My kids and her kids adore each other. It’s four children ages 3 to 6 in one house. Total kid chaos. Toys everywhere, so much shrieking, and so much fun.

The best part of getting the kids together is that they completely entertain themselves. Since I have a little free time (because the kids are oh so busy) I decided to update the photography for one of my most popular recipes, Easy Ranch Dressing. If you haven’t tried it yet you’ll want to rectify that. I love Ranch and this version contains no dairy or sugar. It’s super tasty on a salad, as a dip, or in a recipe like Buffalo Ranch Chicken Casserole (a completely guilt-free comfort food that’s Whole 30 compliant). Naturally since I was taking new photos of it I needed to put together a fun salad too, right?

I like my salads to be hearty so there’s no way I’m ever going to prepare something that looks like rabbit food. No, ma’am. It has to have all the good stuff but not the junk. This one really delivers.

Chicken. Since lunch should be easily made I often lean toward using store bought rotisserie chicken or leftovers if we had chicken the night before.

Avocados. Because avocados. Need I say more?

Grape tomatoes. I like using grape tomatoes over other varieties because they hold together better so you don’t end up with smushed bits of tomato.

Dried cranberries. A little tart and a little sweet. We always have these on hand for salads.

Pecans. Salads should have some crunch and nuts are my go-to. If you’re on Whole 30 (or just avoid honey) then use regular pecans. Otherwise I recommend my Sticky Candied Pecans. Only 4 ingredients and no sugar or weird sugar substitutes. We enjoy them as a snack, in a trail mix, and especially on salads.

Easy Ranch Dressing. I keep this version on hand in the fridge. It’s dairy free, sugar free, full of herbs, and really yummy.

This bright salad is perfect for one but you’ll also love it as a side dish when you’re grilling or entertaining company.

I hope you enjoy it and the rest of your summer!

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