Whole30 Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad

Hello! Recently, Chris (my husband) and I decided to start another Whole30. We had done one back a few months ago, back in January. You know that whole "new year, new me" kinda thing. I had done one about two years prior, so I knew what to expect. I love the fact that I don't have to count calories and that some foods are off limits, no excuses.

What is Whole30?
The simplest way to answer this is that it is a very strict form of the Paleo diet. Foods like sugar, grains, gluten, legumes, alcohol, dairy, and processed foods are not allowed during the 30-day challenge. The challenge helps you eat clean and get control on poor eating habits. The challenge has helped people identify food allergies that cause their bodies distress. By the end of the program, I felt pretty awesome. I had noticed my skin was clearer and brighter, and I was no longer super bloated by the end of the day. After completing the challenge, I continued to eat mostly Whole30 compliant in the following months.

Of course, there are a few things that make Whole 30 quite a challenge, but I have found with meal prep and creativity it is not only possible, but enjoyable, too! This chicken salad recipe is a winner for meal prep. It doesn't take long to whip up and is a lunch staple in our house. Both my husband and myself love that this makes for a tasty, quick, and filling meal.

Whole30 Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad
*Makes 5-6 servings

• 1 1/2 lbs roasted chicken, cubed*
• 1/3 red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds
• 1-2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 3 tbsp Whole30 compliant mayo**
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients into a mixing bowl and combine.
2. Chill for at least 2 hours, although this is even better the next day.
3. Serve lettuce cup style to keep this Whole30 compliant. I used butter lettuce in the first picture. 

Tips:
*I have found pre-cooked chicken at the store before. It definitely helps cut down on time even more, especially when you need to prep fast during busy work weeks.
**Primal Kitchen makes a Whole30 mayo, or you can find a recipe to make your own at home.