Inspired by Good Foods, this cranberry almond jackfruit salad is a light vegetarian option for sandwiches to to top a salad.
Chicken salad is a a refreshing and light lunch to have in the summer. I often reach for sandwiches when I want a quick no-heat meal. Since jackfruit has a similar consisitnacy to shredded chicken, I thought I’d recreate a chicken salad I used to like. My inspiration for cranberry almond jackfruit salad was this chicken salad from Good Foods. With this recipe, you can enjoy a vegetarian version of the flavors on a sandwich!
Ingredient Breakdown
Jackfruit is a large green fruit with yellow flesh. If eaten fresh, it has a sweet taste. However, it can be brined or marinated and used in savory dishes. Jackfruit is commonly used in vegetarian and vegan cooking because of it’s appearance. The way the fruit pieces pull apart looks like shredded meat. You can find jackfruit canned ( I buy it from Trader Joe’s) or in the produce department with other vegetarian options like tofu and meat substitutes.
Dried cranberries add a nice chew and sweetness to the salad. Sometimes dried fruit can be really high in sugar, so look for a lower sugar option if possible. If you can’t find no added sugar ones, Crasins work too!
I love sliced almonds in this dish (and chickpea salad) because it adds a nice crunch as well as some fat and protein. Sliced almonds or almonds slivers are an easy option. If you don’t have either, then you can chop whole almonds as well.
If you want to try another jackfruit recipe, check out this post about jackfruit tortilla soup!
Cranberry Almond Jackfruit Salad
Ingredients
- 20 oz. jackfruit
- ¼ cup finely diced sweet onion
- ¼ cup finely diced celery
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- ¼ cup mayo of choice
- ½ tbsp poppy seeds
Instructions
- Finely dice the onion and celery.
- Drain and rinse the jackfruit if canned or in a brine. Using a paper towel or cheese cloth, squeeze out any excess liquid.
- In a bowl, mix all the ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve on bread, lettuce wraps, or out of a bowl.