Dried cranberries are a convenient and nutrient-dense snack that can be easily introduced to breakfasts, salads, baking and more. You can get them at your grocery store or order them online and then incorporate them into smoothies, salads and more.
Each of the below-mentioned recipes is easy to prepare and packed with the berry sweetness of dried cranberries, perfect for a hectic day at work or an idle day at home.
Quick Ideas to Include Dried Cranberries in Your Daily Diet
Morning Oatmeal Booster
Start your day by mixing a handful of dried cranberries into a hot oatmeal right before serving. The berries plump up slightly owing to the heat and release a natural sweetness that cuts through the bland taste of the oatmeal.
Oats provide fibre, and cranberries are known for their antioxidant properties. Together, they help improve your overall health. You can further complement the mix with a spoonful of Greek yoghurt, making the dish richer in protein.
Dried Cranberry Smoothie
A very seamless way to incorporate dried cranberries into your diet is through a healthy smoothie after a workout session or on your way to work. All you need are dried cranberries, a medium-sized red apple chopped into pieces, 1 custard apple, 1 ripe banana, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, a pinch of cinnamon powder, a cup of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of honey and ice cubes. Mix it all in a blender and consume.
Energising Trail Mix
Trail mix is the ultimate grab-and-go snack. Combine ½ cups of dried cranberries with ½ cups of mixed nuts(almonds, walnuts, pistachios) and ¼ cups of pumpkin seeds in a container. Fill a snack bag and carry it along with you everywhere.
It is the perfect snack to stock in your work drawer or while binge-watching. It is a mix of healthy fats and protein, and the cranberries add natural sugars to stabilise blood sugars and maintain your energy levels.
Cranberry Chicken Salad
Cranberry chicken salad is a versatile and flavourful dish that provides ample protein, healthy fat, and a touch of sweetness. You can even make it with leftover chicken for a quick and easy lunch or snack.
Mix shredded chicken pieces with dried cranberries, celery, apples and a creamy dressing. Serve it with whole grain bread or lettuce wraps for a satisfying meal.
Cranberry Quinoa Salad
This superfood salad is a celebrated dish among vegans and vegetarians for its nutrition-rich components. It is made from a flavourful mix of quinoa, sweet and tart dried cranberries, chopped veggies, cucumber, and bell peppers freshly sourced from your local grocery store or via online delivery apps.
Add a zesty vinaigrette dressing for a nutritious and flavourful salad to pack for your breakfast and lunch.
Conclusion
By keeping dried cranberries stocked from your neighbourhood grocery store or online delivery apps, you’ll always have a convenient, healthful ingredient to enrich your culinary creations, support your well‐being, and satisfy your taste buds with minimal prep time.
