Amy's Chicken Salad With Cherries and Walnuts

🥗 Amy’s Chicken Salad With Cherries and Walnuts 🍒🥗

What is it?
Amy’s Chicken Salad With Cherries and Walnuts is a delicious and refreshing salad that combines the savory flavors of chicken with the sweetness of cherries and the crunchiness of walnuts. It’s a delightful blend of textures and tastes that make it a perfect choice for a light and satisfying meal.

History:
The exact origin of this salad is unclear, but chicken salads have been enjoyed for generations. The addition of cherries and walnuts likely brings a modern twist to the classic chicken salad, introducing a unique combination of flavors and textures that have gained popularity in recent years.

Components:
Here are the main components of Amy’s Chicken Salad With Cherries and Walnuts:

Chicken: You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and diced into bite-sized pieces.
Cherries: Sweet, ripe cherries, pitted and halved. They add a burst of sweetness and color to the salad.
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Greens: You can use a mix of fresh salad greens, such as lettuce, spinach, or arugula, as the salad base.
Dressing: A simple vinaigrette or creamy dressing, depending on your preference, ties the salad together.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you like to season your salad.

Steps to Prepare:

Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then grill, bake, or pan-fry until it’s cooked through. Let it cool slightly, then dice it into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the Cherries and Walnuts: Pit and halve the cherries if they aren’t already pitted. Chop the walnuts into smaller pieces.
Make the Dressing: Prepare your dressing. For a simple vinaigrette, mix olive oil, vinegar (like balsamic or red wine vinegar), Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. For a creamy option, blend mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, and seasonings.
Assemble the Salad: On a large serving platter or individual plates, arrange the fresh salad greens as the base.
Add the Ingredients: Scatter the diced chicken, cherries, and chopped walnuts evenly over the greens.
Drizzle with Dressing: Generously drizzle the dressing over the salad. You can either mix it in or serve it on the side.
Season and Serve: Season the salad with a bit of salt and pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you like. Serve immediately.

Preparation Time:
The time required to prepare Amy’s Chicken Salad With Cherries and Walnuts will depend on your cooking skills and the method you choose to cook the chicken. On average, it may take around 30-45 minutes, including cooking and assembly.

This delightful salad is perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing dinner, or even as a side dish for a special occasion. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures, and don’t forget to customize it to your taste preferences! 🍗🍒🥗😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Amy’s Chicken Salad With Cherries and Walnuts:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving):

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Protein: 25-30 grams
Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams
Sugars: 8-10 grams
Fat: 20-25 grams
Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
Cholesterol: 50-60 milligrams
Sodium: 300-400 milligrams

Health Information:

Protein: This salad is a good source of lean protein from the chicken, which is essential for muscle maintenance and repair.
Fiber: The salad provides a moderate amount of dietary fiber, primarily from the greens, cherries, and walnuts. Fiber aids in digestion and helps you feel full, which can support weight management.
Healthy Fats: Walnuts contribute heart-healthy unsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and supporting brain health.
Antioxidants: Cherries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which have been associated with reducing inflammation and providing protection against chronic diseases.
Vitamins and Minerals: This salad contains various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C from the cherries, vitamin K from the greens, and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium.
Low in Added Sugars: The added sugars in this salad are relatively low, making it a healthier option compared to many other prepared salads with high sugar content.
Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients and dressing to suit your dietary preferences, such as using a lighter dressing or adding more greens for fewer calories.
Portion Control: Keep in mind that the portion size and dressing used can significantly impact the calorie and nutrient content of the salad. Be mindful of your portion size to maintain a balanced diet.

As with any dish, the nutritional content can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This salad can be a nutritious choice as part of a balanced diet, providing a mix of protein, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals.

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