Fruity Chicken Salad: A Delightful Summer Treat
This Fruity Chicken Salad is an absolute gem for those warm summer evenings, where the desire for something light and refreshing meets the craving for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with honey bread or soft rolls, making it an excellent choice for a simple summer supper. Additionally, its vibrant colors and delightful flavors make it perfect for a ladies’ luncheon or a brunch gathering, impressing your guests while requiring minimal effort in the kitchen.
This recipe is inspired by a local newspaper and has garnered rave reviews for its unique combination of flavors and ease of preparation. Let’s delve into the details, including the ingredient list, nutritional information, and step-by-step instructions to guide you in creating this culinary masterpiece.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breast halves | 4 pieces |
| Strawberries | 8 medium |
| Pears | 1 large |
| Kiwi | 2 medium |
| Onion | 1 small |
| Pecan halves | ½ cup |
| Fresh basil | ½ cup |
| Dijon mustard | ¾ cup |
| Pepper | 1/3 teaspoon |
| Salt | 3 teaspoons |
| Raspberry vinegar | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information Table
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (4 servings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 533.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 32.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 68.4 mg |
| Sodium | 268 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 33.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.3 g |
| Sugars | 19.6 g |
| Protein | 30.5 g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Instructions for Making Fruity Chicken Salad
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Prepare the Vinaigrette: Begin by preparing your vinaigrette dressing, which adds a delightful tang to the salad. In a clean jar, combine the raspberry vinegar with pear nectar and salt. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the ingredients are well blended. If you prefer a shortcut, feel free to use a store-bought raspberry vinaigrette for convenience.
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Marinate the Chicken: Take the boneless skinless chicken breast halves and place them into a large zip-lock bag or a marinating dish. Pour in half a cup of your prepared vinaigrette dressing, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Seal the bag securely, removing any excess air, or cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate for one hour. This step infuses the chicken with flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
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Grill the Chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken from the bag, discarding the marinade to avoid any food safety concerns. Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for approximately 5 to 10 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Once done, let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Allowing it to rest helps retain the juices, resulting in tender chicken.
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Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine your salad greens with the sliced strawberries, diced pear, chopped kiwi, diced onion, and pecan halves. The combination of these fresh ingredients not only adds color but also introduces a delightful crunch and sweetness that perfectly complements the savory chicken.
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Combine and Serve: Toss the salad gently to ensure an even distribution of all the ingredients. Now, add the grilled chicken slices on top of the salad mixture. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the salad; if you opted for store-bought dressing, approximately half a cup should suffice. Toss everything together once more to evenly coat the salad with the dressing, or for a more elegant presentation, divide the salad mixture onto four individual plates and top each with slices of the grilled chicken.
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Enjoy: Serve your Fruity Chicken Salad immediately while it’s fresh and vibrant. This dish can be accompanied by crusty honey bread or soft rolls, which serve as the perfect complement to the flavors of the salad. The combination of succulent chicken, fresh fruits, and a light vinaigrette creates a dish that is not only delicious but also visually appealing, sure to delight anyone fortunate enough to partake.
Conclusion
The Fruity Chicken Salad stands out not just for its refreshing taste but also for its versatility, making it suitable for various occasions, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. With its balance of protein from the chicken and fiber from the fruits and nuts, it serves as a nourishing option for those hot summer days when a lighter meal is desired.
Prepare to savor every bite of this delightful salad that embodies the essence of summer while bringing joy and satisfaction to your dining table. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this recipe is bound to be a favorite for years to come.
