Baked Almond Chicken Salad: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish
Description: When I find myself yearning for a break from the traditional cold chicken salad, I often turn to this delightful baked almond chicken salad, which offers a warm and comforting twist on a classic. This dish is perfect for serving on plates lined with vibrant salad greens, creating a beautiful presentation that is sure to impress both family and guests alike.
Recipe Overview
- Category: Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Keywords
- Poultry
- Meat
- < 60 Mins
- Oven
Ingredients
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
3 | Stalks of celery, diced |
4 | Slices of Swiss cheese, chopped |
1 | Green onion, sliced |
½ | Cup of chopped pimiento |
1 | Teaspoon of salt |
¼ | Teaspoon of pepper |
2 | Medium tomatoes, quartered |
1 | Cup of sliced almonds |
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Component | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 470.3 |
Total Fat | 27.5 g |
Saturated Fat | 9.1 g |
Cholesterol | 139.9 mg |
Sodium | 1274.5 mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 16.7 g |
Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g |
Sugars | 8.5 g |
Protein | 39.8 g |
Instructions
-
Preparation of Ingredients: Begin by gathering all the ingredients, making sure the celery is diced, the Swiss cheese is chopped into small pieces, and the green onion is sliced.
-
Combining the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced celery, chopped Swiss cheese, sliced green onion, chopped pimiento, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
-
Assembling the Dish: Transfer the mixture into a well-buttered baking dish, approximately 10 x 6 x 2 inches in size. This will ensure that the salad does not stick and allows for easy serving.
-
Adding the Almonds: Take ¾ of a cup of the sliced almonds and sprinkle them evenly over the top of the chicken salad mixture. This will add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
-
Baking the Chicken Salad: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once preheated, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the dish to warm through beautifully.
-
Finishing Touches: After the initial baking time, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Gently top the warm salad with the quartered tomato wedges, and return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This will warm the tomatoes just enough without making them overly soft.
-
Serving Suggestions: For a delightful presentation, serve the baked almond chicken salad in individual portions atop a bed of fresh salad greens. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a refreshing crunch to each bite.
Enjoy this savory and satisfying baked almond chicken salad as a main dish that is not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor, making it a perfect option for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike!