Classic Chicken Salad
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Classic Chicken Salad recipe, perfect for any occasion or gathering. Bursting with tender chicken, crunchy nuts, crisp celery, and sweet fruits, this salad is bound to become a favorite. The combination of creamy mayo, tangy chutney, and aromatic spices adds depth and richness to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or simply craving a refreshing meal, this chicken salad is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 cups | Chicken, cooked and shredded |
| 1/4 cup | Cashews, chopped |
| 1/4 cup | Pecans, chopped |
| 1/4 cup | Celery, finely chopped |
| 1/4 cup | Green onion, thinly sliced |
| 1 | Tart green apple, diced |
| 2 | Golden raisins |
| 3 tbsp | Chutney |
| 1 tbsp | Mayonnaise |
| 1 tsp | Paprika |
| 1 tsp | Curry powder |
| 2 tsp | Lime juice |
| To taste | Cayenne pepper |
| To taste | Garlic salt |
| 2 | Cantaloupes, halved and seeds removed |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 218.8
- Fat: 9.6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 98.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 33.8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 26.2g
- Protein: 4.5g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped cashews, pecans, celery, green onion, diced apple, and golden raisins. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
-
Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, blend together the chutney, mayonnaise, paprika, curry powder, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
-
Season to Taste: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as desired. Add cayenne pepper and garlic salt to enhance the flavor according to your preference.
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Assemble the Salad: Once the dressing is seasoned to perfection, pour it over the chicken and nut mixture. Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are coated with the creamy dressing.
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Prepare the Cantaloupe Bowls: Cut the cantaloupes in half and remove the seeds. Using a knife, carefully carve out the edges of the cantaloupe halves to create a decorative flute-like appearance.
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Serve: Fill each cantaloupe half with a generous portion of the chicken salad mixture, allowing it to overflow slightly for a visually appealing presentation.
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Enjoy: Serve the Classic Chicken Salad immediately, garnished with additional chopped nuts or fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with crusty bread, crackers, or a bed of mixed greens for a satisfying meal.
Tips:
- For added sweetness, you can substitute the tart green apple with a sweeter variety such as Fuji or Gala.
- Feel free to customize the salad by adding other fruits such as grapes, pineapple, or mango for a burst of tropical flavor.
- To save time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for this recipe.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Make ahead of time and refrigerate the salad for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce leaves for a lighter alternative or stuff it into pita pockets for a convenient handheld meal option.
With its perfect balance of textures and flavors, this Classic Chicken Salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a picnic centerpiece, or a party appetizer, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. So gather your ingredients and prepare to delight your taste buds with every forkful of this sensational salad! 🥗✨
