Summer Chicken & Fruit Salad ๐ฅ
Overview:
This delightful Summer Chicken & Fruit Salad is the epitome of a refreshing meal, perfect for a light lunch or supper on scorching summer days. What makes it even more appealing is its “no-cook” nature, especially if you have leftover chicken breasts on hand. Packed with vibrant flavors and textures, this salad is a tropical treat that’s ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Boneless, skinless chicken breasts |
| 3 cups | Fresh pineapple, cubed |
| 3 cups | Seedless grapes, halved |
| 2-4 cups | Unsweetened coconut, shredded |
| 1/2 – 1 can | Whole cranberry sauce |
| 1 | Medium-large orange, grated zest |
| 1 cup | Pecans, chopped |
| 1 cup | Vanilla yogurt |
| 8-12 | Lettuce leaves, for serving |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the whole cranberry sauce and grated orange zest with the vanilla yogurt. Adjust the amount of cranberry sauce and orange zest according to your taste preferences. Mix well to create a flavorful dressing.
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Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed chicken, fresh pineapple chunks, halved seedless grapes, shredded unsweetened coconut, and chopped pecans. This combination of ingredients brings a burst of tropical flavors and satisfying crunch to the salad.
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Add the Dressing:
- Pour the prepared cranberry-orange yogurt dressing over the chicken and fruit mixture. The creamy sweetness of the yogurt complements the tartness of the cranberries and the citrusy aroma of the orange zest, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
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Toss Gently:
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing. Take care not to crush the fruits or break apart the chicken pieces, maintaining their integrity for a visually appealing presentation.
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Serve:
- Spoon the dressed chicken and fruit salad onto a bed of chilled, crisp lettuce leaves. The contrast of the cool, crunchy lettuce against the juicy fruits and tender chicken adds another dimension of freshness to each bite.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 640
- Total Fat: 24.4g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8g
- Cholesterol: 139.1mg
- Sodium: 190.6mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48.4g
- Dietary Fiber: 6.7g
- Sugar: 36.8g
- Protein: 61.8g
Tips:
- For a time-saving option, use pre-cooked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken.
- Toasting the coconut and pecans before adding them to the salad enhances their flavors and adds a delightful crunch.
- Serve the salad immediately after assembling to enjoy the vibrant colors and textures at their best.
- Feel free to customize the fruits according to your preference or what’s in season. Mangoes, strawberries, or mandarin oranges would be fantastic additions.
- Double the recipe for a crowd or make it ahead for meal prepโit tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Conclusion:
With its tantalizing blend of sweet and savory flavors, crunchy textures, and vibrant colors, this Summer Chicken & Fruit Salad is a true celebration of summer on a plate. Whether enjoyed for a leisurely lunch, a light supper, or as a refreshing side dish at your next gathering, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tastes it. Prepare to be transported to a tropical paradise with each delicious bite! ๐ด๐๐
