South Beach Style Warm Chicken Salad: A Flavorful, Nut-Crusted Delight
This South Beach Style Warm Chicken Salad is a delightful, hearty dish perfect for a light summer meal, but equally satisfying year-round. Inspired by a version I enjoyed at a charming restaurant in Fishkill, NY, this recipe is a fresh take on a warm chicken salad, elevated with a nutty crust and a tangy, zesty dressing. The crunchy pistachios, paired with crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, come together in perfect harmony.
The secret to this dish lies in the combination of fresh ingredients, a savory homemade dressing, and the careful preparation of the chicken. While the recipe may seem detailed, each step is worth the effort, and the result is a truly impressive dish that will become a family favorite. Whether youโre hosting a light dinner party or enjoying a healthy meal, this warm chicken salad is sure to impress.
South Beach Style Warm Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breast halves | 4 pieces |
| Pistachios (shelled) | 1 cup (grind to resemble breadcrumbs) |
| Bacon strips | 4 |
| Feta cheese (crumbled) | 4 oz |
| Blue cheese (crumbled) | 2 oz |
| Cherry tomatoes (halved) | 8 |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| White wine vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar substitute | 1 tsp |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tsp |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Fresh ground black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Canola oil | 1/8 cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Water | 1/8 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 906.6 |
| Fat Content | 80.3g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 11.8g |
| Cholesterol Content | 93.6mg |
| Sodium Content | 388.2mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 14.8g |
| Fiber Content | 4.1g |
| Sugar Content | 7.1g |
| Protein Content | 35.1g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dressing:
Begin by making the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, sugar substitute, granulated sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil and canola oil until well combined. Continue whisking vigorously to emulsify the oils with the vinegar mixture. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. If itโs too tangy, add a splash of water to mellow the vinegarโs sharpness. Set the dressing aside, and if you have time, let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. -
Cook the Bacon:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are crisp and browned. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease. When cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside. -
Prepare the Chicken:
While the bacon is cooking, place your chicken breast halves between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This will help them cook more evenly. Once pounded, season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper.Next, prepare the pistachios. Place the shelled pistachios into a food processor and pulse until they resemble breadcrumbs. If you donโt have a food processor, you can chop the pistachios finely with a knife. Once the nuts are ground, spread them out on a large plate or shallow dish.
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Brown the Chicken:
In the same skillet you used for the bacon, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Coat each piece of chicken in the ground pistachios, pressing gently to ensure they adhere to the meat. Discard any excess pistachios that donโt stick to the chicken.Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, with the lid on, to brown the nuts without burning them. The chicken should be golden and slightly crispy on the outside. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the nuts from burning. Once browned, transfer the chicken to an ungreased 9×13-inch casserole dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (this may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken).
-
Prepare the Salad Plates:
While the chicken is baking, prepare the salad. Divide the salad greens evenly among four large dinner plates, arranging them in the center of each plate. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta and blue cheese around the edges of the greens. You can use any salad greens you prefer, but a mix of arugula and spinach works particularly well with this dish. -
Warm the Dressing:
Once the chicken is in the oven, re-whisk the dressing. Pour the dressing into a microwave-safe glass container, cover loosely, and heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir, then heat for an additional 30 seconds until itโs warm but not hot. The goal is for the dressing to be just slightly warmed to enhance its flavor. -
Assemble the Salad:
When the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Using a sharp knife, cut each chicken breast into thin strips, trying to keep the pieces together so they resemble the shape of the whole breast.Place a few strips of chicken in the center of each salad plate, creating a beautiful arrangement on top of the greens. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of the warmed dressing over the salad, and sprinkle crumbled bacon evenly over the top.
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Finish and Serve:
Add a final sprinkle of fresh ground black pepper and a pinch of salt to each plate to season. Serve immediately with the remaining dressing on the side for guests to add as desired.
Tips for Success
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Pistachios: Freshly ground pistachios add the best texture and flavor to the chicken crust. If you prefer, you can substitute another nut such as almonds or walnuts, but pistachios give a unique, rich flavor.
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Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you may need to cook them a few extra minutes to ensure they are fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165ยฐF for safety.
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Dressing Adjustments: The dressing can be adjusted to suit your personal taste. If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add a teaspoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. For more tang, increase the amount of vinegar or Dijon mustard.
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Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving. The bacon can also be cooked ahead of time, which will save you time on the day you serve this dish.
Conclusion
This South Beach Style Warm Chicken Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavorsโfrom the crispy, nut-crusted chicken to the rich crumbles of cheese and the freshness of the tomatoes. The homemade dressing ties everything together with its tangy, slightly sweet profile. Itโs the perfect dish for a healthy dinner or to serve at a gathering, and it’s sure to impress your guests.
Whether you’re looking for a simple, yet elegant dish to serve at a dinner party or a fresh, fulfilling meal for a family dinner, this warm chicken salad is a perfect choice. Enjoy!
