fruited chicken salad recipe

The Best fruited chicken salad recipe

I’ve been making fruited chicken salad for years, and it’s still a staple in our household. The combination of juicy chicken, sweet fruits, and crunchy nuts is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. My kids love it because it’s a fun twist on traditional chicken salad, and my husband appreciates the added nutrients from the fruits and nuts.

I love that it’s easy to customize with different fruits and nuts, so we can change it up depending on what’s in season or what we have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to get in some extra fiber and protein without feeling like we’re eating the same old thing every day. We like to serve it on top of a bed of greens or on whole-grain bread for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make ahead of time, so we can prep it in the morning and enjoy it throughout the day without any fuss. I’ve even started using this recipe for potlucks and parties because everyone loves it so much!

The combination of flavors is just right – tangy, sweet, savory, and crunchy all at once. I’ve tried making it with different types of fruit, but grapes are my absolute favorite. They add this amazing sweetness that balances out the savory flavors from the chicken and nuts perfectly.

I’ve also found that using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise gives it a creamier texture without adding extra calories.

Fruited Chicken Salad

4.9 from 870 votes

A delightful chicken salad with a fruity twist, perfect for a light lunch or picnic. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 lbs chicken breasts

For the Salad

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 apple, diced
1 cup grapes, halved
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped pecans
4 cups mixed greens

For the Dressing

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat skillet over medium heat.
2Add chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
3Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
4Once cooled, dice the chicken into small pieces.
5In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
6Mix well until smooth.
7Add diced chicken, apple, grapes, dried cranberries, and pecans to the bowl.
8Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
9In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice to make the dressing.
10Arrange mixed greens on a serving platter.
11Spoon the chicken salad mixture over the greens.
12Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
13Serve immediately and enjoy the fruity flavors combined with the savory chicken.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Cutting board
Knife
Skillet
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 500mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 15g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute almonds for pecans if preferred. Add any other fruits you like, such as dried apricots or raisins.

Watch Video Of How Fruited Chicken Salad Works

Fruited chicken salad is always a good idea for any occasion. It’s a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious, making it a great choice for a family meal. It can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or even a light lunch. I have made it for many gatherings and it is always a hit.

It keeps well in the refrigerator and can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy families. It is a very versatile dish and can be customized to suit your family’s tastes. If you have picky eaters, you can adjust the fruit mix to include only their favorites. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add nuts or cheese for extra texture and flavor.

The possibilities are endless. Fruited chicken salad is a dish that’s both delicious and nutritious, making it a great choice for a family meal. It’s a dish that’s versatile and can be served as a light lunch or a side dish at a barbecue. It’s a dish that’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your family’s tastes.

It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a dish that’s always a good idea.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Fruited Chicken Salad

1. Can I use canned chicken instead of cooking my own?

While you can use canned chicken to save time, the texture and flavor might not be as good as using fresh, cooked chicken. I recommend poaching chicken breasts for the best results.

2. What type of fruit should I use in this salad?

You can use a variety of fruits in this salad. I like to use a mix of grapes, apples, and pears, but you can also use berries, pineapple, or any other fruits that you prefer. Just make sure to dice them into small pieces so they mix well with the chicken.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make this salad ahead of time. In fact, I find that the flavors meld together even better when the salad is made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

4. How should I store leftover fruited chicken salad?

You can store leftover fruited chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep the salad chilled to maintain its freshness. I do not recommend freezing this salad as the fruits can become mushy when thawed.

5. Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Absolutely. This salad is very versatile and you can add other ingredients to suit your taste. Some people like to add nuts, cheese, or even dried fruits for extra texture and flavor. Just make sure to dice any additional ingredients into small pieces so they mix well with the chicken and fruits.

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