Imagine a salad that's not just a boring pile of greens, but a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Maple Dijon Chicken Salad is about to become your new obsession - a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're a busy professional looking for a quick lunch or a food lover seeking a delightful dish, this recipe promises to revolutionize your salad game in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup maple dijon dressing
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. If you haven't done so already, cook the chicken until it's fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Allow it to cool, then dice it into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens. You can use a pre-packaged salad mix or a combination of your favorite greens such as spinach, arugula, and romaine for a variety of textures and flavors.
- Add the diced chicken to the bowl with the mixed greens. Ensure that the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the salad for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Next, sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the salad. The walnuts will add a nice crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Then, add the dried cranberries to the salad. Their sweetness will contrast beautifully with the savory chicken and the tangy dressing.
- Drizzle the maple Dijon dressing over the salad. Start with about half of the dressing and add more to taste, ensuring that all the ingredients are lightly coated without being overly drenched.
- Using tongs or salad servers, gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients. Be careful not to crush the greens or other delicate ingredients.
- Once the salad is well mixed, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add salt and pepper to enhance the flavors or more dressing if desired.
- Divide the salad into four serving bowls or plates. If you like, you can garnish with additional walnuts or cranberries for a more appealing presentation.
- Serve the Maple Dijon Chicken Salad immediately, or refrigerate it for up to an hour before serving if you prefer it chilled. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!
Tips
- Chicken Selection Matters: For the most tender and flavorful salad, use freshly cooked chicken or high-quality rotisserie chicken. Let it cool completely before dicing to preserve moisture.
- Nut Toasting Trick: Lightly toast your walnuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will enhance their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of crunch.
- Dressing Distribution: Use tongs or salad servers to gently toss the salad, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated with the maple Dijon dressing without crushing the delicate greens.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prep all ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp. Store dressing and ingredients separately in the refrigerator.
- Customize Your Creation: Feel free to swap ingredients - try almonds instead of walnuts or add some goat cheese for extra richness. This recipe loves creativity!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
