Get ready to experience a mouthwatering explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of the American South! This Dixie Chicken Salad isn't just another ordinary recipe – it's a culinary adventure that combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements. Imagine tender shredded chicken, juicy grapes, crisp broccoli, and toasted almonds, all brought together with a luscious honey-mayonnaise dressing that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup almonds, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by shredding 2 cups of pre-cooked chicken meat into bite-sized pieces. If using raw chicken, first season with salt and pepper, then bake or grill until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Steam the broccoli florets in a steamer basket or microwave for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking and preserve color.
- Wash and carefully halve the grapes, removing any stems or imperfect pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, halved grapes, steamed broccoli florets, and sliced almonds.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and honey until smooth and well-blended.
- Pour the honey-mayonnaise dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled, optionally garnished with additional sliced almonds or fresh herbs.
Tips
- For the most tender and flavorful chicken, use leftover roasted or grilled chicken, or quickly poach fresh chicken breasts in seasoned broth.
- To keep your broccoli vibrant and crisp, don't overcook! The goal is a bright green, tender-crisp texture that adds both nutrition and crunch to your salad.
- Toast your almonds lightly in a dry skillet before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor and provide an extra layer of crunchiness.
- Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can add a beautiful finishing touch and bring additional freshness to the dish.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead lunches.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 548kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg
