This Easy Sonoma Chicken Salad is a tasty blend of juicy chicken, crunchy apples, and crunchy nuts. It’s perfect for a light lunch or picnic!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this recipe super quick! If you don’t have it, poaching or baking chicken breasts is an easy alternative. Just ensure they are cooked and shredded.
Grapes: Red grapes add sweetness, but you could swap them for green grapes, apples, or even dried cranberries if you prefer a different flavor.
Pecans: They give nice crunch and flavor. If you’re nut-free, sunflower seeds can be a great substitute. Also, walnuts work well if you have them on hand.
Mayonnaise: For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayo. It adds protein and a tangy flavor.
How Do I Make the Dressing Creamy and Tasty?
The dressing is key to this chicken salad! Here’s how to make it creamy and flavorful:
- In a bowl, mix mayo, honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. The honey gives sweetness and the mustard adds a nice zing.
- Whisk until smooth, and feel free to taste and adjust! Add a pinch of salt or more lemon for brightness.
Once mixed, pour it over the chicken and other ingredients. This will coat everything beautifully!
Chilling the salad is also important. It not only lets the flavors blend together but gives you a refreshing dish to serve. Enjoy your easy Sonoma Chicken Salad!
Easy Sonoma Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at around 45 minutes before it’s ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken, halved grapes, diced celery, diced red onion, and optional chopped pecans. Stir the ingredients together until everything is well distributed.
2. Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and optional poppy seeds until everything is smooth and combined. This is the delicious dressing that will add a nice flavor to your salad!
3. Mix It All Together
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Season and Chill
Add salt and black pepper to taste. Then, place the salad in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to come together wonderfully!
5. Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle the salad with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. You can serve your Sonoma Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce, in sandwiches, or alongside crackers for a tasty treat!
This light and fresh Sonoma Chicken Salad combines creamy chicken with the sweet burst of grapes, crunchy celery, and a tangy dressing, making it a delightful and easy dish. Enjoy your creation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Easy Sonoma Chicken Salad
Can I Use Substitute Ingredients?
Absolutely! If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can bake or poach chicken breasts and shred them. For grapes, you may use diced apples or dried cranberries for a different flavor. If you’re not a fan of pecans, sunflower seeds are a great nut-free alternative!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance! Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. This actually helps let the flavors meld even more. Just give it a quick stir before serving if it has thickened a little.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re concerned about leftovers, avoid adding the dressing to the entire batch if you think you’ll have more than one serving left.
What Are Some Serving Suggestions?
This salad is versatile! It can be served on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with whole-grain crackers. You can also enjoy it on a wrap or mixed in with greens for a filling meal.
