Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a chicken salad that's anything but ordinary! This isn't your typical bland, boring lunch option – it's a gourmet explosion of flavors that will transform your midday meal into a culinary adventure. Imagine tender, juicy chicken mingling with sweet dried cherries and crunchy pistachios, all brought together with a creamy, tangy dressing that will make your mouth water. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a stunning party appetizer, or a delicious meal prep option, this Chicken Salad with Dried Cherries and Pistachios is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. If you haven't already, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Measure out 1/2 cup of dried cherries and chop them coarsely if they are large. Add the dried cherries to the bowl with the shredded chicken.
- Next, take 1/2 cup of pistachios and chop them roughly. You can leave some pieces larger for added texture. Add the chopped pistachios to the mixing bowl as well.
- In a separate small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Mix well until the two ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Pour the mayonnaise and mustard mixture over the chicken, cherries, and pistachios in the large bowl. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season the chicken salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small pinch of each, then adjust according to your preference. Mix again to incorporate the seasoning.
- Once everything is well combined, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add more mayonnaise at this stage.
- Transfer the chicken salad to a serving dish or individual bowls. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- This chicken salad can be enjoyed on its own, in a sandwich, or served over a bed of greens. Garnish with additional chopped pistachios or a sprinkle of dried cherries for a beautiful presentation.
Tips
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly grilled chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- Toast the pistachios lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
- Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For added freshness, consider adding some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- If you want extra tang, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the dressing.
- Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For a low-carb option, serve the salad in lettuce wraps instead of bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
