Apple Chicken Salad

Introduction

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Apple Chicken Salad, a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for a light lunch or a quick and easy dinner option. Combining tender chicken breast strips with crisp apples, crunchy cashews, and a sweet and tangy dressing, this salad is a burst of flavors in every bite.

Why Make This Recipe

This Apple Chicken Salad recipe is a great choice for those looking for a healthy and delicious meal option. Packed with protein from the chicken and a variety of textures and flavors from the apples, cashews, and celery, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. The honey-mayo dressing ties everything together perfectly, adding a sweet and tangy taste that enhances the overall dish.

How to Make Apple Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 cups about 3/4 pound Tyson® Grilled and Ready® Chicken Breast Strips, thawed
• 1/2 cup salted cashews (toasted, roughly chopped)
• 1 apple (about 1 cup), cubed
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup celery, chopped

Directions:

1. Toast cashews by placing them in the oven on a baking sheet at 400 degrees for 5 minutes. Cool them, and roughly chop them.
2. Prepare the dressing: Whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, and mayo. Place it in the fridge while you make the chicken mixture.
3. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. Toss the diced apples with lemon juice.
5. Add the chicken, celery, apples, and cashews to a bowl. Pour dressing over and stir to combine.
6. Chill until ready to serve.
7. Serve on a bed of greens, on rolls or croissants, or with crackers.

How to Serve Apple Chicken Salad

Serve the Apple Chicken Salad chilled on a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing meal. You can also enjoy it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for crackers for a quick snack.

How to Store Apple Chicken Salad

Store any leftover Apple Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to stir it well before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

Tips to Make Apple Chicken Salad

• For added flavor, you can mix in some dried cranberries or grapes.
• Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey according to your preference.
• Make sure the chicken is completely thawed before using it in the salad to ensure even mixing of flavors.

Variation

For a lighter version of this salad, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing. Additionally, you can switch out the cashews for almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of the Tyson® Grilled and Ready® Chicken Breast Strips.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare all the components of the salad separately and assemble them just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crunchy.
3. Can I use a different type of nut in place of cashews? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute cashews with almonds, pecans, or any other nut of your choice for a unique twist on this salad.