Festive Chicken Salad Recipes

BASIC CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Place almonds in a frying pan. Toast over medium-high heat, shaking frequently. Watch carefully, as they burn easily.
• In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and pepper. Toss with chicken, almonds, and celery.

FESTIVE CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Drain pineapple, reserving 1/4 cup of liquid.
• Combine reserved pineapple liquid and cream cheese, mixing until well blended.
• Add pineapple, chicken, water chestnuts, celery, 1/4 cup of almonds(walnuts and pecans will work also), onions, salt and pepper to cream cheese mixture; mix lightly.
• Chill at least one hour but overnight is best.
• To serve place in tomatoes, lettuce cups, or large cooked pasta shells. Prep time does not include time to chill.

BIG FESTIVE SALAD

Steps:

• For the candied nuts: In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, toast the pistachios and hazelnuts until fragrant, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the brown sugar, salt, vanilla and 1 tablespoon water directly to the pan with the nuts and stir to coat them. Cook until the sugar has dissolved, about 1 additional minute. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow to cool, 12 to 15 minutes.
• For the dressing: Combine the olive oil, vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, salt and pepper in a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake to combine. Set aside.
• For the salad: Spread the arugula, kale and spinach over a large round platter, leaving space in the center of the platter (it should look like a holiday wreath). Top the greens with the radicchio. Arrange the mandarin segments over the greens. Sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds, cranberries, blueberries and cooled candied nuts.
• Lastly, sprinkle with the Parmesan, creating the look of snow. Shake the dressing one more time and pour it into a serving bowl. Place the bowl in the center of the platter and serve.

FESTIVE CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Boil chicken breasts until done and allow to cool. Shred chicken into small pieces. Mix chicken together with all other ingredients. Refrigerate overnight before serving. Serve with crackers or cocktail bread. Enjoy!

FESTIVE CHICKEN SALAD LOG

Steps:

• Mix cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, ginger, pepper, and pepper sauce. Stir in chicken, eggs, and onions.
• Shape into log (8 by 2 inches) and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours.
• Cut green pepper rings to make strips. Place strips diagonally across log, dividing log into 4 sections (fourths). Sprinkle sesame seed on 1 section, repeat with 3 tablespoons onion, the olives, and pimento on remaining sections. Serve with crackers.