Sunflower Chicken Salad Recipes

OUR FAVORITE CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Combine the chicken, celery, herbs, nuts, dried fruit, and fresh fruit (if using) in a medium mixing bowl.
• In another small bowl, stir the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and the black pepper together. Taste then add the optional ingredients. Toasted sesame oil adds umami (a little goes a long way), and the jam sweetens the dressing up a bit.
• Toss the dressing with the salad. Taste then adjust with more salt and pepper. Store, covered tightly, in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days.

TARA'S SWEET AND CHUNKY CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Without breaking up large chicken pieces, empty canned chicken into medium bowl. Stir in mayonnaise, pickle, onion, sunflower seeds, and cranberries; mix until well blended and very large chicken chunks are broken up.

CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Rub the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in shallow roasting pan and roast until cooked through, 35 to 40 minutes. Test for doneness by twisting the drumstick, as it will release at the joint when done. Pour off any accumulated pan juices and reserve. Place the chicken and the reserved juices in the refrigerator to chill. When the chicken is completely chilled, remove the meat from the bones and place in a mixing bowl. Melt the reserved juices in the microwave, then pour over the chicken and toss so that all of the juices can be re-absorbed. Add the lemon juice and Dijon mustard and toss again to coat the meat. Add the celery seed, celery, onions, and parsley. Toss with just enough mayonnaise to moisten the salad. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve as a chicken salad sandwich, grilled or cold, or on a bed of mixed greens garnished with fresh vegetables.

GRILLED CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES WITH SUNFLOWER SEED SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat a grill to medium high. Pierce the sweet potatoes all over with a fork and microwave until almost tender, 5 to 6 minutes; let cool. Halve lengthwise and set aside.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot, ginger, garlic, cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and cook, stirring, until the shallot softens, about 3 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until darkened, about 1 minute.
• Transfer the tomato mixture to a blender; add the sunflower seed butter, cilantro and 2/3 cup water and puree, adding more water to loosen if necessary. Season with salt and black pepper.
• Oil the grill grates. Brush the sweet potatoes and bell peppers with the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; season with salt and black pepper. Toss the chicken with 1/4 cup of the sunflower seed butter sauce; season with salt. Grill the chicken, turning, until marked and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Grill the sweet potatoes and bell peppers, turning, until marked and tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Serve the chicken with the vegetables and remaining sauce. Top with cilantro.