Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic dish? Our Apricot and Almond Chicken Salad is not just a meal; it's a celebration of flavors that will leave you craving more! With juicy chicken, sweet dried apricots, and crunchy almonds, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a nutritious dish that serves four, making it ideal for family gatherings or meal prep. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a gourmet experience right in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the cooked, diced chicken in a large mixing bowl, ensuring the chicken is cooled to room temperature.
- Finely chop the dried apricots into small, uniform pieces to distribute evenly throughout the salad.
- Dice the celery into small, crisp cubes, providing a fresh crunch to the salad.
- Lightly toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt and honey until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy and slightly sweet dressing.
- Add chopped apricots, toasted almonds, and diced celery to the chicken in the mixing bowl.
- Pour the yogurt-honey dressing over the chicken mixture, gently folding to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and garnish with additional toasted almonds if desired.
Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: For a quicker prep time, use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. This can save you valuable time and add extra flavor to your salad.
- Toast the Almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Be sure to keep an eye on them while toasting, as they can burn quickly.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and creates a more delicious dish.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced apples, grapes, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor and texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens or in a wrap for a satisfying meal. You can also pair it with whole-grain crackers for a crunchy side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
