Crispy Northwest Chicken Salad Delight
Indulge in a refreshing Crispy Northwest Chicken Salad, perfect for warm summer days when you crave a light yet satisfying meal. This vibrant salad combines tender, cubed chicken breasts with juicy red grapes and sweet mandarin oranges, complemented by crunchy celery and sweet onions. Tossed in a creamy ginger-infused mayonnaise dressing, each bite bursts with flavor. Serve this delightful salad alongside toasted garlic French bread for a complete meal, and enjoy a chilled glass of white zinfandel to enhance the experience. This salad not only provides a delightful mix of textures and tastes, but it also brings a sense of freshness to your dining table, making it a go-to dish for picnics, barbecues, or casual dinners with friends and family.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
mayonnaise
3/4 cup (none)
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cooked chicken breasts
3 cups (cubed)
red seedless grapes
1 1/2 cups (halved)
mandarin oranges
1/2 cup (drained)
celery
1 cup (sliced)
sweet onion (Walla Walla or Vidalia)
1/3 cup (sliced)
walnuts
1/2 cup (broken)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ground ginger, and salt until smooth and well combined.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, red grapes, mandarin oranges, sliced celery, and sweet onion.
3
Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken and fruit, gently folding until everything is evenly coated.
4
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and to maintain a refreshing chill.
5
When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir and transfer it to a serving dish.
6
Sprinkle the broken walnuts on top for a delightful crunch and serve alongside toasted garlic French bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Northwest Chicken Salad Delight?
It is a refreshing, light salad featuring cubed chicken, red grapes, mandarin oranges, and crunchy vegetables tossed in a ginger-mayonnaise dressing.
What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for three cups of cooked chicken breasts, cubed.
What type of grapes should I use?
Red seedless grapes are recommended, and they should be halved for the best texture.
What gives the dressing its unique flavor?
The dressing is flavored with ground ginger and salt whisked into mayonnaise.
What type of oranges are included in the salad?
The recipe uses half a cup of drained mandarin oranges.
What kind of onion should I use for a sweet flavor?
Sweet onions like Walla Walla or Vidalia are recommended for their mild, sweet taste.
How do I add crunch to the salad?
Crunch is provided by sliced celery and broken walnuts sprinkled on top before serving.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and to ensure it is chilled.
When should I add the walnuts?
Sprinkle the broken walnuts on top just before serving to maintain their delightful crunch.
What side dish is recommended with this salad?
This salad pairs perfectly with toasted garlic French bread.
What drink pairs well with this chicken salad?
A chilled glass of white zinfandel is suggested to enhance the fruity and creamy flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for picnics?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for picnics, barbecues, or casual summer dinners.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of mayonnaise.
Can I use a different type of nut?
While walnuts are recommended, you can likely substitute pecans or almonds if preferred.
How do I prepare the celery?
You should use one cup of sliced celery for this recipe.
Is the ginger used fresh or ground?
This recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
Whisk the mayonnaise, ground ginger, and salt together in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth.
How many ingredients are in this salad?
There are 9 main ingredients in the Crispy Northwest Chicken Salad Delight.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the base and refrigerate it, but it is best to add the walnuts just before serving.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is whisking together the mayonnaise, ginger, and salt in a medium bowl.
Do I need to cook anything for this salad?
The chicken needs to be pre-cooked, so you can use leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken.
What is the texture of this salad?
It offers a mix of tender chicken, juicy fruit, and crunchy celery and walnuts.
Is this a heavy meal?
No, it is described as a light yet satisfying meal perfect for warm weather.
How do I combine the dressing with the salad?
Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken and fruit, gently folding until everything is evenly coated.
Can I use green grapes?
While the recipe calls for red grapes, green seedless grapes can be used as a substitute.
How do I serve the salad?
Give it a gentle stir after chilling, transfer to a serving dish, and top with walnuts.
What is the recommended amount of salt?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Should the mandarin oranges be fresh or canned?
The recipe implies canned mandarin oranges as they need to be drained.
How much chicken is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of cubed, cooked chicken breasts.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The flavor profile is creamy and fruity with a hint of warm ginger spice.