Crunchy Chicken & Poppy Seed Salad Medley
Experience a vibrant medley of flavors and textures with this Crunchy Chicken & Poppy Seed Salad Medley. Combining tender chicken breast, sweet Gala apples, and juicy purple grapes, this salad delivers a delightful crunch from walnuts and a rich tang from poppy seed dressing. Perfect as a light lunch on a bed of crisp lettuce or as a hearty filling for a sandwich, this dish is not only colorful but packed with nutrients. Ideal for summer picnics or as a refreshing meal prep option, this salad is sure to impress family and friends alike!
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Breast
5 (Boneless, skinless, boiled and chopped)
Gala Apples
2 (Cored and cubed)
Purple Seedless Grapes
30 (Halved)
Purple Onion
1/2 (Mince finely)
Walnuts
1 (8 ounce) bag (Chopped or whole, as preferred)
Poppy Seed Dressing
1 (12 ounce) jar (Store-bought, such as Briannas)
Instructions
1
Begin by boiling the chicken breasts in salted water until fully cooked, approximately 15-20 minutes. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
2
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the other ingredients: mince the purple onion finely, cube the Gala apples into bite-sized pieces, and cut the purple grapes in half.
3
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the boiling water and allow it to cool slightly. Then chop it into cubes.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, minced onion, cubed apples, halved grapes, walnuts (or pecans), and poppy seed dressing.
5
Toss all the ingredients gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
6
Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce or in a bun, garnished with additional walnuts if desired.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
9g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein in the Crunchy Chicken & Poppy Seed Salad Medley?
The primary protein used in this recipe is boneless, skinless chicken breast.
How long should I boil the chicken breasts?
You should boil the chicken breasts for approximately 15-20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What type of apples are recommended for this salad?
Gala apples are recommended for their sweet flavor and crisp texture.
Can I substitute walnuts with another type of nut?
Yes, you can easily substitute walnuts with pecans or even almonds if preferred.
What kind of grapes should I use?
The recipe calls for 30 purple seedless grapes, cut in half.
What dressing is used in this recipe?
A store-bought poppy seed dressing, such as Briannas, is used to coat the salad.
How should the purple onion be prepared?
The half of a purple onion should be minced very finely.
Does the salad need to be chilled before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What is the calorie count for this chicken salad?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
How much fat is in a serving of this salad?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 12 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What are some ways to serve this salad?
You can serve it chilled on a bed of crisp lettuce or as a hearty filling for a sandwich bun.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling chicken breasts?
Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving alternative.
How many Gala apples are needed?
The recipe requires 2 Gala apples, cored and cubed.
How much poppy seed dressing is required?
You will need one 12-ounce jar of poppy seed dressing.
What size should the chicken pieces be?
The chicken should be chopped into bite-sized cubes after cooling.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it is an excellent refreshing meal prep option that holds up well in the fridge.
What gives the salad its crunch?
The crunch comes from the fresh Gala apples and the inclusion of an 8-ounce bag of walnuts.
Can I use green grapes instead of purple?
Yes, green grapes can be used, though purple grapes provide a nice color contrast.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 6 main ingredients: chicken breast, Gala apples, purple grapes, purple onion, walnuts, and poppy seed dressing.
Is the chicken seasoned while boiling?
The instructions suggest boiling the chicken in salted water.
How should I garnish the salad?
You can garnish the salad with additional walnuts before serving.
What makes this salad a 'medley'?
It is a medley because it combines savory chicken with sweet fruits and crunchy nuts in a tangy dressing.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it at least 30 minutes ahead is actually recommended for the best flavor.
Is the onion necessary?
The purple onion adds a necessary sharp tang that balances the sweetness of the fruit.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F (75°C).
Should the walnuts be whole or chopped?
They can be chopped or left whole based on your personal preference.
Is this a summer recipe?
Yes, it is described as ideal for summer picnics and light lunches.
What type of mixing bowl should I use?
A large mixing bowl is best to ensure all ingredients can be tossed gently and evenly coated.