Elegant Citrus Chicken Salad Delight
This Elegant Citrus Chicken Salad Delight is the quintessential dish for sophisticated gatherings, elevating any tea party, bridal or baby shower, Bunco night, or bridge club. Its creamy texture, blended with crunchy pecans and fresh apples, provides a delightful burst of flavor that's sure to impress all your guests. While it is designed with a girly touch, the hearty ingredients make it a favorite among men as well. Serve it on a bed of crisp greens or in delightful puff pastry cups for an adorable presentation that shines at any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked chicken
2 1/2 cups (shredded)
heavy cream
1/4 cup (whipped until stiff peaks form)
apple
1/2 (diced (about 1 cup))
pecans
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
mayonnaise
2/3 cup (none)
fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons (none)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, use a hand blender to whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Ensure you do not over-whip, as this can cause the cream to become grainy.
2
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the shredded chicken, diced apple, finely chopped pecans, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and cayenne pepper until well mixed.
3
Fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld, but overnight chilling is recommended for the best taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elegant Citrus Chicken Salad Delight?
It is a sophisticated chicken salad featuring a creamy texture, crunchy pecans, and fresh apples, elevated by a citrus notes.
What occasions are best for serving this salad?
This dish is ideal for tea parties, bridal or baby showers, Bunco nights, or bridge clubs.
How do I prepare the heavy cream for this recipe?
Use a hand blender to whip 1/4 cup of heavy cream in a medium bowl until it forms stiff peaks.
What should I avoid when whipping the cream?
Be careful not to over-whip the cream, as it can become grainy.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken.
What kind of fruit is included in the salad?
The salad includes half of a diced apple, which is approximately 1 cup.
How should the pecans be prepared?
You should use 1/2 cup of pecans that are finely chopped.
What provides the citrus flavor in the salad?
The citrus flavor comes from 2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice.
How much mayonnaise is used?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of mayonnaise to help create the creamy base.
Is there any spice in this chicken salad?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to taste.
How do I incorporate the whipped cream?
Gently fold the whipped cream into the chicken mixture until fully incorporated, taking care not to deflate it.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
It should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
What is the recommended chilling time for the best taste?
Overnight chilling is recommended for the best flavor profile.
What are the suggested ways to serve this salad?
You can serve it on a bed of crisp greens or inside small puff pastry cups.
Is this salad suitable for men as well as women?
Yes, while it has a girly touch, the hearty ingredients make it a favorite among men too.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: chicken, heavy cream, apple, pecans, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper.
What tools do I need to make the whipped cream?
A medium bowl and a hand blender are needed to whip the heavy cream.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
What is the first step in combining the main ingredients?
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, apple, pecans, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper before adding the cream.
How do I prevent the mixture from deflating?
By folding the whipped cream in very gently rather than stirring vigorously.
What texture should the chicken have?
The chicken should be cooked and shredded.
How should I cover the salad while it chills?
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
Does this recipe contain any nuts?
Yes, it contains 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans.
What makes the salad 'Elegant'?
The combination of whipped cream, fresh citrus, and sophisticated presentation options like puff pastry cups.
Can I prepare this dish a day in advance?
Yes, overnight chilling is actually recommended for the best results.
What is the preparation for the apple?
The apple should be diced into small pieces.
Is the cayenne pepper mandatory?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon 'to taste', so it can be adjusted or omitted.
What size bowl should I use for mixing the chicken?
A large mixing bowl is recommended for combining the main salad ingredients.
How much whipped cream does 1/4 cup of heavy cream make?
When whipped to stiff peaks, it provides enough volume to lighten the 2.5 cups of chicken mixture.
What is the overall flavor profile of this dish?
It is a balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet (from apple), and zesty (from lemon) with a hint of spice.