Gourmet Pine Nut and Cranberry Chicken Salad Sliders
Elevate your picnic experience with these Gourmet Pine Nut and Cranberry Chicken Salad Sliders. This delightful blend of canned chicken, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pine nuts, and creamy mayonnaise creates a flavor explosion that will impress everyone at your gathering. Pair it with crispy ciabatta slices infused with fragrant herbs and garlic for a luxurious touch. Perfect for lunch or as a snack, this recipe is both quick to prepare and easy to pack for on-the-go enjoyment. Customize with fresh tomatoes and lettuce for an added crunch, and savor the convenience of assembling these sliders right at your picnic spot.
4
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Canned Chicken
1 can (drained and shredded)
Dried Cranberries
1/2 cup (none)
Pine Nuts
1/3 cup (toasted (optional))
Mayonnaise
3/4 cup (none)
Shredded Swiss Cheese
1 cup (or Monterey Jack Cheese)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Fresh Ciabatta Loaf
1 loaf (sliced)
Olive Oil
1/4 cup (none)
Basil
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Oregano
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Garlic Cloves
2 (crushed or minced)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, basil, oregano, and minced garlic until well combined. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2
In a large mixing bowl, drain the canned chicken and use a fork to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Add the dried cranberries, pine nuts, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Gently fold everything together until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
3
Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
4
Slice the ciabatta loaf into 1/4-inch thick slices. Brush or spoon the olive oil mixture generously on one side of each slice.
5
Place the oiled side of the ciabatta down on the heated skillet or griddle, toasting until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Flip the slices and toast the other side for an additional minute, if desired.
6
Once toasted, remove from heat and let cool slightly. For your picnic, pack the cooled bread slices in a plastic bag and the chicken salad mixture in a disposable container.
7
Assemble the sliders by placing a generous scoop of the chicken salad on the toasted side of one slice, topping it with a second piece of ciabatta to create a sandwich. Optionally, add fresh tomatoes and lettuce for an additional layer of flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
19g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gourmet Pine Nut and Cranberry Chicken Salad Sliders?
These are elevated chicken salad sandwiches made with canned chicken, dried cranberries, and pine nuts served on herb-infused toasted ciabatta slices.
What kind of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one can of chicken, which should be drained and shredded.
How do I prepare the canned chicken for the salad?
Drain the canned chicken and use a fork to shred it into bite-sized pieces before mixing with other ingredients.
What ingredients provide sweetness and crunch to the salad?
Dried cranberries provide a sweet element, while pine nuts add a crunchy texture to the chicken salad.
What type of cheese is recommended for these sliders?
The recipe suggests using one cup of either Shredded Swiss Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese.
What kind of bread is used for the sliders?
A fresh ciabatta loaf is used, sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
How is the bread seasoned before toasting?
The bread is brushed with a mixture of olive oil, dried basil, dried oregano, and minced garlic.
How long should the chicken salad mixture be refrigerated?
It should be covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
What is the best way to toast the ciabatta slices?
Place the oiled side down on a skillet or griddle over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to produce 4 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving of these sliders?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 13 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 21 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 19 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Are there any optional fresh toppings I can add?
Yes, adding fresh tomatoes and lettuce is recommended for additional flavor and texture.
Can I toast the pine nuts?
Yes, toasting the pine nuts is an optional preparation step that can enhance their flavor.
How should I pack this for a picnic?
Pack the cooled toasted bread in a plastic bag and keep the chicken salad mixture in a separate disposable container for assembly at the picnic spot.
What herbs are used in the oil mixture for the bread?
The oil mixture includes 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil and 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
How many garlic cloves are needed for the bread seasoning?
The recipe requires 2 garlic cloves, which should be crushed or minced.
How thick should the ciabatta be sliced?
The ciabatta loaf should be sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick snack?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for lunch or as a quick snack.
What is the total number of ingredients required?
There are 12 specific ingredients listed for this recipe.
How long does it take to toast the second side of the bread?
Toasting the second side is optional and should take about one additional minute.
What is the primary fat source in the chicken salad dressing?
The creamy dressing is primarily made from 3/4 cup of mayonnaise.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
The recipe specifies dried basil and oregano, but fresh could be used as a substitute if adjusted for potency.
Is salt and pepper included in the recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper should be added to the chicken salad mixture to taste.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken salad, picnic, ciabatta, lunch, snack, easy recipe, and outdoor dining.
How do you assemble the final slider?
Place a scoop of chicken salad on the toasted side of one bread slice and top it with a second slice to create a sandwich.
What makes this recipe 'gourmet'?
The use of pine nuts, dried cranberries, and garlic-herb infused ciabatta elevates it beyond a standard chicken salad.
What equipment is needed to cook the bread?
You will need a large skillet or griddle to toast the ciabatta slices.