Summer Chicken Salad with Nectarines and Almonds
This refreshing Summer Chicken Salad combines tender chicken breast, crunchy almonds, and juicy nectarines for a deliciously balanced meal perfect for warm evenings. With hints of citrus from fresh lemon juice and the aromatic flavors of thyme, this salad can be served alone or with crusty bread for a delightful dinner option. Elevate your summer dining with this vibrant and healthy dish inspired by the classic Chicken Salad Veronique.
N/A
Servings
113
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 (cooked and diced)
salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
slivered almonds
1/4 cup (toasted and coarsely chopped)
mayonnaise
1/3 cup (none)
plain low-fat yogurt
1/4 cup (none)
fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons (divided)
salt & freshly ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh thyme leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons (chopped)
small-chopped celery
1/4 cup (none)
chopped green onions
3 tablespoons (none)
green seedless grapes
1 1/2 cups (halved)
ripe nectarine
1 (diced)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a large saucepan. Fill the pan with water until the chicken is fully submerged and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the water to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and allow the chicken to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Once finished, remove the chicken from the water and let it cool before dicing into bite-sized pieces. Transfer the diced chicken into a large mixing bowl.
2
While the chicken cooks, take the slivered almonds and toast them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are just beginning to turn golden brown. Let the toasted almonds cool slightly and then coarsely chop them.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and creamy, then gently fold this mixture into the bowl containing the diced chicken.
4
Add the fresh thyme, chopped celery, green onions, and halved grapes to the salad, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours to allow the flavors to meld.
5
When ready to serve, dice the ripe nectarine and toss the pieces with the remaining tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning. Gently fold the nectarine and chopped almonds into the chilled chicken mixture just before serving.
Nutrition Information
6.5g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
8.7g
Protein
0.7g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer Chicken Salad with Nectarines and Almonds?
It is a refreshing and healthy summer salad that combines tender chicken breast, crunchy almonds, and juicy nectarines with a creamy yogurt-based dressing.
How do I prepare the chicken for this recipe?
The chicken is poached by simmering boneless skinless breasts in salted water for 10 to 15 minutes, then cooled and diced into bite-sized pieces.
How long should I toast the slivered almonds?
Toast the almonds in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing consists of mayonnaise, plain low-fat yogurt, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Why is the lemon juice divided in the recipe?
Two tablespoons of lemon juice are used in the dressing, and the remaining tablespoon is used to toss with the nectarines to prevent browning.
What fruit is included in this chicken salad?
This recipe features 1 1/2 cups of halved green seedless grapes and one diced ripe nectarine.
What herbs are used to flavor the salad?
The salad is seasoned with 1 1/2 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme leaves.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for several hours to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
When should the nectarines and almonds be added?
The nectarines and almonds should be gently folded into the chilled chicken mixture just before serving.
Is this recipe inspired by a classic dish?
Yes, this dish is inspired by the classic Chicken Salad Veronique.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 113 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this salad?
This recipe contains 8.7g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 6.5g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
The salad contains 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this salad contain fiber?
Yes, it provides 0.7g of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in the Summer Chicken Salad?
There are 3g of sugar per serving.
What vegetables are used in the mix?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of small-chopped celery and 3 tablespoons of chopped green onions.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 12 total ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I serve this with bread?
Yes, it can be served alone or with crusty bread for a more filling dinner option.
What type of yogurt should be used?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of plain low-fat yogurt.
What is the best way to prevent the nectarines from browning?
Tossing the diced nectarines with a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice prevents oxidation and browning.
How much chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include chicken salad, nectarines, summer recipe, healthy salad, and light dinner.
Is this considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal, making it a convenient option for summer dining.
Should the almonds be whole or chopped?
The slivered almonds should be toasted and then coarsely chopped.
How much celery is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of small-chopped celery.
What kind of grapes are recommended?
Green seedless grapes, halved, are recommended for this recipe.
How do you season the dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
How much fresh thyme is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme leaves.
Is the chicken cooked before or after dicing?
The chicken is cooked whole by poaching, cooled, and then diced into pieces.