It’s January and we’re all looking for a way to eat a little better and feel a little better about ourselves after over indulging in the holiday season. And while you may start each year or month or even week with the greatest of intentions, remember you can only eat as well as what’s in your fridge. So rather than making empty promises to yourself, do something about it and whip up a batch of our healthful chicken salad. Brooke and I always try to keep a protein-packed dish like this in fridge so quick and healthy meal is always on hand come lunch time or it’s there in the mid-afternoon to keep us from getting into those more devious snacks hiding in the pantry.
Not only is our salad packed lean protein, fruits and veggies but turmeric is powerful antioxidant that is believed to have benefits in preventing some form of cancer and aid in weight loss. Our favorite part of the salad are the pomegranate seeds that we sprinkle on top which pack another huge antioxidant punch. They also give you a great burst of tartness and will the pecans offer an awesome crunch.
Here’s what you’ll need:
1/4 cup scallions, thinly sliced
juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 cup each apples and pears cut into a small dice
click here for a tutorial on how to cut apples and pears
1 cup celery, thinly sliced
1 to 1½ lbs cooked chicken
You’ll also need: turmeric, sriracha or any other hot sauce and 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (sorry we’re not going to post pictures of mayonnaise here. but if you need to see some mayo pics, click here: www.pauladeen.com)Winter Chicken Salad
makes 8+ servings, keeps refrigerated up to a week 1/4 cup scallion, finely chopped juice and zest of 1 lemon 2 teaspoons salt 1 cup apple, cut into small dice 1 cup pear, cut into small dice click here for a tutorial on how to cut apples and pears 1 cup celery, thinly sliced 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1 to 1½ lbs cooked chicken 3 tablespoons light mayonnaise 1/4 teaspoon sriracha hot sauce garnish toasted pecan pieces pomegranate seeds baby spinach or arugula leavesIn a large mixing bowl, combine the scallions, lemon juice and zest and salt. As you dice the apples the apples and pears add them to the bowl and mix to coat with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Add the celery and turmeric, mix again to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Add the chicken, mayonnaise and hot sauce to the bowl and fold together with the other ingredients to mix without breaking the chicken too much. Adjust the seasoning to taste with more salt and hot sauce as needed. To serve, make a bed of greens (spinach or arugula) in the center of each plate, greens may be dry or lightly dressed with olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice. Place a large spoonful of the chicken salad on top of the greens. Scatter toasted pecan pieces and pomegranate seeds over each plate.
[…] it’s onions or apples too much of either in any bite can ruin a dish. For a dish like our healthful chicken salad a small dice of apples and pears offer the perfect sweetness to balance the sour and spice. So get […]
[…] Winter Chicken Salad makes 8+ servings, keeps refrigerated up to a week 1/4 cup scallion, finely chopped (i used shallot) juice and zest of 1 lemon 2 teaspoons salt 1 cup apple, cut into small dice 1 cup pear, cut into small dice 1 cup celery, thinly sliced 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1 to 1½ lbs cooked chicken 3 tablespoons light mayonnaise 1/4 teaspoon sriracha hot sauce toasted pecan pieces pomegranate seeds In a large mixing bowl, combine the scallions, lemon juice and zest and salt. As you dice the apples the apples and pears add them to the bowl and mix to coat with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Add the celery and turmeric, mix again to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Add the chicken, mayonnaise and hot sauce to the bowl and fold together with the other ingredients to mix without breaking the chicken too much. Adjust the seasoning to taste with more salt and hot sauce as needed. To serve, make a bed of greens (spinach or arugula) in the center of each plate, greens may be dry or lightly dressed with olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice. Place a large spoonful of the chicken salad on top of the greens. Scatter toasted pecan pieces and pomegranate seeds over each plate. […]