Roll out the red carpet because I have a recipe for you that will make your taste buds dance! Get ready to go nuts over this Kickin’ Chicken Salad Recipe. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, a family gathering, or if you just want to put together a tasty and healthy meal, this recipe will certainly impress.

This recipe is easy to make and absolutely irresistible! Imagine the crisp crunch of celery, the sweet burst of cherries, and the tangy kick of Dijon mustard all mixed together with tender pieces of chicken breast. The dressing is also an absolute masterpiece, made with a fiery combination of curry powder, fresh lemon juice, and creamy mayonnaise.

But wait, there’s more! The rich and intense flavor profile is only made better with the addition roasted pecans and plump red grapes. The combination of sweet and salty in this salad is enough to make any foodie swoon with delight.

Don’t be intimidated by all of these incredible ingredients – they are simply what makes this recipe unique and amazing. Trust me when I say that it’s easy to make and worth every minute of your time. This Kickin’ Chicken Salad pays homage to some classic salads like Caesar salad but is also a delicious side dish or can be served as a main dish.

Let’s get started on making this meal that will have everyone raving about how good it was!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ladies and gentlemen, have I got a recipe for you! Today, I present to you the Kickin’ Chicken Salad Recipe. Let me explain why you are going to love this recipe.

First of all, the flavors in this salad are off the charts amazing. The combination of sweet and tangy fruits like red grapes and dried cherries with the crunch of celery and pecans is a match made in culinary heaven. And that’s not all. This recipe uses blackened chicken, which has been seasoned with a mix of curry powder, fresh coarse ground black pepper, and sea salt. Each bite will transport you to a world of flavor that you never knew existed.

In addition, the dressing for this salad is out-of-this-world delicious. The recipe calls for a combination of ranch dressing, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and olive oil mixed together to create a creamy and savory dressing that complements the chicken and fruit flavors perfectly.

But wait there’s more! This salad is perfect for those hot summer days or as an easy dish to bring to your next bbq or potluck event. Serve it on top of crisp lettuce leaves or pile it onto a classic hoagie sandwich for a filling meal.

Plus, the recipe is highly customizable. Don’t like cherries? Swap them out for sliced apples or diced mango instead. Want a little extra kick? Add some chipotle seasoning to your chicken before cooking.

Overall, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or throwing together a quick lunch, this Kickin’ Chicken Salad Recipe will not disappoint. So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you.

Ingredient List

Meet my Kickin' Chicken Salad, the perfect party pleaser! — Meet my Kickin’ Chicken Salad, the perfect party pleaser!

Chicken, Chicken, and More Chicken!

2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced into small bite-size pieces
2 teaspoons curry powder
Freshly coarse ground black pepper and sea salt
½ cup mayonnaise
3 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh (2 lemons)
1 tablespoon olive oil (extra-virgin)
1 teaspoon ranch dressing mix
1 teaspoon bbq ranch dressing mix
½ cup sour cream

Fruits and Crispy Vegetables

1 cup dried cherries
2 cups red grapes, sliced or halved
4 stalks celery, thinly sliced on the bias

Crunchy Additions

1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped (optional)

Garnish/Optional Assembly

Cherry tomatoes, halved
Red onion, finely chopped

The Recipe How-To

This colorful salad will brighten up your table and your day!

Here it is, folks! The moment you’ve been waiting for – the recipe itself. This Kickin’ Chicken Salad Recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

2 cups diced chicken (cooked and chilled)
½ cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons ranch dressing
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon curry powder
Juice of fresh 2 lemons
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup sliced red grapes
½ cup dried cherries
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ranch dressing, curry powder, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Add the diced chicken, red grapes, dried cherries, celery and pecans to the bowl with the dressing.
Gently fold all the ingredients together until evenly coated with sauce.
Chill for at least an hour in the fridge before serving.
Garnish with additional pecans, sliced red grapes or cherry tomatoes halved.

And that’s it! Your Kickin’ Chicken Salad Recipe is ready to serve. This recipe can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish for any occasion. Go ahead and try it out – you won’t regret it!

Substitutions and Variations

Add some spice to your life with this mouth-watering chicken salad!

If you’re feeling adventurous, this kickin’ chicken salad recipe is easily customizable with a few creative substitutions and additions! Here are some ideas to switch up your chicken salad game:

– Swap the dried cherries for cranberries or raisins.

– Instead of red grapes, try green grapes or diced apples for a sweet crunch.

– Use sliced almonds or walnuts instead of pecans for added texture and nuttiness.

– For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

– Try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to make the dressing lighter and tangier.

– Add diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or chopped red onion for extra flavor and color.

– For a buffalo twist, mix in some buffalo sauce and crumbled blue cheese.

– Serve on top of greens for a refreshing salad or stuff it into a hoagie roll for a sandwich.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect chicken salad recipe!

Serving and Pairing

The perfect combination of savory, spicy, and sweet flavors!

Now that you’ve made a delicious kickin’ chicken salad, it’s time to serve it up and choose the perfect pairing to go with it.

This salad is versatile and can be served in many different ways depending on the occasion. For a casual BBQ or picnic, try serving the kickin’ chicken salad in lettuce cups or as a sandwich. Simply scoop the salad into a toasted bun and add some extra lettuce and tomato for a hearty meal.

For a more formal event, serve the salad on plates with some crusty bread on the side. Arrange dressed cherry tomatoes around the edges of the plate for an added pop of color and flavor.

As for pairing, this chicken salad goes great with light and refreshing drinks like lemonade, iced tea or even beer. If you want to stick with wine, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc would complement this dish nicely without overpowering it.

If you’re in the mood for something heartier, pair this salad with some fried chicken or buffalo wings for a fun twist on classic comfort food.

Overall, this kickin’ chicken salad is an incredibly versatile dish that can be paired with anything from sandwiches to wine. So go ahead and experiment – there’s no limit to how you can enjoy this amazing recipe!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Serve this salad in a crispy lettuce cup for an extra crunch!

When it comes to preparing for a party, Make-Ahead dishes are always appreciated. And this Kickin’ Chicken Salad recipe is no exception!

To make ahead, mix all the ingredients except for the pecans and the dried cherries in a large bowl. Cover it tightly with cling wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This will allow time for the flavors to combine and make it even more delicious!

If you want to prepare everything in advance, but prefer your salad to be freshly mixed on the day of the event, let the chicken mixture cool in the refrigerator before adding the pecans and dried cherries. These two ingredients will add crunch and sweetness right before serving.

Storing leftovers of this chicken salad recipe is easy as well. It’s best to store it in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. But trust me, there has never been any leftover when I serve this dish at my parties!

To reheat this chicken salad, simply pour into a saucepan over medium heat and stir gently until heated through. You can add a little bit of lemon juice or mayonnaise if it appears dry.

So whether you want to plan ahead or store leftovers, this recipe is perfect for all occasions!

Tips for Perfect Results

Bring some fiesta to your party with this Kickin' Chicken Salad! — Bring some fiesta to your party with this Kickin’ Chicken Salad!

When it comes to making this kickin’ chicken salad recipe, there are a few tips and tricks that can help ensure your results are delicious and full of flavor. Here are some things to keep in mind:

First, make sure to use fresh ingredients whenever possible. This will give your chicken salad the best flavor and texture. Use fresh herbs, crisp celery, juicy red grapes, and dried cherries that are not too old or too dry.

Another essential tip is to season your chicken well before cooking. Blackening the chicken breast adds extra flavor and texture, but if you’re short on time, you can quickly sauté or bake it instead. Either way, season it with plenty of fresh coarse ground black pepper and sea salt to bring out its natural taste while keeping it tender and juicy.

If you’re making your dressing from scratch, consider adjusting the seasoning amounts as needed. Dijon mustard and curry powder provide a spicy kick that’s mellowed by the lemon juice and mayonnaise base. Don’t be afraid to tweak the proportions until you find the perfect balance.

In terms of substitutions and variations, feel free to experiment with different ingredients. Pecans add a satisfying crunch while cherry tomatoes add color and tartness. You could also swap out the red grapes for green ones or try adding some chipotle or buffalo sauce for an extra kick.

Finally, when it comes time to serve your chicken salad, consider pairing it with something that complements its flavors. A Caesar salad or classic hoagie sandwich is always a safe bet, while pasta salad or fried chicken would offer a bit more variety for your guests.

By following these tips and being willing to experiment with variations in flavor or presentation, you’ll be able to create a kickin’ chicken salad that’s sure to impress all of your guests at your next party or get-together.

FAQ

As you prepare to make this kickin’ chicken salad recipe and gather all the necessary ingredients, you may have a few questions on your mind. In this section, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions to ensure that your preparation process is smooth and your results are perfect every single time. Let’s take a closer look at some common queries!

Why did Chick Fil A get rid of chicken salad?

Chick-fil-A’s spokesperson reported that the restaurant would discontinue serving chicken salad after September 30. Although it was a difficult decision to make, the move was prompted by customers’ desire for novel tastes and exciting flavors on the menu. This announcement was made on September 28, 2017.

How does Gordon Ramsay make chicken salad?

To kickstart this recipe, grab half a roasted chicken, and either slice or shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Moving along to the dressing, whisk together 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, the juice of half a lemon, and any pan juices from the roasted chicken you can gather. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preference. Next, toss the chicken into the dressing until the flavor latches onto each piece of tender meat. Hold off on adding the watercress until right before the dish is served, tossing it in with the chicken for a refreshing burst of greenery.

How does Ina Garten make chicken salad?

Let’s whip up a tangy dressing for our chicken salad. I take the creamy richness of mayonnaise, add a dollop of sour cream, and season it with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Then I toss in some freshly chopped tarragon leaves to impart that earthy flavor. In another bowl, I mix in diced chicken with a handful of pecans, walnuts, and sweet grapes. Finally, I pour the tangy dressing over the top and give it a good mix so that all the flavors infuse together.

What is mock chicken salad made of?

To make this flavorful tofu dish, you’ll need a 12-ounce block of extra firm tofu that has been drained and dried. Next, combine minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, nutritional yeast, and Spike seasoning. Add grated carrot and minced celery for added texture and taste. It’s important to thoroughly drain and dry the tofu to ensure that it absorbs the flavors of the marinade.

Bottom Line

In sum, this Kickin’ Chicken Salad Recipe is the perfect option for any gathering or summer barbeque. It’s flavorful and refreshing, with an enticing combination of texture and color. The options for substitutions and variations make it a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit any preference.

With the use of fresh and quality ingredients, including savory chicken breast, juicy red grapes, and crunchy pecans, you will surely enjoy every bite. And with a touch of curry powder and Dijon mustard for a little kick, you’ll want to savor every flavourful taste sensation.

So whether you’re making it for your family as a quick and easy weeknight meal or serving it at your next party as a tasty appetizer, this Kickin’ Chicken Salad Recipe is guaranteed to impress. Go ahead and give it a try, get creative with your substitution options, serve it up in different ways, and enjoy the compliments coming your way!

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Anna

Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!

Kickin’ Chicken Salad Recipe: A Flavorful Delight