Better Than Deli Chicken Salad W Fruit And Nuts Recipes

Steps:

• 1. Cook chicken breast in a shallow pan filled with water. (You can also add some diced onion into the water at this point if you enjoy the onion flavoring in your chicken salad... I do this and it's wonderful, and yet still passes as not having onions to those that just don't like onion crunchiness in their chicken salad!) After chicken is fully cooked (approximately 20 minutes, turning to ensure all sides are cooked evenly) use a fork to shred your chicken breast into long strips. Place in the fridge to cool.
• 2. In a small bowl, add your 1/2 cup of golden raisins. Pour water into the bowl to cover all of the raisins. Let them sit while you prepare the rest of the recipe. (This makes your raisins plump and juicy... this is a must-do step for the perfect soft, moist fruit!)
• 3. In a large bowl, mix together 3/4 cup of real mayo, 3/4 cup of whipped dressing, 1 TB of dijon mustard, and 2 tb of honey. Beat well.
• 4. Strain the water off of your raisins and dry them on paper towels.
• 5. Add raisins, cranberries, walnuts, and almonds to your mayo mixture.
• 6. Add shredded chicken breast to your mayo mixture.
• 7. Serve chilled; on bread, croissants, or crackers!

Steps:

• Preheat the grill for high heat.
• Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chicken 8 minutes on each side, or until juices run clear. Remove from heat, cool, and slice.
• Meanwhile, place pecans in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pecans until fragrant, stirring frequently, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat, and set aside.
• In a blender, combine the red wine vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil, onion, mustard, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
• Arrange lettuce on serving plates. Top with grilled chicken slices, strawberries, and pecans. Drizzle with the dressing to serve.

Steps:

• Combine dried fruit and apple juice in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Bring to a simmer and stir. Refrigerate 15 minutes.
• Mix mayonnaise and mustard in a medium bowl. Add chicken (or turkey), green onions (or celery) and toasted almonds. Mix well. Stir cooled fruit into chicken mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. Chill if desired, or serve immediately.
• Serve over salad greens as a main dish salad, or in pita pockets or on multi-grain bread as a sandwich filling.
• Cook time is recommended chill time!
• NOTE: 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts = 2 cups cooked, cubed chicken, or a 3 pound whole chicken yields about 4 1/2 cups cooked/diced.