Chicken Salad with Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts Recipe - Delicious and Nutritious

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Chicken salad with walnuts is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy walnuts, and fresh tarragon creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

Chicken salad has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in cuisines around the world. The addition of walnuts to the traditional chicken salad recipe adds a unique texture and nutty flavor that takes this dish to the next level.

Ingredients

5 lb (2,400 g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
0.75 cup (150 g) non-fat sour cream
0.75 cup (150 g) non-fat mayonnaise
2 tbsp (30 ml) white wine vinegar
4 celery ribs, strings removed, and cut into small dice
0.5 cup (75 g) walnuts
0.25 cup (12 g) chopped fresh tarragon
freshly grated pepper
extra tarragon for garnish

How to prepare

Poach the chicken breasts in simmering broth until they are cooked through, which should take about 15 minutes.
Drain the chicken, let it cool, and then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, and vinegar.
Mix the chicken with the dressing. This can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated up to 1 day in advance.
Just before serving, add the celery, walnuts, tarragon, and pepper to taste.
Transfer the mixture to a large serving bowl.
Garnish with tarragon.

Variations

Add diced apples or grapes for a touch of sweetness.
Substitute pecans or almonds for the walnuts.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter dressing.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to poach the chicken breasts gently to ensure they remain tender and juicy.

- Let the chicken cool before cutting it into bite-sized pieces to prevent it from drying out.

- Mix the dressing with the chicken just before serving to keep the salad fresh and flavorful.

- Garnish the salad with extra tarragon for a pop of color and added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken salad with walnuts on a bed of mixed greens or with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Poaching the chicken breasts ensures they stay moist and tender.

- Mixing the dressing with the chicken just before serving keeps the salad fresh and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter dressing.

- Substitute pecans or almonds for the walnuts.

Make Ahead Tips

The chicken salad can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 1 day before serving. Just add the celery, walnuts, tarragon, and pepper right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the chicken salad with extra tarragon for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve it in a large serving bowl for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the chicken salad with walnuts with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect summer meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of chicken salad with walnuts contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of chicken salad with walnuts contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of chicken salad with walnuts contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of chicken salad with walnuts contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken salad with walnuts is a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, iron, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (walnuts) and dairy (sour cream, mayonnaise), so it may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Chicken salad with walnuts is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken salad with walnuts is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With a balance of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who was known for her incredible cooking skills. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the aroma of roasted chicken and toasted walnuts. My mouth watered as I watched her effortlessly whip up a batch of her famous Chicken Salad with Walnuts.

Margaret had learned this recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She had tweaked it over the years, adding her own special touch to make it truly unique. As she chopped and mixed, she shared the story of how she first learned to make this dish.

It all started when Margaret was just a young girl, spending summers at her grandmother's farm. Her grandmother was a formidable woman, with a no-nonsense attitude and a heart of gold. She was known far and wide for her delicious cooking, and Margaret was always eager to learn from her.

One day, Margaret's grandmother decided to teach her how to make Chicken Salad with Walnuts. She gathered the ingredients - a roasted chicken, fresh vegetables, mayonnaise, and of course, plenty of walnuts - and set to work showing Margaret how to prepare them.

As they worked side by side in the kitchen, Margaret's grandmother shared stories of her own childhood, growing up in a small village in the countryside. She told Margaret about the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients and how to balance flavors to create a truly delicious dish.

Margaret listened intently, soaking up every word her grandmother said. She watched as her grandmother expertly diced the chicken, mixed in the vegetables, and folded in the mayonnaise. Finally, she added the toasted walnuts, their nutty aroma filling the kitchen.

When the salad was finished, Margaret's grandmother scooped out a generous portion onto a plate and handed it to Margaret. She took a bite and her eyes lit up with delight. The flavors were perfect - the creamy mayonnaise, the tender chicken, the crunchy walnuts. It was a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on her tongue.

From that day on, Margaret was hooked. She made Chicken Salad with Walnuts whenever she could, always striving to recreate the magic of that first batch she had made with her grandmother. Over the years, she added her own twists and turns to the recipe, experimenting with different seasonings and ingredients to make it her own.

As I watched Margaret prepare the salad that day in her kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. I could see the love and care she poured into each step, just as her grandmother had done all those years ago. And when she finally served me a plate of that delicious Chicken Salad with Walnuts, I knew I had found a new favorite recipe to add to my collection.

Now, whenever I make Chicken Salad with Walnuts, I think of Margaret and her grandmother, and the bond they shared over a simple dish. I think of the stories and the laughter that filled their kitchen, and I am grateful for the opportunity to carry on their tradition in my own home.

So, the next time you find yourself drawn to a recipe like a moth to a flame, remember the story behind it. Remember the love and the history that went into creating it. And most of all, remember to savor every bite, just as Margaret and her grandmother did all those years ago.