Herbed Plum Chicken Salad

Herbed Plum Chicken Salad Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Herbed Plum Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of fresh plums with the savory taste of chicken and herbs. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

History

The combination of chicken, plums, and herbs in a salad is a classic flavor profile that has been enjoyed for centuries. This recipe puts a modern twist on this traditional dish by adding a creamy ranch-style dressing and tangy sour cream.

Ingredients

1 package (4-6 oz or 170 g) of long-grain and wild rice mix
2 cups of diced cooked boneless chicken breast cubes
1 cup of diced celery
4 fresh plums, sliced
0.25 cup of ranch-style dressing
0.25 cup of sour cream
0.5 tsp of dried tarragon leaves
0.25 tsp of ground white pepper
lettuce leaves
fresh plum slices for garnish

How to prepare

Prepare the rice mix according to the package instructions and let it cool to room temperature.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chicken, celery, and plums.
To make the dressing, mix together the ranch dressing, sour cream, tarragon, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss lightly to coat.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce leaves and garnish with slices of plum.

Variations

Substitute the chicken with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
Use a different type of fruit, such as peaches or nectarines, in place of the plums.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to let the rice cool to room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.

- For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in the dressing mixture for a few hours before adding it to the salad.

- Feel free to add other ingredients such as nuts, dried fruit, or cheese to customize the salad to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a light lunch or dinner, or as a side dish at a summer barbecue.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making this salad is to cook the rice properly and let it cool before mixing it with the other ingredients. Be sure to toss the salad lightly to avoid crushing the plums.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh plums, you can use canned or dried plums instead. You can also substitute the tarragon with another herb, such as dill or parsley.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to add the fresh plum slices and lettuce leaves right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad on a large platter or individual plates, garnished with extra plum slices and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 20 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and may contain gluten (depending on the rice mix used).

Summary

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

Summary

Herbed Plum Chicken Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light meal or side dish. 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 memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a sunny afternoon in the late summer, and I had just returned from the local farmers market with a bushel of ripe plums. As I unpacked my groceries, I noticed a handwritten recipe card tucked away in the bottom of the bag. It was titled "Herbed Plum Chicken Salad" and it immediately caught my eye.

Curious and excited, I gathered all the ingredients listed on the card and set to work in my cozy kitchen. I diced the plums into small pieces, marinated the chicken in a mixture of herbs and spices, and whipped up a tangy dressing to bring everything together. The aroma of fresh herbs and sweet plums filled the air, and I knew I was onto something special.

As I took my first bite of the salad, I was transported to a world of vibrant flavors and textures. The sweetness of the plums paired perfectly with the savory chicken and the zesty dressing tied everything together beautifully. I couldn't believe how simple yet delicious this recipe was.

After that first taste, I knew I had to share this recipe with my family and friends. I made it for every potluck, picnic, and family gathering, and it quickly became a favorite among my loved ones. They would always ask for the recipe, but I would simply smile and tell them it was a secret family recipe passed down through generations.

In reality, I had stumbled upon this recipe purely by chance, but it felt like fate had brought it into my life. I couldn't imagine my kitchen without the scent of herbed plum chicken salad wafting through the air, filling my home with warmth and comfort.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, tweaking and perfecting the recipe to suit my taste. I've added extra herbs for a punch of flavor, swapped out the chicken for tofu to make it vegetarian-friendly, and even experimented with different types of plums for a unique twist.

Each time I make herbed plum chicken salad, I am reminded of that sunny afternoon when I first discovered this recipe. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that brings joy and memories to every meal. And as I watch my family and friends savor each bite, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of good food and shared experiences.