Better Than Deli Chicken Salad W Fruit And Nuts Food

CHICKEN SALAD WITH DRIED FRUIT

Steps:

• If you don't already have cooked chicken available, you can poach the poultry in water or chicken broth. Poach chicken breasts by placing in a pot, and covering with water or broth, cook over medium heat for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove chicken from water, and when cool enough to touch shred the chicken breasts and place into a bowl.
• In a medium-sized bowl add sliced celery, nuts, dried fruit, and mayonnaise. Stir to combine the mixture well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Store in a covered container for up to 3 days before serving.

GORGONZOLA CHICKEN SALAD (FRED MEYER DELI COPYCAT)

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to the package directions, NOT al dente. You don't want it to be too gummy or too mushy. Drain in a colander and run COLD water over until it's completely cold. Transfer to a large bowl.
• Sprinkle the chicken breasts with lemon pepper. "Grill" the chicken breasts by whatever method you prefer. You may use a panini type grill, a barbecue grill, or simply bake in the oven. Your cooking times will vary based on your method, but just make sure the breasts are fully cooked by reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees, or when the juices run clear. Allow the chicken pieces to cool until you can handle them. Slice the chicken thinly, then cut slices in half so they are bite-sized. Spread out to cool completely while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
• Pour the dressing ingredients (mayo, oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper) into the bowl and whisk until incorporated.
• After the chicken and pasta are completely cooled, add all the remaining ingredients to the bowl and stir gently. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• TIPS: If the salad is too stiff after prolonged refrigeration, you can make it creamy again by stirring in a tiny bit of olive oil, milk or warm water. Gorgonzola cheese is similar to bleu cheese, but slightly milder. It is an acquired taste for some people, so feel free to use more or less to taste. I use MORE! For best results, don't substitute or omit ingredients. I usually try doing things to lower fat or calories, but in this case, the results will NOT be the same.

BETTER THAN ARBY'S CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Combine first seven ingredients in medium size bowl, stirring until moist.
• Serve on bread or toast with sliced cucumber and lettuce. Spread additional dressing or mayonnaise on bread as desired.

FRUIT & NUT CHICKEN SALAD

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.

BETTER THAN DELI CHICKEN SALAD W/ FRUIT AND NUTS!

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!