Classic Italian Chicken Salad Food

ITALIAN CHICKEN SALAD IN LETTUCE CUPS

Steps:

• Toss the chicken, bell peppers, onion, parsley, almonds, and capers in a large bowl with enough vinaigrette to moisten. Season the chicken salad with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Arrange 1 large lettuce cup and 1 small lettuce cup on each plate, overlapping slightly. Spoon the chicken salad into the lettuce cups. Drizzle more vinaigrette over the salads. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and serve.
• Do-Ahead Tip: The chicken salad can be prepared 4 hours ahead and refrigerated. Just before serving, spoon the salad into the lettuce cups.
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 teaspoons salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup olive oil
• Combine the vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a blender. With the machine running, gradually add the oil and blend until emulsified.
• Yield: 1 3/4 cups

ITALIAN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, place in a large bowl, and set aside.
• To a medium bowl or large measuring cup, add 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice (zest the lemon before juicing it), apple cider vinegar, honey, Italian seasoning, lemon lest, salt, pepper, and whisk to combine; set sauce aside.
• To a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, add chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, flipping intermittently so all sides cook evenly. Cooking time will vary based on thickness of chicken breasts and sizes of pieces. Chicken should be about 90% cooked through.
• Add the sauce and allow it to bubble at a medium-fast boil for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until sauce has reduced some and chicken is cooked through. Stir sauce and flip chicken intermittently throughout. Add chicken and any cooking liquid to the pasta bowl.
• Add the tomatoes, basil, cucumber, cheese, and toss gently to combine. Taste and check for seasoning balance, making any necessary adjustments (more Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, pinch of cayenne, splash of lemon juice, etc.) before serving.

CLASSIC ITALIAN CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Toss salad greens with chicken breast strips, tomatoes and onions in large salad bowl.
• Add dressing; mix lightly. Top with cheese.

ITALIAN CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• DRESSING: Combine all dressing ingredients in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk.
• SALAD: Combine chicken and remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
• Pour dressing over salad, and toss gently to combine.

CLASSIC CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
• Season chicken evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and onion powder. Place in the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
• Bake in the preheated oven until juices run clear and chicken shreds easily, about 1 hour 20 minutes; don't overcook. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Remove from the oven, uncover, and let sit until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. Reserve any accumulated chicken broth.
• Prepare dressing while chicken cools. Combine 1 cup mayonnaise, sour cream, relish, green onions, parsley, Dijon, lemon juice, dill, and remaining salt and pepper in a large bowl; mix until well combined.
• Break chicken into large pieces and place in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 3 to 5 times to shred chicken to desired consistency.
• Transfer chicken to a bowl. Add celery and pour dressing over top; toss to coat. If more moisture is desired, add reserved broth or more mayonnaise.
• Cover and chill for at least 2 hours (or up to 2 days) before serving. Stir well before serving.

CLASSIC ITALIAN CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Toss salad greens with chicken breast strips, tomatoes and onions in a large salad bowl.
• Add dressing and mix lightly.
• Top with cheese.
• Serve immediately.
• Enjoy!