Festive Chicken Salad Food

BIG FESTIVE SALAD

Steps:

• For the candied nuts: In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, toast the pistachios and hazelnuts until fragrant, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the brown sugar, salt, vanilla and 1 tablespoon water directly to the pan with the nuts and stir to coat them. Cook until the sugar has dissolved, about 1 additional minute. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow to cool, 12 to 15 minutes.
• For the dressing: Combine the olive oil, vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, salt and pepper in a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake to combine. Set aside.
• For the salad: Spread the arugula, kale and spinach over a large round platter, leaving space in the center of the platter (it should look like a holiday wreath). Top the greens with the radicchio. Arrange the mandarin segments over the greens. Sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds, cranberries, blueberries and cooled candied nuts.
• Lastly, sprinkle with the Parmesan, creating the look of snow. Shake the dressing one more time and pour it into a serving bowl. Place the bowl in the center of the platter and serve.

HOLIDAY CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise with paprika and seasoned salt. Blend in dried cranberries, celery, bell pepper, onion, and nuts. Add chopped chicken, and mix well. Season with black pepper to taste. Chill 1 hour.

CHICKEN FIESTA SALAD

Steps:

• Rub chicken evenly with 1/2 the fajita seasoning. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken 8 minutes on each side, or until juices run clear; set aside.
• In a large saucepan, mix beans, corn, salsa and other 1/2 of fajita seasoning. Heat over medium heat until warm.
• Prepare the salad by tossing the greens, onion and tomato. Top salad with chicken and dress with the bean and corn mixture.

FESTIVE CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Drain pineapple, reserving 1/4 cup of liquid.
• Combine reserved pineapple liquid and cream cheese, mixing until well blended.
• Add pineapple, chicken, water chestnuts, celery, 1/4 cup of almonds(walnuts and pecans will work also), onions, salt and pepper to cream cheese mixture; mix lightly.
• Chill at least one hour but overnight is best.
• To serve place in tomatoes, lettuce cups, or large cooked pasta shells. Prep time does not include time to chill.

FESTIVE CHICKEN SALAD LOG

Steps:

• Mix cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, ginger, pepper, and pepper sauce. Stir in chicken, eggs, and onions.
• Shape into log (8 by 2 inches) and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours.
• Cut green pepper rings to make strips. Place strips diagonally across log, dividing log into 4 sections (fourths). Sprinkle sesame seed on 1 section, repeat with 3 tablespoons onion, the olives, and pimento on remaining sections. Serve with crackers.

FESTIVE CHICKEN

Steps:

• Wrap two bacon strips around each chicken breast; place skin side down in a shallow glass baking dish and set aside. , In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour 2/3 cup marinade over chicken. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Cover and refrigerate remaining marinade. , Drain and discard marinade. Bake at 325° for 50-60 minutes or until a thermometer reads 170°, basting occasionally with reserved marinade.