This delightful chicken salad recipe, inspired by The Pioneer Woman, elevates the classic dish with the addition of sweet grapes and crunchy almonds. Perfect for a light lunch, a picnic, or a simple supper, this recipe is incredibly versatile and satisfying. Whether you pile it high on your favorite bread, serve it over a bed of crisp lettuce, or enjoy it straight from the bowl, this chicken salad is sure to become a new favorite.
Chicken salad is a timeless classic, with countless variations passed down through generations. Recently, a popular online food publication, The Kitchn, conducted a chicken salad recipe showdown, comparing recipes from culinary giants like The New York Times, Southern Living, Ina Garten, and The Pioneer Woman. In this flavorful competition, Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, emerged victorious with her unique savory-sweet chicken salad. This recipe stood out thanks to the surprising yet harmonious combination of juicy grapes, crunchy almonds, and fresh dill, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that captivated the judges.
Inspired by both The Pioneer Woman’s winning recipe and Ina Garten’s closely runner-up version, this recipe takes the best elements from each and incorporates a few personal touches to create a truly exceptional chicken salad. The result is a balanced and flavorful dish that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious. The beauty of cooking lies in this very process of adaptation and personalization, allowing you to create dishes that perfectly suit your taste.
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Inspired Chicken Salad
To create this flavorful chicken salad, you’ll need a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The star of the show is, of course, the chicken. Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts are recommended for their superior flavor and moisture when roasted. For the creamy dressing, mayonnaise and sour cream provide a rich base, brightened by fresh lemon juice and Dijon mustard. A touch of sugar balances the savory notes, while celery and scallions add a refreshing crunch and subtle oniony flavor. The signature elements – halved grapes and sliced almonds – contribute sweetness and texture. Finally, fresh parsley and dill provide a herbaceous aroma and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds
Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this delightful chicken salad:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil. This will make cleanup a breeze. Season your chicken breasts generously with olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for optimal flavor.
Roast the seasoned chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The key to juicy chicken salad is perfectly cooked, not overcooked, chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy; insert it into the thickest part of the breast, aiming for a reading between 160°F and 165°F (71°C and 74°C). Remember, the temperature will continue to rise slightly as the chicken rests. Using a meat thermometer with a remote probe is highly recommended, as it allows you to monitor the temperature without opening the oven door and losing heat, ensuring consistent cooking.
Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool slightly before handling. Then, remove the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and bones. Dice the chicken into uniform ½-inch pieces. Dicing the chicken into smaller, even pieces ensures a better texture in the salad and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the creamy dressing. Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Whisk all the dressing ingredients together until smooth and well combined. This ensures a consistent flavor throughout the salad.
Add the diced chicken, celery, scallions, halved grapes, sliced almonds, parsley, and dill to the bowl with the dressing.
Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, sugar, or lemon juice to achieve your perfect balance. For the best flavor, chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Before serving, give it another taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Salad
This Pioneer Woman inspired chicken salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. For a classic lunch, serve it on croissants, toasted bread, or your favorite sandwich rolls. It’s also a delightful topping for crackers or cucumber slices for a lighter snack or appetizer. For a refreshing and healthy meal, scoop it over a bed of mixed greens or romaine lettuce. You can also get creative and use it as a filling for stuffed tomatoes or bell peppers. No matter how you choose to serve it, this chicken salad is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a glimpse into the nutritional value per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 584
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 679mg
- Cholesterol: 114mg
Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Enjoy this delightful and easy-to-make chicken salad with grapes and almonds, a recipe that brings together the best of classic and contemporary flavors. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion and a wonderful way to elevate your everyday meals.
