Fruit & Nut Chicken Salad

Kerfuffle-Upon-Wincle's Note:

From The Gadsden Times (online edition) by Mary Lucille Jordan. Can be made with poached or roasted chicken or turkey. Dried cranberries can be substituted for the raisins -- diced celery can be substituted for the onions! Chill if desired, or serve immediately. -------- The salad pictured is made with raisins, both celery and green onions to fill the 1/3 cup measure, (not 1/3 cup of each), and about twice the amount of toasted almonds as called for in the recipe -- the almonds were so good I couldn't resist doubling the amount! It is a nice combination of flavors -- NOTE: salt and pepper can be added to taste.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Yield: 10 1/2 cup ...

• 3/4 cup raisins or 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup apple juice
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken or 3 cups cooked turkey
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions (or both!) or 1/3 cup diced celery (or both!)
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Directions:

1. Combine dried fruit and apple juice in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Bring to a simmer and stir. Refrigerate 15 minutes.
2. 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. Chill if desired, or serve immediately.
3. Serve over salad greens as a main dish salad, or in pita pockets or on multi-grain bread as a sandwich filling.
4. Cook time is recommended chill time!
5. 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.

Reviews

[Annacia]

Mmmmmmm! I had some leftover chicken and this was a perfect use for it. Used chopped frozen cranberries as they have less sugar than the dried ones. the apple juice was inspired and really elevated the recipe. I think that French Tart's idea of adding apple would be great too but I didn't add any this time. This is creamy, a little sweet, a little tangy and all together marvelous.

[French Tart]

A delightful salad KuW! I made it as posted with the exception of adding some chopped apple as well as cranberries, and they added a wonderful crunch to the salad. We ate this with fresh frisee leaves and baguette - it was VERY much enjoyed! Made as a Tag for guess the herb correctly! Chives for the herb of the Month in the French forum, May 2010! Merci darlink! FT:-)

[justcallmetoni]

A fancy salad that is so easy to assemble, you can go ahead and indulge yourself. I made this using leftover turkey breast that was made with a lovely citrus marinade. For the dried fruit I used equal amounts of cranberries and golden raisins. Should not here that the soaking here should be done according to your fruit. I buy mine in bulk and it is always fresh and plump so I thought the soak made it a little too soft. I also used the green option but think either would work well. The mustard is really essential as it creates a slightly sharp contrast that blends so well with the fruit. Served this on multigrain rolls with carrot salad for an effortless meal. Made for the I Recommend Game.