Sonoma Chicken Salad is a delightful and flavorful salad featuring tender chicken, crisp grapes, crunchy almonds, and a creamy dressing. It’s a perfect dish for a light lunch or dinner, and it’s also great for picnics and gatherings. Here’s a recipe to make Sonoma Chicken Salad:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (you can use grilled, roasted, or poached chicken)
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Start by toasting the slivered almonds. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the almonds. Toast them for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until they become lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the skillet and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, halved grapes, chopped celery, chopped red onion, toasted slivered almonds, and chopped fresh parsley. Toss everything together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the creamy dressing: mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar (if using). Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken salad mixture. Gently fold everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or honey to suit your preferences.
- Refrigerate the Sonoma Chicken Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the chilled chicken salad on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade Sonoma Chicken Salad!
This salad offers a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser. You can customize it by adding ingredients like diced apples, dried cranberries, or chopped avocado, depending on your taste. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion.