Chicken Salad Recipe Panera
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Whisk or Fork
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Chicken: Opt for cooked shredded chicken breast to keep it lean and healthy. You can either cook the chicken yourself or use pre-cooked, rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Almonds: Slivered almonds add a satisfying crunch. Toast them lightly to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Grapes: Red seedless grapes are ideal for a burst of sweetness and a fresh juicy texture.
- Celery: Finely chopped for a subtle crunch without overpowering the other textures.
Dressing Ingredients:
- Mayonnaise: This serves as the creamy base of your dressing. For a healthier option you can substitute with Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a zesty tang that balances the creaminess of the mayonnaise.
- Honey: A touch of honey sweetens the dressing naturally.
- Spices: Salt pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder to enhance all the flavors.
Instructions
Combine the Main Ingredients:
- In your large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, toasted almonds, halved grapes, and diced celery. Toss these ingredients gently to distribute evenly. This ensures every serving has a good mix of flavors and textures.
Prepare the Dressing:
- In the smaller mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt if you're opting for a lighter version), apple cider vinegar, honey, and spices. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and uniform. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tartness.
Dress the Salad:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to fold the dressing into the salad, ensuring all the ingredients are well-coated. Be gentle to keep the texture of the ingredients intact.
Let the Salad Marinate:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Final Adjustments:
- After marinating, give the salad a quick stir and do a final taste test. Adjust any seasonings if necessary, adding a pinch of salt or pepper, or a little more honey.