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Chicken Salad with Grapes

This salad is easy to put together and makes a nice presentation when mounded on a platter. If you can find smoked chicken, by all means use it, but otherwise, a good roast chicken will suffice. The contrasting colors and flavors of the fruits and nuts, with a slightly sweet dressing, make this especially pleasing as a brunch entrée. If you would like to make sandwiches, toasted sevengrain bread is a good choice. If you’d like to get a head start on the salad, the whole thing can be made a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup mayonnaise, homemade (page 284) or store-bought
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup maple syrup
Kosher salt and cayenne pepper to taste
4 cups chopped roasted or smoked chicken
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup red or green seedless grapes, halved

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Toast the walnuts in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, roast the walnuts on a baking sheet in a preheated 300°F oven for 15 minutes, or until they smell toasted. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool.

    Step 2

    Whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, and maple syrup in a small bowl until well blended. Season with salt and cayenne pepper as needed.

    Step 3

    Combine the chicken, parsley, grapes, and walnuts in a large bowl. Spoon the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss so that the chicken is well coated.

    Step 4

    Mound the salad onto a serving platter garnished with salad greens, and serve.

Bubby's Brunch Cookbook cover.
Bubby’s Brunch Cookbook by Ron Silver and Rosemary Black. Copyright © 2009 by Ron Silver and Rosemary Black. Published by Ballantine Books. All Rights Reserved.
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