This unusual, interesting, and festive chicken salad recipe offers several delicious surprises. Dried cranberries, orange juice, orange essence, and pecans give it a unique flavor and beautiful presentation. This smoked chicken salad is sure to be a hit at any gathering, picnic or just as a casual weekend lunch.
You can substitute low fat mayonnaise for regular mayonnaise, trim a few calories, and use white pepper instead of black pepper for a milder flavor. The recipe below makes 9 cups of salad, which equates to about 12 sandwiches. Give it a try and you will toss your old chicken salad recipe right out the window!
Tangy Smoked Chicken Salad
Ingredients -
4 ½ cups mesquite smoked chicken, diced
1 ½ cups celery, finely diced
2 ¼ cups sweet onion or purple onion, finely diced
2 ¼ cups chopped dried cranberries or tart cherries
1 ½ cups toasted pecan pieces or walnuts
¼ cup minced fresh basil
2 cups mayonnaise
3 tablespoons fresh orange juice with pulp
1 teaspoon orange essence
salt, coarse ground black pepper
Preparation:
Place all ingredients (chicken, celery, onion, cherries, pecans, basil, mayonnaise, orange juice,
orange essence, salt, and pepper) in a large mixing bowl; stir gently until thoroughly mixed.
Refrigerate until ready to use.
(Serves 4 - 6)
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Photo Description:
A Picture of our Salad with Mesquite Smoked Chicken Recipe. This is a wonderfully light smoked chicken salad it makes a lovely meal that features mesquite smoked chicken which gives it a wonderfully smoky flavor yet is so mild it will not overwhelm the other ingredients this along with loads of fresh fruits and vegetables makes a delicious lite lunch.
