Mariano’s Chicken Salad Recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Imagine tender, pan-seared chicken breasts mingling with sweet and juicy red grapes and fresh celery’s crispness.
The zing of red onions and the earthy richness of toasted pecans—all brought together by a luscious, homemade dressing.
It’s a dish that’s as satisfying to the palate as it is to the eyes.
Mariano’s Chicken Salad has completely changed the way I prepare food because I’m constantly searching for recipes that blend flavor and simplicity.
It makes a delicious and sophisticated midweek meal, a light lunch, or even a potluck dish that will undoubtedly become the talk of the town.
The following are the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to help you recreate this culinary masterpiece at home.
Get ready to embark on a flavorful adventure!
Mariano’s Chicken Salad Recipe
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Calories: 240 Cal (Approximately)
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Medium-sized skillet
- Tongs or a spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lettuce leaves for serving (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Cook The Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden-brown crust.
Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare The Dressing
Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Assemble The Salad
Add the sliced chicken, halved red grapes, chopped celery, finely chopped red onion, toasted and chopped pecans, and fresh parsley to the mixing bowl with the dressing.
Toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve
For a refreshing twist, you can serve Mariano’s Chicken Salad as a standalone dish or on a bed of lettuce leaves.
Garnish with a few extra pecans and parsley leaves if you like.
Serving Suggestions
Serving Suggestions for Mariano’s Chicken Salad Recipe:
- Serve on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves for a refreshing salad.
- Enjoy a sandwich or wrap for a satisfying meal.
- Pair with crackers or crusty bread as an appetizer or snack.
- Serve as a side dish alongside grilled vegetables or pasta salad.
Variations And Customizations
Variations and Customizations for Mariano’s Chicken Salad Recipe:
- Add dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
- Include sliced almonds for extra crunch.
- Try different types of nuts like walnuts or cashews.
- Experiment with diced apples or pears for a fruity twist.
- Adjust the level of spiciness with a pinch of curry powder or paprika.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option.
You can add your ingredients as per choice. Consider your preference when making a salad.
Health Benefits Of Mariano’s Chicken Salad Recipe
Mariano’s Chicken Salad Recipe is a nutrient-dense option because it provides several health advantages.
Lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair, can be found in chicken.
Adding fresh veggies like celery and red grapes also helps with digestion and overall health by providing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Pecans contribute healthy fats and antioxidants, while the homemade dressing can be adjusted for a lighter option, reducing calorie intake.
This salad recipe’s well-rounded composition of components helps with weight management, gives you energy and creates a pleasurable dining experience without sacrificing your health.
Conclusion
Mariano’s Chicken Salad Recipe is a versatile and delicious dish. That combines tender chicken, sweet grapes, celery, red onions, and toasted pecans with a creamy homemade dressing.
Its adaptability makes it suitable for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to an elegant lunch or a crowd-pleasing party dish.
Mariano’s Chicken Salad become a staple in your kitchen, bringing joy to your meals with every bite.
You can easily make this salad even if you are a complete newbie. Comment to share your salad-making experience with me.
Enjoy this salad!
FAQS
Is Chicken Salad Healthy To Eat?
Yes. Chicken salad can be a healthy choice, especially with lean chicken, plenty of vegetables, and a light dressing.
What Part Of The Chicken Is Best For Salads?
Skinless, boneless chicken breasts or chicken tenders are ideal for salads as they are lean and cook quickly.
What Are Some Low-Fat Substitutes For Mayonnaise In The Recipe?
Greek yogurt, low-fat sour cream, or mashed avocado can be used as healthier alternatives to mayonnaise in the dressing.
Are There Any Fruits That Can Replace Grapes In Mariano’s Chicken Salad?
Yes, fruits like diced apples, pears, or dried cranberries can be used as alternatives to grapes in the salad.
Can I Use A Food Processor To Chop The Ingredients?
Yes, a food processor can be used to chop ingredients like celery, red onion, and pecans quickly, but be cautious not to over-process them.
How To Store And Reheat?
Store the leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, being careful not to overcook the chicken, as it may become dry.
Mariano’s Chicken Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Medium-sized skillet
- Tongs or a spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup red grapes halved
- ½ cup celery finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup pecans toasted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- Lettuce leaves for serving optional
Instructions
- Cook The Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until they are cooked through and have a nice golden-brown crust. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare The Dressing: Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Assemble The Salad: Add the sliced chicken, halved red grapes, chopped celery, finely chopped red onion, toasted and chopped pecans, and fresh parsley to the mixing bowl with the dressing. Toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: For a refreshing twist, you can serve Mariano’s Chicken Salad as a standalone dish or on a bed of lettuce leaves. Garnish with a few extra pecans and parsley leaves if you like.
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