Chicken salad with bacon and raisins
Enjoy a delightful and savory twist on a classic with our Chicken Salad featuring crispy bacon and sweet raisins. This easy-to-make, protein-packed dish blends tender chicken breasts, crunchy celery, and onions with creamy mayonnaise, zesty lemon juice, and a sprinkle of pine nuts. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Don't forget the dash of salt and pepper to elevate the flavors!
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 30 min
Ingredients:
3 tbsp olive oil8 chicken breasts
6 strips bacon
1/3 cup raisins
1 stalk celery
2 stalks onion
3 tbsp pine nuts
3/4 cup mayonnaise salad dressing
1 tsp lemon juice
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
This Chicken Salad with Bacon and Raisins is a delightful and unique twist on the classic chicken salad recipe. Combining the savory flavors of chicken and bacon with the sweet pop of raisins, this dish creates a perfect balance of taste and texture. Ideal for lunches, picnics, or a light dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Instructions:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with a dash of salt and black pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to cool slightly. Once cool, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the bacon strips and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid burning. Set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, raisins, finely chopped celery, chopped green onions, and toasted pine nuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise salad dressing and lemon juice. Pour this dressing over the salad mixture.
- Toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
- Serve the chicken salad chilled or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own, over a bed of lettuce, or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Tips:
- For a healthier option, use a low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as the base of the salad dressing.
- Ensure that the chicken breasts are cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
- Mix the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness and prevent the raisins from becoming too soggy.
- Toast the pine nuts for a few minutes in a dry pan until they are golden brown to enhance their flavor.
- Cut the celery and onions finely to ensure they are consistently distributed throughout the salad, adding crunch without overwhelming the dish.
With this Chicken Salad with Bacon and Raisins recipe, you are set to impress your family and friends with a delicious and hearty meal. The balance of savory and sweet ingredients, along with the creamy dressing, makes this salad a standout dish. Enjoy it as a main course or as a side, and savor the delightful flavors with each bite.
Nutrition per serving
8 ServingsCalories 270kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 9g
Fiber 0.53g
Sugar 6g
Fat 18g
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