Walnut Chicken Salad Sandwich

Imagine this: a bite so unexpectedly delicious, it lingers in your memory, urging you to recreate it at home. That's precisely what happened when I first tasted a walnut chicken salad sandwich at a local restaurant. Its flavors danced on my palate, leaving me eager to bring that magic to my own kitchen.

So, armed with newfound inspiration and a dash of culinary curiosity, I embarked on my homemade walnut chicken salad adventure. It was a journey filled with excitement and anticipation, fueled by the desire to capture that same irresistible flavor combination.

Join me as I share my version of this delightful sandwich—a blend of tender chicken, crunchy walnuts, and zesty goodness. It's a recipe that celebrates the joy of simple, homemade pleasures and invites you to experience the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch.

Let's dive into the world of walnut chicken salad sandwiches together, where every bite is a reminder that the best recipes often start with a spark of inspiration and a sprinkle of fun.

Ingredients Notes:

1. Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, or use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for extra flavor. You can also use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.

2. Walnuts: Choose fresh, high-quality walnuts for the best flavor and texture. Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad can enhance their nuttiness.

3. Celery: Look for crisp and fresh celery stalks. Make sure to wash them thoroughly and remove any tough strings before dicing.

4. Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise for the dressing. You can also use Greek yogurt or a combination of mayonnaise and yogurt for a lighter option.

5. Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the salad dressing. You can also use lime juice as a substitute.

6. Salt and Pepper: Season the salad to taste with salt and pepper. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

7. Bread or Sandwich Rolls: Choose your favorite type of bread or sandwich rolls for serving. Whole wheat, multigrain, or ciabatta are all great options.

8. Lettuce Leaves: Use crisp lettuce leaves, such as romaine or green leaf lettuce, to add freshness and crunch to the sandwiches.

9. Dried Apricots: Choose unsweetened dried apricots for natural sweetness. Chop them into small pieces and add them to the salad mixture along with the walnuts, celery, red onion, and any other ingredients you're using.

10. Yogurt: Greek yogurt works well for adding creaminess and tanginess to the dressing. You can use it as a substitute for part or all of the mayonnaise in the recipe. For a lighter option, try using half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt. Adjust the amount to achieve the desired consistency and taste.

How to Cook Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Water or chicken broth (enough to cover the chicken)

• 1 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: herbs and aromatics (1 bay leaf, 2 garlic cloves, 1/4 onion, ) for added flavor

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large pot or saucepan. Add paprika, bay leaf, garlic and onion.

2. Cover with Liquid: Pour enough water or chicken broth into the pot to cover the chicken breasts by about 1 inch.

3. Season: Season the liquid with salt and pepper to taste. This will help flavor the chicken as it cooks.

4. Bring to a Simmer: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.

5. Cook the Chicken: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let the chicken cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

6. Check for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

7. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the pot and transfer them to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

8. Use as Desired: The shredded chicken is now ready to be used in your walnut chicken salad sandwich recipe or any other dish you prefer.

Print

Walnut Chicken Salad Chicken

Yield 3

Author Kim Alexander

Prep time

15 Min

Total time

15 Min

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 2 tablespoon chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup diced celery
• 3 tablespoon chopped green onion
• 2 tablespoon dried apricots, chopped
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoon low-fat greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sliced bread or sandwich rolls
• Lettuce leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you haven't already, cook the chicken breasts. You can boil, bake, or grill them until fully cooked. Let them cool, then dice or shred them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Mix the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced or shredded chicken, chopped walnuts, diced celery, green onion, and dried apricots.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Dressing with Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken salad mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Sandwiches: Place a scoop of the chicken salad onto a slice of bread or sandwich roll. Add lettuce leaves if desired. Top with another slice of bread or the other half of the sandwich roll.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, or wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

• Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken, works well in this recipe. Simply shred or chop the chicken and proceed with the recipe as directed.

What are some serving suggestions for the walnut chicken salad?

• The walnut chicken salad can be served in sandwiches, wraps, or on top of a bed of lettuce for a lighter option.

Toast the Walnuts:

• Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad enhances their flavor and crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.

Mix Dressing Ingredients Separately:

• Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl before adding them to the salad. This ensures that the dressing is well-combined and evenly distributed throughout the chicken mixture.

Get Creative with Variations:

• Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients or substitutions. Experiment with different nuts, fruits, herbs, or spices to create your own unique twist on the classic chicken salad sandwich.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

327.58

Fat

24.93 g

Sat. Fat

3.91 g

Carbs

9.07 g

Fiber

1.57 g

Net carbs

7.52 g

Sugar

6.44 g

Protein

21.7 g

Sodium

274.18 mg

Cholesterol

50.7 mg

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