Tonight’s project was a gluten free chicken salad with almonds.
Even though the days of August are long and hot, the month seems to speed by every year, and this year has been no different.
Today the boys started school and my older son had his first viola lesson. He locked the viola case to keep his little brother out. When we arrived at the lesson, he realized that he had forgotten the key, leaving it at home in its “secret hiding place.” Needless to say, not much viola was played at that lesson. It was a lesson of a different type in terms of being patient and not blaming an eight year old for responsibility that he need not have been given in the first place.
When we arrived home from this “lesson,” I continued this week’s binge of food photography. I have been told by a little bird in New York that I need more entrées for my cookbook. The problem: while I have plenty of entrées, I love to shoot desserts. It is impossible to take a bad picture of a cookie.
Chicken Salad with Almonds
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken, shredded (use last night's chicken)
- 1 cup blanched slivered almonds, toasted
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 3 apples, sliced and chopped
- 4 cups mesclun greens
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon celtic sea salt
Instructions
- Place the almonds in a pan over low heat and toast them, while you core, slice and chop the apples
- Remove almonds from heat when they are lightly browned
- In a large salad bowl, toss together chicken, (warm) almonds, cranberries, chopped apples and mesclun greens
- Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, toss, then sprinkle with salt
- Serve
Equipment
The whole family found this “one pot meal” light, yet hearty and satisfying. I took a huge bowl of this summery chicken salad with greens, fruit and nuts to my younger son’s back-to-school potluck last weekend and there was not a morsel left.
Nicole Haller says
Just wanted to say, Thanks! As my family & I truly enjoyed this yummy meal. I never thought to warm the almonds. But what a great idea! I also added a few avocado slices on top of each plate. We do adore avocado a bit too much.
Elana says
You’re welcome Nicole!
McDaniel Pat says
Thank you for all of this work that you do on this website, providing info for us!! By the way, you are a very pretty girl!!!
Adriana says
Can I use ACV instead of red wine vinegar? I would love to do this salad ASAP
THANKS
Cathy says
I just found your website recently, and I love it! It made the decision to go completely grain free so much easier than it otherwise would have been. Thank you! We had this salad for dinner tonight, and it was awesome!
Breanna says
Your picture looks so beautiful… and my salad looks so… not. :p But still delicious, except I used spinach instead. Thanks!
Babette says
To borrow a well-known TV chef’s catchphrase, “YUM-O!” I made this for dinner tonight. Even my 11 year-old son liked it and ate his veggies. A delicious summer supper.
elana says
Thanks for your comment, Heather, your blog is gorgeous!
Heather... Crumbs and Pixels says
Wow! This looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it!
elana says
Thanks for stopping by Amanda; glad you liked it!
Amanda says
I loved this salad! A perfect lunch or dinner:)
Mary Burruss says
I thought vinegars were not allowed on the Paleo Diet….In the chicken salad recipe…I see you used Balsamic vinegar….I am new to this but from what I read, I thought vinegars were off the list.
Deanna Dodds says
Nutrition Facts
Calculated for 1
Amount Per Serving %DV
Calories 0
Calories from Fat (%)
Total Fat 0.0g %
Saturated Fat 0.0g %
Monounsaturated Fat 0.0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg %
Sodium 0mg %
Potassium 0mg %
Total Carbohydrate 0.0g %
Dietary Fiber 0.0g %
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 0.0g %
Judging from these values, I would say that basaltic vinegar is one “food” that you can eat REGARDLESS of the diet you may be following.