Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts Recipe

Get ready to elevate your salad game with a mouthwatering adventure! Our Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts is a flavor-packed masterpiece that's anything but ordinary. Tender bites of grilled chicken mingle with the rich, creamy notes of blue cheese, while the toasted walnuts add that perfect satisfying crunch.

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Every forkful is a symphony of textures and tastes, all brought together by a tangy and delectable dressing. Whether you're aiming to impress at a gathering or treating yourself to a gourmet lunch, this salad is the delightful union of savory, nutty, and utterly irresistible.

Our Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts is your ticket to a sensational dining experience

As you dive into this culinary creation, you'll discover a harmonious balance that's hard to resist. The creamy blue cheese lends its bold personality, intertwining with the earthy crunch of walnuts, creating a dynamic duo that dances on your taste buds. The grilled chicken, marinated to perfection, adds a protein-packed punch that turns this salad into a satisfying meal that won't leave you wanting. And let's not forget the dressing – a delightful marriage of flavors that ties everything together in a zesty embrace. So whether you're embracing a healthier lifestyle or simply craving a burst of gourmet pleasure, our Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts is your ticket to a sensational dining experience that's both wholesome and utterly indulgent.

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: n/a
Serves: 4

Jump to:

• Our Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts is your ticket to a sensational dining experience
• Ingredients needed to make Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts
• How to make Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts
• Variations on the Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts recipe
• Equipment used when making Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts
• Storage for the Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts
• Top tips for making Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts
• Related
• Pairing
• "Ultimate Gourmet Delight: Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts Recipe"

Ingredients needed to make Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts

• ½ c. mayonnaise
• 1 t. Dijon mustard
• ¾ t. dried dill
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¾ lbs. rotisserie chicken breast, shredded
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• 3 c. baby spinach
• 3 oz. blue cheese, crumbled
• ½ c. walnuts, chopped

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How to make Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts

1. Combine the mayo, Dijon mustard, and dried dill in a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine.
   
2. Add the shredded chicken breast and chopped celery to the bowl and toss to combine.
   
3. Divide the baby spinach between 4 chilled serving plates. Add one quarter of the chicken salad to each plate and top with some of the blue cheese and chopped walnuts. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Variations on the Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts recipe

here's a scrumptious lineup of 10 variations to breathe new life into your 'Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts' recipe:

1. Balsamic Berry Twist: Swap out the dressing for a luscious balsamic vinaigrette and toss in fresh strawberries or raspberries for a burst of fruity sweetness.
   
2. Mediterranean Medley: Go Mediterranean by adding chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with a lemon-oregano dressing.
   
3. Apple Pecan Perfection: Replace walnuts with candied pecans, and toss in crisp apple slices. A honey Dijon dressing complements the flavors beautifully.
   
4. Cranberry Crunch: Mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a sweet-tart kick. Top with goat cheese crumbles and a maple-mustard dressing.
   
5. Asian Fusion: Add a pop of Asian flair with mandarin orange segments, sliced almonds, and crispy wonton strips. A sesame-ginger dressing ties it all together.
   
6. Avocado Avenger: Elevate your salad with creamy avocado chunks, roasted corn, and black beans. A cilantro-lime dressing adds a zesty punch.
   
7. Ranch Revelation: Transform it into a ranch lover's dream by using ranch dressing, and tossing in crumbled bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and diced tomatoes.
   
8. Greek Goddess: Embrace Greek flavors with Kalamata olives, cucumber, red onion, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. A lemon-oregano vinaigrette seals the deal.
   
9. Tropical Temptation: Dive into the tropics with juicy pineapple chunks, toasted coconut flakes, and macadamia nuts. A mango-lime dressing completes the paradise.
   
10. Tex-Mex Delight: Add a Tex-Mex twist with black beans, roasted corn, diced avocado, and crushed tortilla chips. A tangy salsa-ranch dressing brings the fiesta.

With these delightful variations, your 'Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts' will become a canvas for your culinary creativity, offering something special for every occasion and palate!

Equipment used when making Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts

Bowl

Storage for the Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts

You can store 'Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese & Walnuts' in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. To ensure its freshness and safety, follow these guidelines:

1. Storage: Place the chicken salad in an airtight container to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavors.
2. Cool Down Quickly: If you've just made the salad, allow it to cool to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator. This prevents condensation and helps maintain the salad's texture.
3. Temperature Control: Store the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back of the main compartment. Ensure the temperature is consistently below 40°F (4°C) to inhibit bacterial growth.
4. Keep Dressing Separate: To maintain the salad's freshness, consider keeping the dressing in a separate container and adding it just before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
5. Ingredient Selection: If you've used ingredients that have a shorter shelf life, such as certain greens or delicate herbs, you may want to consume the salad within the first couple of days.
6. Visual and Smell Check: Before consuming leftovers, visually inspect the salad for any signs of spoilage, such as mold or off-putting odors. If anything seems off, it's best to discard it.

Remember, while these guidelines are generally safe, individual factors such as the freshness of ingredients and how well the salad was prepared can influence its shelf life. If you're unsure or have any doubts, it's always better to err on the side of caution and consume the salad within a shorter time frame.

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Pairing

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