Zesty Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts

The vibrant colors of Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts leap from the plate, promising a delightful crunch and a zesty burst of flavor. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen—a tantalizing mix of citrus and savory chicken mingling together, beckoning you to take that first bite. citrus salad with nuts

As I prepared this dish for the first time, I couldn’t help but recall that sunny picnic day when my grandma made her famous chicken salad. Her secret ingredient? A sprinkle of laughter and love—though I suspect it was also her perfectly candied walnuts that had everyone coming back for seconds. hearty chicken soup This Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad is perfect for those lazy summer days or as an impressive centerpiece for your next dinner party. Get ready to savor every mouthful!

Ingredients for Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts

For more inspiration, check out this Moroccan spiced salmon recipe.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size.
• Fresh Lemons: Use fresh lemons for zesting and juicing; bottled juice just won’t cut it!
• Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a punch that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Opt for extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor; it’ll add a lovely finish to the salad.
• Mixed Greens: A blend of baby spinach and arugula gives this salad an exciting mix of flavors.
• Walnuts: Raw walnuts work best as they will be candied later in the process; choose fresh ones without any bitterness.
• Brown Sugar: This helps create the sweet crust on the walnuts that will balance out the tangy flavors in the salad.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and saltiness that harmonizes perfectly with the other ingredients.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Season those beautiful chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and drizzle some olive oil over them.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in your baking dish and bake them for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through. You want them juicy, not like shoe leather!

Step 3: Candy Those Walnuts

While your chicken is baking, it’s time to tackle the star of our show—the candied walnuts! In a skillet over medium heat, combine raw walnuts with brown sugar and a splash of water. Stir frequently until they caramelize beautifully—about five minutes should do it.

Step 4: Make Your Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice (freshly squeezed, please), olive oil, more black pepper, and maybe even a pinch of salt if you’re feeling sassy! This dressing will give your salad that zingy kick.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Once your chicken is done baking and has rested (because no one likes hot chicken!), slice it into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss together mixed greens, sliced chicken, candied walnuts, crumbled feta cheese, and drizzle with dressing.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer generous portions onto plates or serve family-style in one big glorious bowl! Garnish with extra lemon zest if you’re feeling fancy.

Now sit back and bask in all the compliments—because trust me; they will come flooding in once people get their first taste of this Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts! Enjoy every crunchy bite! miso-glazed Brussels sprouts.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in those juicy flavors, then toss together your salad ingredients while the chicken cooks. Finally, prepare the candied walnuts to sprinkle them on top before serving. This sequence ensures everything is perfectly timed and delicious.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different nuts like pecans or almonds, or add fruits like strawberries or apples for an extra sweet kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm the chicken separately in a skillet and serve it over fresh greens to maintain that crisp texture.

I remember making this Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad for a summer picnic, and my friends devoured it within minutes! They even fought over the last bite of candied walnuts—it was that good!

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts?

To prepare Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts, you will need grilled chicken breast, mixed greens, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, and candied walnuts. You can also add cherry tomatoes and feta cheese for extra flavor. The combination of these ingredients creates a refreshing dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

How do I make the candied walnuts for the salad?

To make candied walnuts for your Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts, start by toasting walnuts in a skillet over medium heat. Add sugar and a pinch of salt, stirring until the sugar melts and coats the nuts. Once golden brown, transfer them to parchment paper to cool. These sweet and crunchy walnuts elevate your salad’s flavor profile beautifully.

Can I prepare Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts ahead of time! To maintain freshness, store the salad components separately. Keep the grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Combine the greens and other ingredients just before serving to ensure a crisp texture and vibrant taste.

What are some variations for this salad recipe?

You can customize your Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts based on your preferences. Consider adding avocado for creaminess or swapping out chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. You can also experiment with various dressings such as balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard to create new flavor combinations. For more inspiration, check out this creamy lemon shrimp pasta recipe.

Conclusion for Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts:

In conclusion, Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts is a delightful dish that combines fresh ingredients with a zesty kick. The grilled chicken adds protein while the candied walnuts provide sweetness and crunch. gourmet charcuterie ideas This salad is not only easy to make but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Enjoy it as a light lunch or serve it at gatherings for a refreshing option everyone will love!

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Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts

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• Author: Clare Schmidt
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Lemon-Pepper Chicken Salad with Candied Walnuts is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and sweet crunchy walnuts. Perfect for summer picnics or as an impressive centerpiece at dinner parties, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. With quick preparation time, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests. Enjoy it as a light meal or serve alongside your favorite dishes for a balanced feast.

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Ingredients

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• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs)
• 2 fresh lemons (zested and juiced)
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach and arugula)
• 1 cup raw walnuts
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

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Instructions

1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. 2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
3. 3. In a skillet over medium heat, combine walnuts with brown sugar and a splash of water. Stir until caramelized (about 5 minutes).
4. 4. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, and optional salt for dressing in a bowl.
5. 5. Slice baked chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced chicken, candied walnuts, feta cheese, and drizzle with dressing.
6. 6. Serve immediately or refrigerate components separately until ready to serve.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad bowl (approx. 350g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg