Mixed Fruit Chicken Salad

SaladsMain MealPicnic FareAmerican

Yield: Makes 7 1/2 cups, approximately 7 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Ingredients

Chicken Salad:

  • ¼ cup chopped pecans 
  • 4 cups chopped cooked chicken breasts 
  • 2 cups seedless red and green grapes, halved 
  • 2 celery ribs, chopped 
  • 1 (11-oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained 
  • 1 cup chopped fresh pineapple* 
  • ¼ teaspoon salt 
  • Salad Greens to put the chicken salad on

Orange-Raspberry Vinaigrette:

  • ½ cup orange marmalade 
  • ¼ cup white balsamic-raspberry blush vinegar 
  • 1 medium-size jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced 
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 6 to 7 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through. Step 1
  • Toss together chicken and next 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Add vinaigrette; toss to coat. Sprinkle with pecans, and serve immediately. Step 2

*1 (8-oz.) can pineapple tidbits, drained, may be substituted.