Maybe Matilda: Crisp Chicken Salad with Apple and Basil

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Crisp Chicken Salad with Apple and Basil

I definitely would not call myself a fancy cook . . . although I love trying out new recipes and experimenting with flavors, I'm not a very creative or talented chef. But I love testing out new dishes, making little changes, and pretending nothing happened if it turns out poorly.

This, however, was a success! I saw this tasty-looking chicken salad recipe at Real Simple and thought it looked delicious. I made a few little tweaks and mmmmmmmm . . . this recipe is definitely worth repeating! I love light, crisp, fruity meals for the summertime, and this one is definitely a keeper. 

One tip, though--you have to use fresh basil. Have to. This is not a drill. I know, it's kind of pricey, but don't even bother making this if you're going to replace the fresh basil with the dried stuff . . . it just wouldn't be worth it. Put that ice cream back in the freezer at the grocery store and spend your $4 on fresh basil instead. You'll be so glad you did!

Crisp Chicken Salad with Apple and Basil


(You can find the original recipe from Real Simple here, but come on, don't you trust me?)

Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts
1/4 cup lime juice
1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
1/3 cup mayonnaise 
2 Tbsp. light brown sugar
4 scallions, thinly sliced
1 Granny Smith apple, diced
1/3 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh basil 
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Directions:
Boil the chicken in lightly salted water until fully cooked, then place in a bowl of ice water while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

In a large bowl, combine lime juice, vinegar, mayo, and sugar; add scallions, apples, and pecans. Shred or dice the chicken and add it to the apple mixture along with the basil, salt, and pepper. 

Toss and enjoy!

I'll be sharing this recipe at Tea Rose Home, House of Hepworths, Fingerprints on the Fridge, and the Shabby Nest!

23 comments :

  1. Ooooh, I love fruit & nuts in my chicken salad...I'm bookmarking this and makin' it this weekend...thanks for the recipe, Rachel!!!

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  2. That looks really, really good. Totally Bookmarking.

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  3. You had me at basil!! I can't wait to try this out!

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  4. oh wow this sounds incredible! I can't wait to make this!

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  5. This looks so yummy - definitely going to make this soon!

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  6. Looks Yummy!!
    I've never used rice vinegar, well I don't use any type of vinegar to cook.
    I would hate to buy something I will only use once but if you say it's delicious I shall buy it and try it!
    I love fresh basil!! :)

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  7. Yum! This looks great! My husband always starts asking for "light" dinners as soon as it gets hot outside. So, I'll have to give this a try! I do love fresh basil.

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  8. nice and easy! Thanks!


    love~mongs
    mythriftycloset.blogspot.com

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  9. Wow! This looks amazing! I am your newest follower and would love it if you would check out my blog and follow me too! Thanks!
    -Nikki
    http://chef-n-training.blogspot.com/

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  10. This looks yummy! Hello, I am stopping by from the Mom's Bloggers Club. I am your newest follower and cannot wait to read more! I hope you will stop by and follow me back!
    www.divvyupdiva.com

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  11. Oh goodness. This looks wonderful! I love basil...random factoid: I once dated a guy named Basil. He was weird.

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  12. this has my name all over it. ;)

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  13. I am jealous that you have been going around commenting all day (and yesterday) and blogger won't let me! When I checked their site it said "some people can comment and others can't".

    Sheesh. Some people have all the luck.

    It's elizabeth..btw....blogger still thinks I am anonymous.

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  14. I'm bookmarking this one for sure. Thank you for sharing!

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  15. this looks amazing, totally going to try! thanks for sharing

    http://jaysonandashley.blogspot.com/

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  16. Yum! Come to join our link party: http://fabricbowsandmore.blogspot.com/

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  17. Looks so yummy! Love the new layout (well at least the current progress). I'm changing your button after this. :)

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  18. okay this looks divine! esp with the apples!

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  19. oh. my. i will definitely be trying that delicious salad asap!! yums. ps-- you are the cutest!! <3 EverRubyGirl.blogspot.com

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  20. I'm glad you posted this at the TT&J link up party. I seriously just bought apples today so I could make some chicken salad and use up some other ingredients sitting in my fridge. Only problem don't have a recipe. This isn't exactly what I was looking for but will work as a great foundation.

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  21. Oh yeah! I am so going to make this! My husband loves chicken salad and I love anything with apples or basil.
    xo,
    Sena

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  22. Yum! I love chicken salad both the sweet and savory kinds! I am your newest follower, would love if you followed back!

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Thanks for commenting!

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