Just Trust Me Bistro Chicken Salad Recipe

This incredible chicken salad recipe, inspired by a Newport Beach culinary award winner, boasts a unique blend of ingredients that will melt in your mouth. Imagine a gourmet garden luncheon at a five-star estate – this is the taste you'll be recreating! This show-stopping side dish is perfect for impressing your guests at your next gathering. Get ready to be the talk of the town!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 80 mins
Calories 489.7 kcal
Protein 51g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Just Trust Me Bistro Chicken Salad

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Just Trust Me Bistro Chicken Salad

  • Cooked Chicken Breasts
  • Canola Oil
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • White Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Cooked Rice
  • Green Grapes
  • 2 cups cubed celery
  • Pineapple Tidbits
  • Mandarin Oranges
  • Slivered Almonds
  • Mayonnaise

How to Make Just Trust Me Bistro Chicken Salad

  1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and 1 teaspoon salt.
  2. Add 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken to the marinade. Seal in a large plastic bag, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  3. **Prepare the Salad:** In a very large bowl, gently combine the marinated chicken with the following ingredients: 2 cups cubed celery, 1 cup chopped red onion, 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup toasted pecans, 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper and reserved marinade.
  4. **Make the Dressing:** In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons pineapple juice until smooth and creamy.
  5. **Combine and Chill:** Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently toss to coat evenly.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. This salad tastes even better the next day!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

22 g

Sugar

54g

Fat

19g

Carbs

13g