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crispy chicken salad recipe

Crispy Chicken Salad With Sweet Almond Crunch

This vibrant salad combines tender chicken, crunchy chow mein noodles, and caramelized almonds with fresh vegetables and juicy pineapple. The homemade tangy-sweet dressing perfectly balances the diverse textures and flavors, creating a satisfying yet light main dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 425
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon butter for toasting almonds
  • ¼ cup sliced almonds
  • 3 tablespoons sugar divided (1 tbsp for almonds, 2 tbsp for dressing)
  • 1 can unsweetened pineapple tidbits 20 ounces, drained and patted dry
  • 4 cups lettuce chopped
  • 2 cups cooked chicken cubed
  • 1 cup celery chopped
  • 1½ cups chow mein noodles
  • 1 green onion chopped
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 dash hot pepper sauce

Equipment

  • Small skillet
  • Large bowl
  • Jar with lid

Method
 

  1. In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and cook for 3-4 minutes until toasted, stirring frequently.
  2. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the toasted almonds and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sugar melts and coats the almonds. Spread on foil to cool.
  3. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine olive oil, cider vinegar, salt, hot pepper sauce, and remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Shake well until sugar dissolves.
  4. In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, cubed chicken, chow mein noodles, drained pineapple tidbits, chopped celery, and chopped green onion.
  5. Just before serving, shake the dressing again and drizzle over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  6. Break apart the cooled candied almonds if they've stuck together and sprinkle them over the top of the salad. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, pat the pineapple tidbits thoroughly dry to prevent a watery salad. The candied almonds can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe for a time-saving option. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the noodles will soften over time.
For a variation, try using crispy wonton strips instead of chow mein noodles, or substitute mandarin oranges for the pineapple.