Delicious Champagne Chicken Salad Recipe
Welcome to my Champagne Chicken Salad recipe, the perfect dish for summer dinners or lunch outdoors. In this recipe, we combine succulent chicken with crisp lettuce, fresh pears, and red apples for a refreshing and flavorful salad. But what sets this recipe apart is our champagne vinaigrette dressing – made with white vinegar, sugar, and Dijon mustard – which elevates the flavors of the salad and takes it to the next level.
One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. It’s perfect as a side dish for a picnic or as a standalone entree for your next family dinner. Not to mention, it’s a great way to use leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken!
Trust me when I say this Champagne Chicken Salad is the recipe you’ll want to make over and over again this summer. So gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I know you’re probably thinking, another chicken salad recipe? But hear me out. This Champagne Chicken Salad recipe is like no other. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for those hot summer days. The flavors will dance on your taste buds leaving you wanting more.
One of the things I love about this recipe is the use of champagne vinegar in the dressing. It gives a subtle sweetness to the dish that is perfectly balanced with the Dijon mustard and olive oil. And let’s not forget the chopped pears and red apples which add a nice crunch and sweetness to the salad.
The chicken in this recipe can be made using rotisserie chicken which makes it super easy to put together. I love that this recipe eliminates cooking time, making it a quick meal to throw together in a pinch.
Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can make substitutions and variations to suit your taste buds or what you have on hand in your pantry. Instead of pears, you could use strawberries for a Strawberry Chicken Salad. Or swap out the feta cheese for blue cheese for a richer flavor.
And let’s not forget how healthy this recipe is. With fresh lettuce, lean chicken breast, and chopped fruits, this salad packs in all the nutrients your body needs to stay energized throughout the day. Plus, with a homemade champagne vinaigrette made from scratch using healthy ingredients such as white vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, this salad recipe is perfect for those who are health-conscious.
Overall, this Champagne Chicken Salad recipe is perfect for those who love healthy recipes that are easy to prepare, flavorful, and versatile with options for substitutions to suit one’s taste preferences.
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredient list for this Champagne Chicken Salad Recipe.
Key Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts or 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 teaspoon pepper
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups salad greens or lettuce
- 1 red apple, chopped
- 1 pear, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons dried cranberries (or tart fresh cranberries)
- 3 tablespoons pecans, toasted and chopped
Champagne Vinaigrette Ingredients
- 1 cup champagne vinegar or walt’s champagne vinegar
- 4 cups extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ cup walt champagne cream sauce
You can easily find most of these at your local grocery store. You might have some of the ingredients in your pantry already!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s talk about how this Champagne Chicken Salad recipe comes together. It’s so easy and quick to make—you can have it done in 30 minutes.
Ingredients needed:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 red apple, chopped
- 1 pear, chopped
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- ½ cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 6 cups salad greens
The Dressing Instructions
Start by making the dressing. In a jar or measuring cup, mix together all the champagne vinaigrette ingredients: ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 4 tablespoons of champagne vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 2 tablespoons whole-grain dijon mustard. Cover the jar/measuring cup with a lid and shake it well to combine.
The Chicken Instructions
Season your chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F. Grill or bake your chicken breasts for 6 to 7 minutes per side or until fully cooked through.
Salad Assembly
Once the chicken is done cooking, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before chopping it into bite-sized pieces. While waiting for the chicken to cool, you can start preparing other salad ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, add salad greens (arugula or mixed greens will work great), diced apples, diced pears, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped toasted pecans. Toss everything together until evenly combined.
Serve
Add chicken to the top of the salad mixture and drizzle your champagne dressing on top (use as much or as little as you like). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t hesitate to make some changes to the ingredients in this delicious Champagne Chicken Salad Recipe to suit your preferences. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with some feta cheese or sliced avocado. You can also switch up the dressing by using a simple lemon juice and olive oil dressing instead of the Champagne Vinaigrette.
For a fruity twist, add chopped strawberries or cranberries to the salad, or replace the pear and red apple with some chopped mango or pineapple. If you prefer a savory option, you can try adding some roasted nuts like almonds, walnuts or pecans. Blue cheese is also an excellent addition that goes well with chicken and fruit.
If you don’t have any rotisserie chicken on hand, you can use cooked chicken breast or even shredded roast chicken. For some extra flavor, marinate the chicken before cooking it in olive oil and Dijon mustard.
For those who prefer a lighter version of this salad, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, and sugar for honey. Additionally, there are several alternatives if you are looking for vegan options. Use vegan substitutes like vinaigrette made from almond milk instead of champagne vinaigrette.
Whatever variations you choose to make in this recipe, rest assured that they won’t significantly alter the delicious flavors of this salad. Take advantage of this unique recipe’s flexibility to get creative with different ingredients and explore all the unique flavors it has to offer.
Serving and Pairing
This champagne chicken salad recipe is the perfect option for a light yet fulfilling lunch or dinner. The salad is packed with protein and greens that are sure to leave you feeling satisfied. Pair the salad with a nice glass of chilled champagne to enhance its flavors, and you’ll have an instant gourmet meal in front of you.
If you want to switch things up, try adding some fruit on top of your salad, such as pear or cranberries tart. These fruits add not only a sweet and juicy flavor to the salad but also an interesting texture that contrasts with the smooth chicken and creamy cheese.
For a complete wine pairing experience, choose a white wine that complements the flavors of your dish. A Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay work best with this recipe due to their fruity aromas and crisp acidity. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a sparkling rosé champagne which complements the sweetness of the strawberries and pairs well with the chicken’s nutty flavor.
This champagne chicken salad recipe is extremely versatile when it comes to pairing with dishes. You can serve it as it is, making for a healthy and low-calorie meal or sandwich it between two slices of bread as a delightful chicken salad sandwich.
The possibilities are endless; this recipe is perfect for those looking for healthy recipes or wanting to experiment with new ingredients in the kitchen.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Champagne Chicken Salad recipe can be made ahead of time for any special occasion or a quick and easy weeknight meal. To make ahead, simply prepare the chicken salad and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
When storing the champagne chicken salad, it is best to keep it in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. You can store the chicken salad for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
If you plan on storing the champagne vinaigrette separately, shaking it before serving is recommended as the ingredients may settle over time. The vinaigrette can be stored in a jar with a tight-fitting lid for up to 1 week.
To reheat the chicken salad, you can either use a microwave or heat it up in a pan on the stove. If using the microwave, heat on medium power for 30 seconds intervals until heated through. If using a stove, heat in a pan over medium heat until warmed evenly.
The champagne dressing should only be added when ready to serve as the lettuce and other ingredients will wilt if they sit in the dressing for too long.
This Champagne Chicken Salad recipe is perfect for meal prep and can easily be packed for lunch or taken on picnics. It’s also an excellent recipe to double or triple if hosting a party or potluck. With proper storage and reheating techniques, this dish will remain fresh and delicious all week long.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’ve got the recipe down pat, it’s time to make sure your champagne chicken salad turns out perfect every time. Here are some tried and tested tips to help you achieve the best possible results for this delicious dish.
1. Cook the chicken just right
Make sure your chicken is cooked all the way through and isn’t dry or overcooked. A great option is to use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, which is already cooked and ensures that the meat is juicy and flavorful.
2. Use fresh ingredients
Fresh ingredients always make a big difference in any recipe, and this one is no exception. When selecting your fruits and vegetables, look for ones that are firm and ripe for added flavor and texture.
3. Chill ingredients before mixing
Chilling the ingredients beforehand will help everything blend together better and make the salad more refreshing. Make sure to chop all your ingredients ahead of time and let them cool in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before combining them.
4. Be generous with the champagne dressing
The champagne vinaigrette is the star of this dish, so don’t be shy when drizzling it over your salad. Use enough dressing to coat everything evenly, ensuring a delightful mix of flavors in every bite.
5. Get creative with the add-ins
While this recipe calls for specific fruits and vegetables, feel free to experiment with others based on seasonality or personal preference. Some great additions could be sliced strawberries, dried cranberries, or even crumbled feta cheese.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious champagne chicken salad every time that will impress family and friends alike!
FAQ
Now that you have everything you need to make this amazing Champagne Chicken Salad, you might have some questions. Don’t worry! I’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions and answered them in detail to make sure you have no problems making this recipe at home. So, let’s dive in!
What is champagne dressing made of?
One can easily prepare the mouthwatering champagne vinaigrette with a blend of several ingredients including olive oil, champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, shallot, honey, salt, and pepper. To make this dressing, a simple stirring of all the ingredients is enough. This dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for as long as a week, ensuring your salads to be flavorful all week long.
How does Gordon Ramsay make chicken salad?
Preparing a delicious roast chicken salad with a zesty dressing is a breeze. Start by carving or cutting the chicken into small pieces. Then, create the dressing by juicing half a lemon and mixing it with six tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Include any remaining pan juices from the roast chicken and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Combine the chicken and dressing thoroughly before finally adding the watercress just before serving the salad for a crunchy texture. Mix everything up and enjoy the refreshing taste.
Should the chicken in chicken salad be hot or cold?
Typically, chicken salad is enjoyed chilled as that allows the flavors to blend over time. However, there are no strict guidelines to follow. You can always savor chicken salad hot or warm if that is what pleases your palate!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Champagne Chicken Salad recipe is the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. It has a lovely crunch from the lettuce, pear, and red apple, while the chicken adds a rich and filling element to the dish. The champagne vinaigrette brings everything together with its light and refreshing taste that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
And what’s great about this recipe is that you can easily make it your own by substituting different types of fruits or adding in some of your favorite protein options. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re packing it for lunch or serving it as a light dinner option.
So why not give this salad recipe a try? You won’t regret it. Not only is it packed with nutrients and flavor, but it’s also easy to make and great to impress your guests with. Trust me – your taste buds will thank you!
Champagne Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup champagne
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 cup red apple, chopped
- 1 cup pear, chopped
- lettuce, of your choice
- crumbled feta
Instructions
- Combine the mayonnaise, sugar, Champagne, and vinegar. Whisk together until blended.
- Combine the salad dressing (above) , chicken, apples, pears in a bowl, and mix well. Serve over lettuce. Sprinkle with feta cheese.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found