Pistachio Poppy Seed Chicken Salad gets sassy with the addition of poppy seeds and a dash of a spunky Dijon-Buttermilk dressing. This is great dish to make ahead and serve with Watermelon Salad at a luncheon, wedding, or baby shower. Keep a fresh batch of this shredded chicken salad in the refrigerator during the summer months for a quick snack or entree!
This flavorful and light chicken salad is absolutely delicious on a spring or summer day! The Dijon-buttermilk dressing brings together the flavors and the crushed pistachios add a hint of savory and crunch!
What Ingredients are in Pistachio Chicken Salad?
The ingredients are:
- Shredded chicken
- Chopped celery, red onion and pistachios
The dressing ingredients are:
- Mayonnaise and
- Dijon mustard
- Buttermilk
- Poppy seeds
- Sugar, salt, pepper, vinegar
Do I Use Dark or White Meat?
You can use dark or white chicken in this Pistachio chicken salad recipe. Some people like only white meat in their chicken salad while others prefer a combination of the two. Dark meat seemingly has a little more flavor, but it's really up to you and your personal preference.
How Do I Cook Chicken for Chicken Salad?
There are a few methods for cooking chicken:
- Bake: Lightly season meat with salt and pepper; place in baking dish and cover with foil; cook at 350ºF until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF
- Boil: place chicken in salted water and bring to boil; cook until the center of the chicken parts reach 165ºF
- Crock pot: place chicken and water in a slow cooker and cook on low 5 hours
After the chicken is cooked, shred the chicken using two forks. If you elect to use a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, simply remove the skin and shred the chicken.
How Long Does it Last in the Refrigerator?
Generally speaking, Pistachio chicken salad lasts 3-5 days in the refrigerator provided it is covered tightly and stored in an uncrowded refrigerator.
Can I Freeze Chicken Salad?
Unfortunately, mayonnaise does not freeze well and separates when frozen. On the other hand, "salad dressings" (like Miracle Whip), are often used as a mayonnaise substitute because they can be frozen without separating.
Looking for other light luncheon recipes? Try Smoked Turkey Salad, Classic Egg Salad or Shrimp Salad
Pistachio Poppyseed Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded chicken
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1/3 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pistachios shelled, finely ground
Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Instructions
- Cook the chicken (see recipe notes) or buy a rotisserie chicken; remove any skin and shred the meat
- Place shredded chicken, chopped pistachios, onion and celery in a large bowl; set aside
- In a small bowl, combine dressing ingredients
- Pour half of dressing over chicken; combine well; add more dressing if desired after it's rested in the fridge
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes
- Remove from refrigerator; add remaining dressing if desired; let sit for 10 minutes prior to serving
Notes
- No buttermilk? Use sour cream, kefir or plain yogurt instead!
Do I Use Dark or White Meat?
You can use dark or white meat in this healthy recipe. Some people like only white meat in their chicken salad while others prefer a combination of the two. Dark meat seemingly has a little more flavor, but it's really up to you and your personal preference.How Do I Cook Chicken for Chicken Salad?
There are a few methods for cooking chicken:- Bake: Lightly season meat with salt and pepper; place in baking dish and cover with foil; cook at 350ºF until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF
- Boil: place chicken in salted water and bring to boil; cook until the center of the chicken parts reach 165ºF
- Crock pot: place chicken and water in a slow cooker and cook on low 5 hours
How Long Does it Last in the Refrigerator?
Generally speaking, foods last 3-5 days in the refrigerator provided they are covered tightly and stored in an uncrowded refrigerator.Can I Freeze Chicken Salad?
Unfortunately, mayonnaise does not freeze well and separates when frozen. On the other hand, "salad dressings" (like Miracle Whip), are often used as a mayonnaise substitute because they can be frozen without separating.Nutrition
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