Pin It A vibrant and refreshing appetizer of tender chicken salad, bright fruits, and crunchy nuts, served in crisp lettuce cups—perfect for festive gatherings.
This recipe quickly became a favorite at my holiday parties because it is easy to prepare and always impresses guests.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Salad: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded, 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped, 1/2 cup red grapes, halved, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped, 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
- Dressing: 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Serving: 6 large lettuce leaves (e.g., butter lettuce or romaine), Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, celery, grapes, cranberries, nuts, and spring onions.
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Step 3:
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Step 4:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 5:
- Spoon the chicken salad evenly into the lettuce leaves to form individual cups.
- Step 6:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired. Serve immediately.
Pin It My family always enjoys sharing these fresh salad cups together during festive occasions.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of curry powder or smoked paprika to the dressing. Substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience. Serve as a light lunch or as part of a festive appetizer spread.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, small mixing bowl, whisk or fork, sharp knife, cutting board, spoon
Nutritional Information
Calories: 180, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 9 g, Protein: 13 g (per cup)
Pin It This chicken salad cup recipe is a simple yet elegant addition to any festive menu.
Recipe FAQs
- → What lettuce types work best for the cups?
Butter lettuce or romaine leaves are ideal as they are sturdy enough to hold the filling while offering a crisp texture.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute that saves preparation time without compromising flavor.
- → How can I make this dish nut-free?
Replace pecans or walnuts with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a crunchy, nut-free alternative.
- → Is the dressing adjustable for different tastes?
Absolutely, you can add spices like curry powder or smoked paprika to enrich the dressing's flavor profile.
- → What occasions suit this dish best?
This colorful chicken and fruit combination works wonderfully as a festive appetizer or a light lunch option for gatherings.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those avoiding gluten.