Preposterous Chicken Salad
Make Preposterous Chicken Salad: a bright, crunchy chicken and grape salad with creamy paprika dressing, ready in 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¾ teaspoon celery salt
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons milk, (to thin out if necessary)
- 3-4 cups lettuce mix
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cup red grapes, (halved)
- ½ cup green onions, (diced)
- 1 cup salted cashews
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, (halved)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the dressing
Whisk together mayonnaise, celery salt, and paprika in a small bowl until smooth and homogenous; if the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of milk and whisk again until the dressing becomes silky and pourable but still creamy. Transfer the finished dressing to a small glass jar, seal or cover briefly, and set it refrigerated or to the side to keep cool while you assemble the salad.
Step 2: Combine the salad components
Place the mixed greens, shredded cooked chicken, halved grapes, diced green onions, whole salted cashews, and halved cherry tomatoes into a large matte grey ceramic bowl; use wooden salad servers to toss gently but thoroughly, folding the ingredients so the textures—tender chicken fibers, glossy grape interiors, crisp lettuce edges, and crunchy cashews—become evenly distributed. Toss until the salad reads as one cohesive mixture with clear textural contrast and moisture balance.
Step 3: Dress and finish
Spoon or lightly drizzle the chilled creamy dressing over the tossed salad, then give one gentle lift-and-fold so some leaves and chicken pick up the dressing while plenty of glossy, undressed pockets remain for contrast; scatter a few extra cashews and a couple halved cherry tomatoes on top for bright highlights. Place the dressing jar and a small bowl of extra cherry tomatoes nearby for serving and final adjustments.
Step 4: Plate and serve
Serve the Preposterous Chicken Salad in the same matte grey ceramic bowl used for tossing, arranging the salad so vibrant greens form a lush bed with shredded chicken, halved grapes, green onions, toasted cashews, and tomato halves peeking through; present it ready to eat, the dressing visible as a creamy sheen and delicate drizzles across the surface.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- Toast cashews lightly for deeper nuttiness.
- Prepare dressing ahead and chill for cleaner assembly.
- Keep dressing separate if making ahead to prevent soggy greens.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a tangier option.