“Chicken Salad with Currants and Almonds”

Being able to come home and create a dish I’ve eaten at a restaurant or picked up from my local market is pure joy. That means instead of dropping by the restaurant or market for something I love, I just make sure to have the ingredients on hand and come home to make the dish myself. Creating the recipe is the most fun. Figuring out the tastes within the dish helps me and you recognize flavors more and more. You can do the same…try my Chicken Salad with Currants and Almonds.

Chicken Salad with Currants and Almonds

This Chicken Salad with Currants and Almonds is a salad I purchased about a year ago from Fresh Thyme Market. I am not a huge fan of chicken salad at most markets but this one just spoke to me. Most chicken salads at the deli either has too much mayonnaise or salad dressing. The salad is swimming in it or too savory, too much fruit and no seasoning. I wanted a chicken salad that could be eaten on bread, alone with crackers or served on Bibb lettuce leaves. That’s the kind of chicken salad I’m talking about.

Chicken Salad with Currants and Almonds

Well I found the one and I’ve been making my version of this chicken salad ever since. If ever in a hurry or have no time, I’ll buy from the market but rather make it at home. In addition, no sogginess or watery salad as some market purchased can be. Currants and almonds are dry hence no extra liquid.

The next best thing about chicken salad is preparing it for both lunch and dinner. I love those kind of meals, don’t you? Lunch could be served on bread or eaten with crackers. But for dinner, serve this salad on a Bibb lettuce leaves. Perfect for a light dinner and a paired glass of wine. Sounding pretty good to me, how about you?

Chicken Salad with Currants and Almonds

Kids will be going back to school soon and maybe you want to have the girls over for lunch without the kids around. Feel a little Mommy time coming on…so why not give my Chicken Salad with Currants and Almonds a try. Go ahead, live a little! Enjoy a refreshing, enjoyable, fun afternoon with the girls. They’ll think you really made a fuss but really took no time at all to mix up. Otherwise, make this salad for your lunch or bring a big bowl to an outdoor picnic. Just remember not to keep the salad out for more than half an hour and then back in the refrigerator to remain cool. My hopes are you will enjoy this salad as much as I do and create your own recipes from your favorite deli and market.

Chicken Salad with Currants and Almonds

Chicken Salad with Currants and Almonds

1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded

1 shallot, finely chopped

1 rib of celery, finely chopped

1/3 cup slivered almonds

1/3 cup Zante currants

2 T. sweet pickle juice

1 cup Olive oil mayonnaise (I use Hellman’s)

In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients.

Chill 2 hours in refrigerator to allow flavors to blend. Serve as desired.

Note: Serving suggestions – sandwiches on whole grain bread or on Bibb lettuce