Simple and Delicious New Year Chicken Salad

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

300 grams (10.6 ounces) boiled chicken

250 grams (8.8 ounces) canned or boiled beans

150 grams (5.3 ounces) pomegranate seeds

50 grams (1.8 ounces) walnuts

1 bunch of cilantro

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

We recommend:

For boiled chicken:

Prime best seller

4.6

(10,295) Swanson Original White Chunk Fully Cooked Chicken, Ready to Eat, Simple On-the-Go Meals, 2.6 OZ Pouch $1.78 $1.98 View details Prime

Sweet Sue Premium Chicken Breast, 3 Ounce (Pack of 18) - 19g Protein per Serving, 97% Fat Free - Gluten Free, Keto Friendly - Great for Snack, Lunch or Dinner Recipes

4.6

(3,162) Sweet Sue Premium Chicken Breast, 3 Ounce (Pack of 18) - 19g Protein per Serving, 97% Fat Free - Gluten Free, Keto Friendly - Great for Snack, Lunch or Dinner Recipes $47.50 View details Prime

4.7

(3,790) McCormick Perfect Pinch Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning, 5 oz $4.68 View details

For canned beans:

Prime best seller

4.6

(5,107) BUSH'S BEST 8.3 oz Canned Homestyle Baked Beans, Source of Plant Based Protein and Fiber, Low Fat, Gluten Free, (Pack of 12) $20.28 View details Prime

4.6

(2,451) Joan of Arc Beans, Butter Beans, 15.5 Ounce (Pack of 12) $26.95 View details Prime

4.6

(3,061) BUSH'S BEST 16 oz Canned Baby Butter Beans, Source of Plant Based Protein and Fiber, Low Fat, Gluten Free, (Pack of 12) $24.95 View details

For pomegranate seeds:

Prime

3.6

(1) Survival Grocery® - Freeze Dried Pomegranate (10 oz.) $32.99 View details Prime

BSD Organics Dried Pomegranate Seed/Matuḷai Vithai/Anaar Beej/Anardana for Soups,Chutneys, Relishes, and Spice Rubs for Meat, Seafood and More (50 Gram / 1.7 Ounce)

(1) BSD Organics Dried Pomegranate Seed/Matuḷai Vithai/Anaar Beej/Anardana for Soups,Chutneys, Relishes, and Spice Rubs for Meat, Seafood and More (50 Gram / 1.7 Ounce) $16.00 View details

For walnuts:

Prime

4.7

(19,836) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly California Walnuts Halves and Pieces, 40 ounce $14.20 View details Prime best seller

Fisher Chef's Naturals Chopped Walnuts 10 oz, 100% California Unsalted Walnuts for Baking & Cooking, Snack Topping, Resealable Bag, Great with Yogurt & Cereal, Vegan Protein, Keto Snack

4.7

(30,900) Fisher Chef's Naturals Chopped Walnuts 10 oz, 100% California Unsalted Walnuts for Baking & Cooking, Snack Topping, Resealable Bag, Great with Yogurt & Cereal, Vegan Protein, Keto Snack $4.34 $5.06 View details Prime

4.7

(8,433) 365 by Whole Foods Market, Walnut Halves And Pieces, 16 Ounce $10.99 View details

For fresh cilantro:

Prime

Badia Cilantro Lime Salt 8 Oz, Cilantro Seasoning Blend For Grilled Meat And Veggies, With Silver Ss Bottle Opener Keychain, All-Purpose Lime Pepper Seasoning, Resealable Container, [Pack Of 4

(4) Badia Cilantro Lime Salt 8 Oz, Cilantro Seasoning Blend For Grilled Meat And Veggies, With Silver Ss Bottle Opener Keychain, All-Purpose Lime Pepper Seasoning, Resealable Container, [Pack Of 4 $22.46 View details Prime

McCormick Culinary Freeze Dried Cilantro, 1.25 oz - One 1.25 Ounce Container of Dried Cilantro Leaves for a Citrus-Like Flavor, Best for Mexican Cuisine, Salads, Guacamole and More

4.7

(595) McCormick Culinary Freeze Dried Cilantro, 1.25 oz - One 1.25 Ounce Container of Dried Cilantro Leaves for a Citrus-Like Flavor, Best for Mexican Cuisine, Salads, Guacamole and More $30.02 View details Prime

4.8

(7) McCormick Cilantro Leaves, 0.5 oz (Pack of 6) $27.90 View details

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare Chicken

Begin by boiling the chicken until it is fully cooked and tender. Once done, allow it to cool before shredding or chopping it into small pieces. It's important that the chicken is not too hot as you will be mixing it with other ingredients.

After chopping the chicken, place it in a large mixing bowl. This will be the base of your salad.

Step 2

Add Beans and Pomegranate

Next, open the cans of beans, drain them, and rinse under cold water to remove any excess sodium. Add the beans to the bowl with the chicken.

Now, take the pomegranate seeds and gently fold them into the mixture. The seeds will add a delightful sweetness and a pop of color to your salad.

Step 3

Incorporate Walnuts and Cilantro

Roughly chop the walnuts and add them to the bowl. They will bring a nice crunch to the salad.

Chop the cilantro finely and sprinkle it over the mixture. This herb adds freshness and aroma, enhancing the overall flavor.

Step 4

Season the Salad

Finally, season your salad with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Stir everything together until well-combined, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving. Enjoy this simple and delicious chicken salad at your New Year’s Eve table!

Servings

Serving Suggestions: Imagine presenting this stunning salad at your next holiday party! 🌟 Toss together all the ingredients and serve it in a beautiful glass bowl to showcase those lovely pomegranate seeds. For a pop of color and flavor, consider garnishing with fresh herbs or additional nuts on top. **Pair it with** crispy bread or pita for a delightful crunch.
✨ Want to make it a complete meal? Serve alongside roasted veggies or a light soup for a well-rounded dining experience. Your guests will love how this chicken salad brings freshness and vibrancy to the table, making it a holiday hit! 🥗

Equipment

Mixing Bowl

Ensure you have a large mixing bowl to combine all your ingredients effortlessly. A glass or BPA-free plastic bowl is ideal for ease of mixing and viewing.

We recommend:

Prime

YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage

4.7

(9,737) YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage $27.99 $35.99 View details Prime best seller

4.8

(29,369) Pyrex Glass, 3-Piece, 3 PC Mixing Bowl Set $17.53 View details Prime

REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful)

4.8

(8,743) REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful) $26.99 View details

Chopping Board and Knife

A sharp knife will help you to chop, slice, and dice the ingredients to perfection. Keep your chopping board clean and stable during prep for safety.

We recommend:

Prime

Smart Cutting Board & Knife Set,Self Cleaning Cutting Board Set with 4 Stainless Steel Knives,3 Color Coded Cutting Boards,10 Pairs of Chopsticks and 1 Pair of Scissors (colourful)

4.7

(9) Smart Cutting Board & Knife Set,Self Cleaning Cutting Board Set with 4 Stainless Steel Knives,3 Color Coded Cutting Boards,10 Pairs of Chopsticks and 1 Pair of Scissors (colourful) $149.99 View details Prime

Thirteen Chefs Cutting Boards for Kitchen - 30 x 18 x 0.5" White Color Coded Plastic Cutting Board with Non Slip Surface - Dishwasher Safe Chopping Board

4.7

(14,148) Thirteen Chefs Cutting Boards for Kitchen - 30 x 18 x 0.5" White Color Coded Plastic Cutting Board with Non Slip Surface - Dishwasher Safe Chopping Board $47.99 $63.99 View details Prime

Smart Cutting Board and Knife Set - Self Cleaning Cutting Board Set with 4 Color Coded Cutting Boards, 4 Stainless Steel Knives, 2-Step Sharpener - Drying Holder Organizer for Kitchen

4.6

(72) Smart Cutting Board and Knife Set - Self Cleaning Cutting Board Set with 4 Color Coded Cutting Boards, 4 Stainless Steel Knives, 2-Step Sharpener - Drying Holder Organizer for Kitchen $149.99 $169.95 View details

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements can make or break your dish! Use dry and liquid measuring tools to ensure you have just the right amounts of beans, nuts, and seasonings.

We recommend:

Prime

Spring Chef Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons Set of 14 with Leveler, Nesting Kitchen Metal Measuring Cups and Spoons Set for Dry and Liquid Ingredients, Perfect for Cooking & Baking

4.8

(23,103) Spring Chef Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons Set of 14 with Leveler, Nesting Kitchen Metal Measuring Cups and Spoons Set for Dry and Liquid Ingredients, Perfect for Cooking & Baking $21.99 View details Prime

Simply Gourmet Measuring Cups and Spoons Set of 12, 304 Premium Stainless Steel, Stackable Cups Long Handle Spoons Fits Narrow Jars, Kitchen Gadgets for Liquid & Dry Ingredients Cooking Baking

4.8

(8,140) Simply Gourmet Measuring Cups and Spoons Set of 12, 304 Premium Stainless Steel, Stackable Cups Long Handle Spoons Fits Narrow Jars, Kitchen Gadgets for Liquid & Dry Ingredients Cooking Baking $32.98 $45.99 View details Prime

4.7

(8,763) Stainless Steel Measuring Cups And Measuring Spoons 10-Piece Set, 5 Cups And 5 Spoons $13.95 $17.98 View details

Variations

Gluten-Free and Vegan Variations:

Looking to adapt this recipe? 🌱 For a gluten-free version, simply make sure to choose gluten-free beans and check any additional ingredients for hidden gluten. Enjoy the same tasty textures without any worry!
🤗 For a vegan twist, swap out the chicken for marinated tofu or chickpeas to maintain that protein punch while keeping it plant-based. You can also replace the honey dressing with a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of agave for added sweetness. **Everyone will enjoy** these flavorful variations, making it inclusive for everyone at the table!

Faq

How do I cook the chicken properly for this salad?
Boil or poach the chicken until cooked through and no longer pink in the center, approximately 15-20 minutes depending on thickness. Let it cool before shredding or chopping.
Can I use canned beans instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned beans are convenient and save time. Just make sure to rinse and drain them before adding to the salad!
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
Prepare all the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. Combine just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.
What can I do if I want more crunch in my salad?
Consider adding some toasted seeds or nuts, such as sunflower seeds or slivered almonds, for an extra crunch that complements the creamy elements of the salad.
How can I enhance the flavors further?
Marinating the chicken in spices or a dressing prior to cooking can really amp up the flavor. Don’t skip on the seasoning; salt and pepper make a big difference!
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just remember to keep any dressing separate until you're ready to eat for maximum freshness.