Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Southwest Crunch Chicken Salad



Chicken salad has never really been one of those meals I've craved when hungry, but after trying this recipe, I'm hooked! I loved the crunch and flavor of this salad, especially when rolled into a tortilla with lettuce and tomato. The dressing is tangy and full of fresh cilantro, the bacon adds such great smoky flavor (as bacon always does!), and the cashews and peppers make it nice and crunchy. I probably had this for lunch three days in a row and never got sick of it! This is perfect for entertaining guests, or going on a picnic!

Southwest Crunch Chicken Salad
Adapted slightly from Taste of Home, Healthy Cooking June/July 2009

Ingredients

1/2 cups fat free mayo
1/4 cup fresh minced cilantro
1/8 cup lime juice
1/8 cup orange juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups shredded or cubed chicken
1-1/3 cup chopped red pepper
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 cup cashews
1/4 pound center cut bacon strips, cooked and diced

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Add mayo mixture; toss to coat. Chill until serving.

20 comments:

Cathy said...

Yum, this is my kind of chicken salad. I like the crunch too, and the cashews would be just right. What a quick and easy meal. Right on!!!

Denise said...

This looks just great. I am making chicken salad as we speak. I love the addition of cilantro.

Barbara Bakes said...

I love that you serve it on a tortilla! Looks delicious!

theUngourmet said...

Hurray for bacon! These look very tasty. You know how I love wraps. :0)

Jenn said...

Bacon makes everything better! LOL. Nice job on the chicken salad. I love the added crunch to it.

Katy ~ said...

Oh does this sound good (except for the cilantro LOL). Perfect idea to serve it in a tortilla. I think I could eat this for lunch three days in a row too!!

Anonymous said...

Great recipe for chicken salad! Love it, love it, love it!

Lara said...

This looks like it's totally up my alley. Yum!

Melody said...

That is so funny! I was looking at this recipe about 30 minutes ago. I was looking through the Healthy Cooking magazine and telling my hubby that I need to stop making so many "cheat day" recipes. I then "doggie eared" this recipe to try! Glad to hear that you liked it!

Donna-FFW said...

Teresa.. It sounds so flavorful . Never thought o try chicken salad with cilantro, lime.. must be wonderful..

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

Talk about looks wonderful. I love this version of chicken salad!

Reeni said...

I could eat this three days in a row too! How delicious with the cashews and flavors from the citrus and bacon!

♥peachkins♥ said...

mmmmmm This is my kind of chicken salad

Anonymous said...

Oh, you just have to put the words southwest and crunch together and you've got my attention! LOVE the salad!

Anonymous said...

The crunch in this salad is just what my sous chef would love.

I myself am in love with the use of bacon...yummm

Debbie said...

Looks and sounds delicious. I could easily eat this several days for lunch too. The flavors sound really good together.

Anonymous said...

This sounds great - although I am not a huge mayo fan - I may sub ff sour cream instead - yum!

Pam said...

I love the flavors in this chicken salad. I also really like that it's healthy.

admin said...

That looks like a yummy quick meal for a hot summer day.

Alissa said...

YUM! Can't believe I didn't comment on this yet! This was a killer tasty lunch!!! Thanks for sharing!