apple pie chicken salad

Happy Friday! I’m so happy it’s the weekend. I’m not exactly sure what we’ll be doing yet, but I just love the anticipation of 48 (or so) unscheduled hours. A local pub is serving these amazing peanut butter and jelly wings that I’ve been craving, so I’m thinking that might be a fun Friday night outing.

Speaking of cravings… This salad is one of those things that I crave like mad from time to time. It’s sooooo good and the flavors are unexpected and fantastic. It definitely reminds me of apple pie (thus the name.) Serve it in a pie plate if you feel like creating an extra adorable presentation. If you’re going to make up the salad and serve it immediately, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain greek yogurt. Don’t do the yogurt if the salad is going to sit in the fridge or it will become soggy and watery.

2 large sweet-tart apples, unpeeled and chopped

juice of 1 small lemon

3 to 4 cups cooked, cubed, chilled chicken

1 and 1/4 cups chopped celery

1/2 cup raisins or craisins

1/2 cup real mayonnaise

2 to 3 Tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 and 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon

salt and pepper to taste

4 oz. cheddar cheese, sliced and cut into little stars (use mini cookie cutter)

1 teaspoon freshly chopped (or dried) parsley for garnish

Place apples in a large mixing bowl and toss them with the fresh lemon juice to prevent them from browning. Add chicken, celery and raisins/craisins. Toss to mix.

In a small bowl, combine: mayonnaise, honey, vinegar, nutmeg, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Mix well. Fold into the chicken mixture. Mix well. Transfer to a deep dish, glass pie plate or a pretty serving bowl. Cut out stars and place them all over the top of the salad just prior to serving. Sprinkle with a little chopped, fresh (or dried) parsley, if desired.

Enjoy!

~Melissa