Chicken Salad with Roquefort Dressing Recipe

Indulge in a delectable symphony of flavors with this Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Roquefort Dressing recipe. A fine balance of tender chicken, crunchy walnuts and tangy roquefort dressing, this salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will leave your palate enamored.

Photos of Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Roquefort Dressing Recipe

While most ingredients are easily available in a regular supermarket, Roquefort, a blue cheese from the south of France, might be a bit tricky to find. If it's not available, you could substitute it with any strong blue cheese. Similarly, if radicchio, a type of leaf chicory, isn't available, you can substitute it with red lettuce or any other leafy vegetable.

Ingredients for Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Roquefort Dressing

Walnuts: Add a delightful crunch and a slight bitterness to the salad.

Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and also in the dressing.

Chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, they form the main protein in this salad.

Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavor of the chicken.

Wine vinegar: Imparts a tangy flavor to the dressing.

Sour cream: Gives a creamy richness to the dressing.

Roquefort: A strong and tangy blue cheese that adds depth to the dressing.

Green leaf lettuce and Radicchio: Leafy greens that provide a fresh base for the salad.

One reader, Horst Arreola says:

This chicken salad with walnuts and Roquefort dressing is a game-changer! The combination of tender chicken, crunchy walnuts, and creamy Roquefort dressing is simply divine. The flavors blend perfectly, and the dressing adds a delightful tanginess. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a gourmet salad experience.

Horst Arreola

Essential Techniques for Making This Recipe

How to toast walnuts: In a large frying pan, toast the walnuts over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

How to cook chicken breasts: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in a pan with heated oil until browned, about 5 minutes on each side. Remove from the heat, cover the pan, and let the chicken steam for 5 minutes.

How to make roquefort dressing: In a glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Slowly add the oil while whisking, then add the roquefort and stir to combine, leaving the dressing chunky.

How to assemble the salad: Toss the lettuce and radicchio with half of the roquefort dressing in a large bowl. Place the salad on plates, top with the cooked chicken, spoon the remaining dressing over the chicken, and sprinkle with the toasted walnuts.

How To Make Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Roquefort Dressing

Level up your usual chicken salad with this easy recipe! Tender chicken and crunchy walnuts are tossed in a tangy and creamy dressing for a tasty meal.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½cupwalnuts
6tbspolive oil
1lbchicken breasts,boneless, skinless
salt
½tspfresh ground black pepper
1½tbspwine vinegar,red or white
2tbspsour cream
¼lbroquefort,or other blue cheese
1green leaf lettuce head,(about ½ lb)
2radicchio heads,(about 1 lb in all)

Instructions

In a large frying pan, toast the walnuts over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, until golden brown.
Remove the nuts from the pan and chop them into fairly large pieces.
In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over moderate heat. Season the chicken breasts with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper and add them to the pan.
Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, until brown. Turn and cook for about 3 minutes longer, until almost done.
Cover the pan, remove from the heat, and let steam for 5 minutes.
Remove the chicken breasts from the pan. When they are cool enough to handle, cut the chicken breasts into bite-size pieces.
In a glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sour cream, ⅛ teaspoon of salt, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Add the remaining 5 tablespoons of oil slowly, whisking.
Add the Roquefort and stir just to combine, leaving the dressing chunky.
In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, toss the lettuce and the radicchio with half the dressing.
Put the salad on plates. Top the salads with the chicken. Spoon the remaining dressing over the chicken and then sprinkle with the nuts.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 509.45kcal
Fat: 41.10g
Saturated Fat: 12.04g
Trans Fat: 0.12g
Monounsaturated Fat: 21.87g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.09g
Carbohydrates: 3.77g
Fiber: 0.68g
Sugar: 0.56g
Protein: 30.87g
Cholesterol: 101.21mg
Sodium: 601.30mg
Calcium: 221.22mg
Potassium: 477.31mg
Iron: 1.55mg
Vitamin A: 123.90µg
Vitamin C: 4.93mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting the Roquefort Dressing

When toasting walnuts, it's important to keep a close eye on them as they can easily burn due to their high oil content. Stir them frequently and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn golden brown. This will ensure they have a crunchy texture and rich flavor, which will enhance the overall taste of your chicken salad.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Roquefort Dressing

Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken in the dressing the night before to enhance the flavor and save time on the day of preparation.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Utilize leftover roasted or grilled chicken to cut down on cooking time and add extra flavor to the salad.

Pre-chopped ingredients: Purchase pre-chopped lettuce and radicchio to save time on prep work and make the recipe even more convenient.

Quick dressing: Use a store-bought Roquefort dressing to save time without compromising on flavor.

Efficient assembly: Prepare all the ingredients in advance and assemble the salad just before serving to save time and ensure the freshest taste.

Substitute Ingredients For Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Roquefort Dressing Recipe

walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Pecans have a similar rich, buttery flavor and crunchy texture, making them a great alternative to walnuts in this recipe.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can be marinated and grilled to provide a similar texture and protein content as chicken, making it a great vegetarian alternative.
roquefort - Substitute with gorgonzola: Gorgonzola cheese has a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it a suitable substitute for Roquefort in the dressing.
green leaf lettuce - Substitute with butter lettuce: Butter lettuce has a similar delicate texture and mild flavor, making it a good substitute for green leaf lettuce in this recipe.
radicchio - Substitute with endive: Endive has a slightly bitter flavor and crisp texture, making it a suitable substitute for radicchio in this recipe.

How to Beautifully Present This Chicken Salad

Elevate the salad with a composed presentation: Arrange the green leaf lettuce and radicchio in an artful manner on the plate to create an appealing base for the chicken salad.
Incorporate color contrast: Introduce vibrant elements such as edible flowers or microgreens to add a pop of color and visual interest to the dish.
Create height and dimension: Strategically layer the chicken salad, ensuring it is mounded elegantly on top of the bed of greens to create a visually striking presentation.
Garnish with toasted walnuts: Sprinkle the chopped, golden-brown walnuts over the chicken salad, adding a delightful crunch and enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Drizzle the roquefort dressing: Artfully drizzle the chunky roquefort dressing over the chicken salad, ensuring it cascades down the sides for a visually appealing finish.
Emphasize precision and attention to detail: Pay close attention to the placement of each component, ensuring that the presentation reflects a high level of culinary artistry and finesse.
Consider the plate as a canvas: Treat the plate as a canvas, using negative space to create balance and allowing the vibrant colors and textures of the dish to shine through.

Essential Tools for Making Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Roquefort Dressing

Frying pan: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It usually has low sides to allow for easy access to the food.
Knife: A sharp-edged utensil used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, incorporating air into the mixture.
Cutting board: A durable board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Salad bowl: A large bowl used for mixing and serving salads.
Tongs: A utensil with two arms that are joined at one end, used for picking up and manipulating food.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading foods.
Mixing bowl: A deep bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, incorporating air into the mixture.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces and heating liquids.

Storing and Freezing Instructions for Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Roquefort Dressing

To store leftover chicken salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The lettuce and radicchio may wilt slightly, but the flavors will continue to meld together.
If you want to prepare the chicken salad in advance, you can store the cooked chicken and dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture and freshness.
To freeze the chicken salad, it's best to freeze the components separately:
- Cook and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Toast and chop the walnuts, then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 6 months.
- Prepare the roquefort dressing and transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month.
To thaw, transfer the frozen components to the refrigerator and allow them to thaw overnight. The dressing may separate slightly, so give it a good whisk before using.
Assemble the chicken salad with fresh lettuce and radicchio just before serving for the best results. The previously frozen components may have a slightly different texture, but the flavors will still be delicious.

How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Salad

To reheat leftover chicken salad with walnuts and roquefort dressing, start by removing the salad from the refrigerator and letting it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This will help the flavors to meld together and the chicken to warm up slightly.
If you prefer your chicken salad to be slightly warmer, you can microwave it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the amount of salad you have. Be sure to use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Another option is to place the chicken salad in a skillet over low heat and stir gently until it is heated through. This method works well if you want to crisp up the walnuts a bit and give the chicken a slightly browned flavor.
If you find that the roquefort dressing has separated or become too thick after being refrigerated, you can whisk in a small amount of olive oil or sour cream to help bring it back together and make it creamier.
When reheating the chicken salad, be careful not to overheat it or let it sit at room temperature for too long, as this can cause the chicken to dry out and the lettuce to wilt. Serve the salad immediately after reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Interesting Trivia About Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Roquefort Dressing

The recipe for chicken salad with walnuts and Roquefort dressing is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It's a great way to incorporate lean protein, healthy fats, and leafy greens into your diet. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome meal option. Enjoying this salad can contribute to your daily intake of essential vitamins and minerals, promoting overall well-being. So, next time you're looking for a satisfying and nutritious meal, consider trying out this delightful chicken salad with walnuts and Roquefort dressing.

Is Making This Chicken Salad Recipe at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this chicken salad with walnuts and roquefort dressing recipe is quite favorable. The ingredients, such as chicken breasts, walnuts, and roquefort, are relatively affordable and can be used in various other dishes. The recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a versatile and satisfying option. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its taste, nutritional value, and versatility. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $25-$30, making it a budget-friendly and delicious choice.

Is This Chicken Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The chicken salad with walnuts and roquefort dressing recipe is a delicious combination of flavors, but it may not be the healthiest option. Here's why:

The recipe calls for a significant amount of olive oil, which is high in calories and fat. While olive oil is a healthier option compared to other oils, it should still be used in moderation.
Roquefort cheese is a type of blue cheese that is high in saturated fat and sodium. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease, while excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure.
The recipe does not include any additional vegetables or fruits, which are essential for a balanced and nutritious meal.

However, the recipe does have some healthy elements:

Chicken breast is a lean protein source that is low in fat and high in essential nutrients like vitamin B6 and niacin.
Walnuts are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
The salad greens, including lettuce and radicchio, are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the dressing or replace some of it with a lower-calorie option like chicken broth or lemon juice.
Use a lower-fat cheese like feta or goat cheese instead of roquefort, or reduce the amount of cheese used in the recipe.
Add more vegetables to the salad, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or carrots, to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
Use a whole grain bread or crackers instead of white bread or crackers to serve alongside the salad.
Reduce the portion size of the salad and serve it as a side dish rather than a main course.

By making these simple modifications, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of this chicken salad while also making it a healthier option.

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Chicken Salad Recipe

This chicken salad with walnuts and Roquefort dressing recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch, while the creamy Roquefort dressing provides a rich and tangy element to the dish. The tender, seasoned chicken pairs perfectly with the crisp lettuce and radicchio. The suggested wine recommendation adds an extra layer of sophistication to the meal. Overall, this recipe offers a balanced and elegant dish that is sure to impress with its harmonious blend of ingredients.

Enhance Your Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Roquefort Dressing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic and chives, topped with a dollop of butter.

Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and drizzled with a balsamic glaze.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits, such as juicy watermelon, sweet strawberries, and tangy pineapple, tossed in a light honey-lime dressing.

Similar Salad Recipes to Try

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: This creamy and flavorful risotto is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of earthy mushrooms and creamy rice makes for a satisfying and indulgent dish.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: These colorful and flavorful vegetable skewers are a great addition to any barbecue or cookout. The charred veggies are perfectly seasoned and make for a healthy and delicious side dish.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: This tropical-inspired chia pudding is a refreshing and nutritious dessert option. The combination of sweet mango and creamy coconut milk makes for a satisfying and guilt-free treat.

Spicy Lentil Soup: This hearty and warming lentil soup is packed with protein and flavor. The addition of spicy seasonings and aromatic herbs makes for a comforting and satisfying meal option.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Roquefort Dressing

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil: Transport your taste buds to Italy with this classic bruschetta topped with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. A refreshing and vibrant appetizer to awaken the palate.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Berry Parfait: Layer vibrant and juicy mixed berries with creamy Greek yogurt and crunchy granola for a refreshing and satisfying parfait that is perfect for a light and healthy dessert option.

Why trust this Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Roquefort Dressing Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring succulent chicken breasts paired with the rich, nutty crunch of walnuts. The creamy roquefort dressing adds a luxurious touch, perfectly complementing the crisp freshness of green leaf lettuce and radicchio. With the use of high-quality ingredients such as olive oil and the distinct tang of wine vinegar, this recipe promises a harmonious blend of savory and tangy notes. The careful preparation and thoughtful wine pairing recommendation showcase the attention to detail and expertise behind this dish, earning the trust of discerning home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.

Share your thoughts on this delicious Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Roquefort Dressing recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, you can substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh. You can also add in some roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for added flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components of this recipe ahead of time. You can cook the chicken, toast the walnuts, and make the dressing in advance. When you're ready to serve, simply assemble the salad with the prepped ingredients.

What can I use as a substitute for roquefort cheese?

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute the roquefort cheese with gorgonzola or blue cheese. If you're looking for a non-dairy option, you can use a creamy vegan cheese or a tangy cashew-based cheese as a substitute.

Can I use a different type of lettuce in this salad?

Absolutely! You can customize the salad with your preferred lettuce varieties. You can use romaine, butter lettuce, or even a mix of arugula and spinach to add different flavors and textures to the salad.

How can I adjust the dressing to my taste preferences?

If you prefer a tangier dressing, you can increase the amount of vinegar. For a creamier texture, you can add a bit more sour cream. Feel free to adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of sugar for a touch of sweetness or a dash of Dijon mustard for extra depth of flavor.