Chicken Salad with Marcona Almonds

This isn't what I would call a real recipe, but if you assemble these key ingredients together you'll be amazed that something so simple can be so delightful.

Trader Joe's has started carrying thick sliced roast chicken breast - exactly like what you would make at home. I do roast a chicken often - once every week or two - but I don't always have extra meat left over so it is handy to be able to pick this up all ready to go into my salad.

When I see the words "Chicken Salad" the first thought that pops into my head is mayonnaise and I'm not a big fan of mayo so I'm kind of turned off before I even got going. My preferred dressing for chicken in a salad is a balsamic vinaigrette. Make your own - it is so easy to do and, in my opinion, so much better than anything you can buy.

The Marcona Almonds from Trader Joe's really make this dish. Regular Marcona almonds are roasted in olive oil and they are rich and oily and delicious, but Trader Joe's sells theirs not merely roasted but also seasoned with coarse sea salt and rosemary which is amazing and does wonders combined with these other ingredients.

I like my vinaigrette quite acidic so I make it with equal parts oil and vinegar. Feel free to reduce the vinegar if you find it too strong for your tastes.

The combination of textures and flavors is so bright and exciting - the apple is crisp and sour/sweet, the dressing is bright and acidic, the almonds are nutty and fragrant with rosemary and the chicken gives it some meatiness and heft. Ooooh it is so good I'm going to have to go make up another batch right away.

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Chicken Salad with Marcona Almonds

1/4 pound thick sliced roast chicken breast, cubed
1 Macoun apple, peeled and cubed (a fuji, or granny smith would be okay if Macoun's are not available)
a handful (or more if desired) roasted and salted Marcona Almonds with rosemary
balsamic vinaigrette to taste (see below for recipe)

Combine the first three ingredients in a bowl. Drizzle dressing over. Toss. Taste and add more dressing if desired.
Eat!

Serves 1


Sara's Easy Balsamic Vinaigrette

1 part good extra virgin olive oil
1 part balsamic vinegar
1-2 teaspoons dijon mustard

Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting screw on cap or lid (a Ball canning jar works well). Shake vigourously until ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Your dressing is ready to use.