Best 2 Napa Valley Chicken Salad Recipes

Of all the chicken salad recipes in the world, Napa Valley stands proudly at the forefront of both flavor and sophistication. After all, the right combination of crisp vegetables, juicy chicken, tangy dressing, and perhaps a hint of unexpected spices can turn an ordinary salad into something that rivals a gourmet meal. If you're looking for a recipe that will take your taste buds on a culinary journey, you must try a Napa Valley chicken salad. With endless variations to explore, from classic to contemporary, there's a recipe out there to suit every palate. Prepare to embark on a sensational culinary experience with Napa Valley chicken salad.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

NAPA VALLEY CHICKEN SALAD

Napa Valley Chicken Salad image

Provided by Melissa d'Arabian : Food Network

Categories main-dish

Time 2h35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
8 ounces cooked chicken, diced
1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
2 green onions, white and green parts, finely chopped

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine the dressing and mustard and stir until well blended.
In a large bowl, the chicken, grapes, celery, pecans and green onion. Add the dressing to the salad and toss until evenly coated. Chill covered for two hours before serving.

NAPA VALLEY CHICKEN SALAD

NAPA VALLEY CHICKEN SALAD image

Categories Chicken Fruit Broil

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 25

Ingredients

5 oz Chicken Breast marinated
Marinade:
1 oz California Merlot
1 ea lime zest and juice
1 tsp cracked black pepper
1 tbsp grapeseed oil
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 oz Smoked goat cheese
4 oz red seedless grapes
2 oz grape tomatoes yellow if available
2 oz Bulls blood or baby red radicchio
2 oz red leaf lettuce thin ribbon cut
2 oz green leaf lettuce thin ribbon cut
2 oz baby frissee hand torn
4 oz romaine leetuce thin ribbon cut
corn tortilla chiffonade fried crisp
wonton chiffonade fried crisp
Merlot Dressing
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 ea fresno or red jalapeño stem and seeds removed
1 oz soy sauce
2 oz fine California merlot
2 oz grapeseed oil
salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Steps:

Mix marinade ingredients and add chicken. Allow to marinate for 4-24 hours. Char-broil until cooked thru then slice, cross grain, into thin strips. Mix all dressing ingredients except oil well then drizzle oil slowly while mixing to incorporate, set aside in cooler to bloom. Slice grapes in half Slice grape tomatoes in half Mix greens, grapes, and tomatoes with dressing place in bowl and top with remaining ingredients

Tips:

Choose high-quality ingredients: Use fresh, free-range chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and crunchy walnuts. The better the ingredients, the better the salad will taste.
Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken is tough and dry. Cook it just until it is cooked through, about 10 minutes per side for boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Use a variety of textures: The combination of tender chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and crunchy walnuts creates a salad that is both delicious and satisfying.
Make the dressing ahead of time: The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights.
Serve the salad chilled: This salad is best served chilled. This helps the flavors to meld and the dressing to thicken.

Conclusion:

Napa Valley Chicken Salad is a delicious and refreshing salad that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its combination of tender chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and crunchy walnuts, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table.