Cranberry Mustard Chicken Salad

When hosting a dinner party, no matter what the menu is, it’s always good to include some type of salad. A perfect green salad is a delight, an interesting bouquet that’s always the most natural, unprocessed and refreshing part of the meal. This salad from Chef Lovely doesn’t disappoint.

Cranberry Mustard Chicken Salad served in Belgian Endive Leaves

Yields 20-25 pieces

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts

3 Tbsp olive oil

¼ cup Dijon mustard

3 Tbsp whole grain mustard

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup dried cranberries, rough chop

½ cup apples, washed and peeled, small dice

1 large shallot, minced

1 tsp sugar

Salt & pepper to taste

½ cup sliced almonds

3 heads of Belgian endive, washed

Procedure

Place chicken in a large bowl with the olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. With your hands, toss the chicken in the olive oil and seasonings making sure to evenly coat the chicken. Place chicken breast on a foil lined baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

When chicken is done (165 internal temperature) set aside and let cool. Once cool, shred the chicken or cut into small chunks,

Add all ingredients except the endive leaves and almonds to a large bowl and mix well.

Let mixture sit in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. Over night if possible.

Tear the endive leaves off one at a time leaving them whole. Wash and dry them.

Place a small spoonful of the chicken salad in each of the leaves. Sprinkle a few almonds on top of each endive leave for crunch.

*Chef Lovely Tip – You can also grill your chicken instead of bake. It’s just as healthy and will give a nice smokey flavor to your chicken salad. You can also substitute the dried cranberries for grapes. This appetizer is easy, beautiful, and taste wonderful!

About Chef Lovely: Many of you remember her from starring on the hit television show Hell’s Kitchen. She’s also Executive Chef/Owner of “Lovely Eats” A catering company that can cater any event or function. Lovely recently released her debut album, “Hip Hop Glam” under her label TEC Music.