Description
The Cherry Jalapeno Chicken Salad offers a vibrant and exciting lunch option combining tender chicken breast with sweet cherries and the spicy kick of jalapenos. Balanced with crisp vegetables and a creamy lime-infused dressing, this salad provides a healthy, flavorful, and quick-to-prepare meal that’s perfect for lunchboxes, dinners, or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 cooked chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Fruits & Vegetables
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and diced
- 1–2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped (adjust heat as desired)
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish and mixing)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken breast by grilling, baking, or poaching until fully done. Allow it to cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces to form the salad base.
- Chop the Fresh Ingredients: Dice the fresh cherries, jalapenos (removing seeds if milder heat is preferred), celery stalks, and red onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure an even mix of flavors and textures in every bite.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the dressing is smooth and tangy, providing a creamy binder for the salad.
- Combine Everything: In a large bowl, gently fold together the chopped chicken, cherries, jalapenos, celery, and onion. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Tear fresh cilantro or your preferred herb over the salad and give a final gentle mix. Serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Notes
- Choose ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor.
- Wear gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid skin irritation and avoid touching your face.
- Cook chicken evenly by grilling or baking with consistent thickness for juicy results.
- Chill the salad before serving to allow flavors to blend.
- If dressing is too thick, thin it with a splash of water or extra lime juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: chicken salad, cherry jalapeno salad, quick lunch, healthy chicken salad, spicy chicken salad, summer salad