Chicken Waldorf Salad

This recipe takes the classic Waldorf Salad and turns it into a main dish for a hot summer day. The combination of chicken and fruit is wonderful with the crystallized ginger, a different twist for salad in our home. I did make the original salad without the addition of the ginger and it was very good, the ginger just gives it a new flavor. I do hope you might give it a try for your family, blessings...

Recipe:   

2 cups chopped, cooked chicken
1 cup diced celery
1 cup grapes, halved
1 can (11 oz.) Mandarin oranges, drained
1 cup diced apple
1/4 cup broken pecans, toasted
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup mayonnaise (light is fine)
2 tsps. honey
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tsps. brandy
1 tbsp. minced crystallized ginger (opt.)

1. Toss together chicken, fruit and pecans.
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients.
3. Gently stir dressing into chicken and fruit; serve immediately.

Note: Toast the pecans in a small frying pan over low heat for about 10 - 15 minutes, stirring often. Watch carefully so they don't burn. Let cool before adding to salad. Toasting the nuts brings out the flavor, so it is well worth the effort.
Note: If you have leftovers, they taste fine, but you will need to drain off the extra moisture that comes from the fruit juices.

Serves: 4