This photo has been used for illustrative purpose only.

Walnuts and basil flavor this simple chicken salad. It’s a flavorful salad that is easy to put together. The only cooking is to toast the walnuts to enhance their flavor. So, it’s perfect for a hot summer night.

With using store-bought chicken, this dinner can be ready in less than 10 minutes.

Helpful Hints:

Any type of cooked chicken can be used, such as chicken strips or rotisserie chicken.

Almonds or pecans can be used instead of walnuts.

Toast walnuts.

Mix mayonnaise and tomatoes together for the sauce.

Complete the salad.

WALNUT CHICKEN SALAD

1/4 cup broken walnuts

1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise

1 cup reduced-sodium canned diced tomato, drained

10 ounces cooked boneless, skinless, chicken breast

4 cups washed, ready-to-eat salad greens, torn into 2 to 3-inch pieces

1/2 cup sliced celery

1/4 cup fresh basil torn into bite-size pieces

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 whole wheat rolls

Place walnuts on a foil lined baking sheet in a toaster oven or under a broiler and heat 1 to 2 minutes. Watch to see they don’t burn. Mix mayonnaise and tomatoes in a medium-size bowl. Cut chicken into 1/2 to 1-inch cubes. Add to a bowl. Add walnuts, celery, basil and salt and pepper to taste. Toss well. Divide lettuce leaves between two plates. Spoon chicken salad over leaves. Serve with the rolls.

Tribune News Service