Paleo Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe

Be Well by Kelly is always looking out for us, and the second we think about throwing in the towel and reaching for our favorite pint of Ben & Jerry’s, she throws a delicious salad together that keeps us healthy and happy (don’t worry Ben & Jerry, your time will come). Check out how easy and delicious this is, and who doesn’t love a great chicken salad!

From Kelly:

Fat is not the enemy it is cracked up to be, even Mayonnaise and Aioli.  The Paleo movement, Keto diet and even Time Magazine are bringing the truth to light. In a number of studies, saturated fat has been shown to have extremely positive effects on the body, including skin health, brain health, hormone production, liver efficiency and even immunity. Eating saturated fat increases free testosterone levels, which help to repair tissue, preserve muscle, and improve sexual function. Adding grass fed butter or coconut oil to your diet will help white blood cells to recognize and destroy invading viruses and bacteria. Eating more olive and avocado oil will not only help your skin glow from the inside out but it will encourage your liver cells to dump their fat cells and function more effectively.

So, fat really doesn’t make you fat? No! Unfortunately, the opposite is true in the last 30 years we cut fat consumption by 10% and have seen our obesity rate double. So, what’s the catch? The health of fat depends on the type, how it is processed and how you cook with it. Avoid all processed seed, corn and soybean oil, they are corrosive and most are genetically modified. Instead, cook with fats that are solid at room temperature like coconut oil, grass fed butter or ghee. For dressings or mayo, stick to olive or avocado oil bottled in a dark container and keep them in a cool dark place to avoid oxidation.

My tip for you; download a cooking oil smoke point chart and never let that oil be heated past its threshold. When oil smokes it oxidizes creating free radicals and requiring your body to neutralize it with antioxidants. Instead hydrate with coconut and olive oils and stay young vibrant and well!

Waldorf Chicken Salad

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

3 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 cup seedless red grapes, halved

1 large Gala apple, diced

1 cup diced celery

¼ cup diced red onion

1/2 cup clean aioli (or make your own #bewellmayo)

1 head butter lettuce

Salt and pepper to taste

STEP 1: Preheat oven to 350°. Bake walnuts in a single layer in a shallow pan 4 to 5 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.

STEP 2: Stir together chicken, grapes, apple, celery, onion, mayo and walnuts. Add salt and pepper to taste.

STEP 3: Place a few leafs of washed butter lettuce in a bowl and cover with a large scoop of chicken salad.

Enjoy!

Photography: Kylie Chevalier