Chicken salad meets "Michigan salad" with the flavors of tart dried cherries, blue cheese, walnuts and apples in a light Greek yogurt dressing. We serve this on top of crisp Romaine lettuce leaves, wrap-style. This Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad is the perfect addition to any summer BBQ or picnic, or as a light lunch or fast weeknight dinner. If lettuce wraps aren't your style, you can put it on whole wheat crackers or whole grain bread or even just eat a scoop of it on its own.
Michigan Cherry Facts
They are red, they are tasty, and they are one of Michigan’s most prized specialty crops!
- Michigan produces both tart (perfect for baked goods, entrees, snacks, smoothies, salads, and other recipes) and sweet (for fresh eating) cherries.
- Fresh sweet Michigan cherries are in season from late June to August while Montmorency tart cherries (another Michigan specialty) are available throughout the year in dried, frozen, canned, or as juices and concentrates.
- Michigan grows 70% of the United States’ supply of tart cherries, ranking first in production.
- Michigan is the leading producer in the world for Montmorency tart cherries, known as “America’s Superfruit.”
Cherries: America’s Superfruit
Montmorency tart cherries have among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants compared to other fruits. A growing number of elite athletes and everyday exercisers are incorporating cherries in their training routines, as some studies have shown that Montmorency tart cherry juice may help reduce strength loss and aid recovery after extensive exercise. Research indicates that Montmorency tart cherry juice may also help improve the quality and duration of sleep. Cherries contain beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron and fiber.
Whether you are from Michigan or not, there is a variety of health and flavor reasons to give these Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad Wraps a try!
Michigan Cherry Chicken Salad Wraps
Serves: 4
Downloadable/printable pdf of this recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
1 large green apple, finely chopped
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
1/3 cup dried cherries
¼ cup walnut pieces
½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
12 Romaine heart leaves, rinsed and patted dry
Directions:
Place chicken, green apple, red onion, cherries, and walnuts into a large bowl. Mix and set aside. In a small mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, blue cheese, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, and salt. Stir to combine. Add sauce to shredded chicken mixture and toss to evenly coat. Add large spoonful of chicken mixture to each lettuce wrap.
Nutrition Information Per Serving: 304 Calories; 10 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 89 mg cholesterol; 199 mg sodium; 23 grams carbohydrates; 3 grams fiber; 32 grams protein
Looking for more nutrition advice and want to make an appointment with a registered dietitian? Call 1-855-434-5483 or visit Nutrition Services on henryford.com.
