Colorado Cache Chicken Salad

 

I am a chicken salad skeptic.

Also ham, egg, tuna or any other compound salad that has unknown ingredients mixed in.   I don't know if it was a bad childhood experience with onion or relish or {GASP} both.   If you said chicken salad, I said, "I'll pass."

This recipe is one that changed my mind about chicken salad.  
I think it's because of the curry powder.

A friend was visiting Maui with her family this summer and while I was hanging out with them at their condo she said, "We're having chicken salad for lunch.   Have you every tried the Colorado Cache chicken salad?"

Of course, I have not tried it.   {pause}   But I'm glad I did.

What You Need

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed (I grilled mine)
1/2 cup grapes, sliced in half, 20 whole grapes
1 rib of celery, sliced in half and then coarsely chopped, about a 1/2 cup
1/2 cup pecans

Dressing
3/4 cup light mayo
2 tablespoons vinegar (I used white)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon curry powder (love Penzeys hot curry)

What You Do

In a large bowl combine cubed chicken, grapes, celery and pecans.      In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients.    Pour dressing over chicken mixture and toss to coat.

If you can wait until the next day, or even a few hours for the salad to chill, the flavors sink in even more.   If not, it's still delicious!     Serve on lettuce, in a tortilla or pita, or just eat with a fork.

Adapted from My Mobile Recipes

Meanwhile in Maui...

Yesterday I went to the Maui Fair.   It was really hot, so we spent a lot of time in the shade of the dining tent, surrounded by all the local food vendors.     Every booth is manned by a local organization as a fundraiser.     11 months ago, I wouldn't have known what most of the food was (dry mein,  chow fun, li hing mui pineapple, what?).  

I enjoyed frosty POG,  lumpia, and island ice (pina colada, mango, and li hing mui pineapple).   Not pictured was the teriyaki burger that I devoured on contact.

Growing up, a highlight of the summer was going to the Rock County 4H Fair.   My favorites there? Cheese curds and eclairs. 

What's your favorite fair food?