“I received free samples of Wonderful Pistachios mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Wonderful Pistachios and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.”
These Pistachio Chicken Salad Collard Green Wraps combine creamy chicken salad with crunchy salty pistachios, wrapped in a crisp low carb collard green wrap.
I bet you didn’t know that pistachios have a ton of nicknames did you? They are known as the Fit NutTM because they are one of the highest protein and fiber snack nuts that are part of a heart-healthy lifestyle.
They are also known as the Skinny NutTM because they are one of the lowest calorie and lowest fat snack nuts (per ounce!) And they are the Colorful NutTM that help you snack colorfully because pistachios’ green and red-purple hues come from antioxidants. Antioxidants strengthen the immune system and protect the body from free radical damage.
They are even called the Happy NutTM because you don’t have to make any sacrifices when you eat them! You can snack happy: pistachios offer great taste AND good health (and pistachios smile back at you).
But of all their names, it’s most important you know that in-shell pistachios are known as The Mindful NutTM because they may help you “fool yourself full” because the leftover shells may provide a visual cue for portions, potentially helping to curb intake.
The Pistachio Principle
One preliminary behavioral study found that participants who consumed in-shell pistachios ate 41-percent fewer calories compared to those who consumed pista-chios without the shell.
Those who chose the “no shells” pistachios consumed an average of 211 calories, while those who chose thein-shell variety consumed an average of 125 calories, suggesting that empty shells may provide a visual cue for portions, potentially helping curb intake.
(PS the same principle applies to chicken wings, the bones left behind can hold you back from going for more. Did you clear your plate yesterday for the Super Bowl or did you let the remnants sit?)
Extremely versatile, pistachios are great for snacking and great in recipes, they add a wonderful unique crunch to this creamy chicken salad recipe that you will love! I’ve made collard green wraps before, but usually, I make them raw, (see detox collard green wraps) this time I decided to give blanching them a go.
It was actually a lot easier than I thought. All you do is trim the stems so they are flush with the leaf. Then simmer the leaf for 30-60 seconds.
It will turn from a dark army green to a BRIGHT green, like your pistachios. Dunk it into an ice bath for 10 seconds, then it’s ready to use! For mine, I stacked two leaves one on top of the other for each wrap!
Then fill it with this creamy chicken salad full of juicy apples, chewy dried cranberries, and salty crunchy heart-healthy pistachios! If you have extra collard greens, they will keep for up to a week in the fridge.
To keep the extra collard greens fresh, just place paper towels in between them and store them in a plastic airtight bag (like a freezer bag.)
Pistachio Chicken Salad Collard Green Wraps
Pistachio Chicken Salad Collard Green Wraps - Paleo, Low Carb
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken
- ½ cup mayo
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 apple chopped
- 2 ounces pistachios without shells
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 collard green leaves
- Ice bath
Instructions
- 1. Trim the stem off of your collard greens so it's flush with the leaf.
- 2. Blanch Your Collard Green Leaves (optional): Bring a large shallow pan with water to a slow boil. Add one leaf for 30-60 seconds then place the leaf in the ice bath for 10 seconds. Repeat for every leaf.
- 3. In a large bowl mix mayo, dried cranberries, chopped apples, pistachios, garlic, onion, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- 4. Stack two leaves on top of each other, fill with ¼ of chicken mixture and roll them up. If you blanch them, they will stay together on their own. If you don't, you will need a band or toothpick. I usually just use rubber bands!
- 5. Eat immediately or consume within 3 days.
Nutrition
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I LOVE pistachios in the shell. That salty flavor is exactly what keeps my cravings in check.
This sounds awesome, I love pistachios and chicken salad! Yum.
These wraps are so colorful! What a deicious idea for chicken salad!
This recipe’s got it all healthy, colorful and tons of flavor!
Thanks Deanna!