Are you looking for a quick, easy, and healthy meal that's bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Amish Chicken Salad recipe is a family favorite, perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a picnic. It's a testament to the simple elegance of homemade cooking, using fresh ingredients to create a truly delicious dish. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes and healthy meals, making it a staple for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend afternoons.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (choose your favorite – full fat, light, or even Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook your chicken breasts. You can boil, bake, or grill them – whichever method you prefer. Once cooked, let them cool completely before shredding with two forks. This ensures even distribution of the chicken in the salad.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, chopped hard-boiled eggs, sweet pickle relish, and Dijon mustard.
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Season and Mix: Add the paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently mix all the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the chicken salad mushy.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step enhances the overall taste, allowing the ingredients to absorb the seasonings beautifully. Serve chilled on bread, crackers, lettuce cups, or enjoy it as a stand-alone dish. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Amish Chicken Salad:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste. Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken and mayonnaise.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can result in a mushy chicken salad. Gently combine the ingredients until they are just mixed.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference.
- Add some crunch: For added texture, consider adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
Variations on the Classic Recipe:
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Curry Chicken Salad: Add 1 tablespoon of curry powder for a flavorful twist.
- Apple Chicken Salad: Incorporate 1/2 cup of diced apples for a refreshing change.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This Amish Chicken Salad recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food. It’s a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and a great example of simple homemade cooking. Enjoy!