Are you craving a light yet satisfying meal that's both delicious and easy to make? Look no further! This Central Market-inspired chicken salad recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, a delightful picnic, or a light dinner. It's packed with fresh flavors and is incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to your taste preferences. This recipe embodies the best of homemade cooking, offering a delicious dish that's far superior to store-bought versions. Get ready to experience a truly satisfying and healthy meal!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 1 large chicken breast)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (use a good quality one!)
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (for a healthier twist)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped grapes, 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, a handful of fresh parsley
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: If using leftover cooked chicken, ensure it's completely cooled before proceeding. If cooking a chicken breast specifically for this recipe, bake, grill, or boil until fully cooked and then shred.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, and red onion.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
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Add Optional Ingredients: Stir in any optional ingredients like grapes, nuts, or parsley, if desired.
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Chill (Optional): For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is particularly helpful if you are preparing this ahead of time.
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Serve: Enjoy your homemade Central Market Chicken Salad! Serve it on bread, crackers, croissants, lettuce cups, or simply enjoy it as is.
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste! Opt for fresh, organic produce whenever possible.
- Don't overmix: Gentle mixing prevents the chicken from becoming mushy.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference.
- Add some crunch: Toasted nuts or seeds add a lovely textural contrast.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Curry Chicken Salad: Substitute curry powder for the dill and add a few chopped curry leaves.
- Cranberry Chicken Salad: Incorporate dried cranberries for a sweet and tart twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. However, a typical serving offers a good source of protein and a moderate amount of healthy fats. For a precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator and input the exact ingredients and quantities you used.
This easy recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick dinner idea or a healthy lunch option. It's a simple yet delicious dish that will surely become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy!