Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious lunch or light dinner option? Look no further! This Chicken Salad Recipe, inspired by the culinary queen herself, Martha Stewart, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget bland, boring chicken salad – this recipe elevates the classic with fresh herbs, crunchy celery, and a touch of tangy lemon. It's perfect for a simple weeknight meal, a sophisticated picnic, or a delightful lunchbox addition. This easy recipe is a testament to the fact that homemade cooking can be both delicious and effortless. Get ready to experience the best chicken salad you've ever tasted!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 1 ½ lbs raw)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (choose your favorite brand!)
- ¼ cup chopped celery
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breasts. Roasting, grilling, or poaching are all excellent methods. Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding or dicing. This ensures a better texture in your final salad.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. If using nuts, add them now.
- Mix well: Stir everything together until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken salad mushy.
- 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’re making the salad ahead of time.
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade chicken salad! Serve it on bread, crackers, croissants, lettuce wraps, or even as a filling for sandwiches.
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- Chicken choices: Feel free to use leftover roasted chicken or even rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even quicker!
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Herbs galore: Experiment with other fresh herbs like chives, dill, or tarragon for a unique flavor profile.
- Fruit infusion: For a sweet and savory twist, add some chopped grapes or apples.
- Greek yogurt swap: For a healthier option, replace some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This reduces the fat content while maintaining creaminess.
- Make it creamy: If you prefer a creamier chicken salad, add an extra tablespoon or two of mayonnaise.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a serving size of approximately ½ cup and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This delicious and easy chicken salad recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant gatherings. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, making it a staple in your healthy meals repertoire. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas or simply craving a delicious and satisfying dish, this recipe delivers. Enjoy!