Are you a fan of classic chicken salad but not a fan of celery? You're not alone! Many people find the texture or taste of celery off-putting. This recipe offers a delicious and easy alternative, proving that a fantastic chicken salad can be enjoyed without that crunchy green vegetable. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even an elegant appetizer. Get ready to discover a new favorite among healthy meals and quick dinner ideas!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 1.5 lbs raw)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (can substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped grapes (green or red)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breast. Baking, boiling, or grilling works perfectly. Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding or dicing it. This homemade cooking step ensures the best quality chicken salad.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), red onion, grapes, and nuts.
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Add Flavor: Stir in the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remember, you can always add more lemon juice for extra zing or salt and pepper to your preference.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This chilling time enhances the taste of this delicious dish. Serve on bread, crackers, croissants, lettuce wraps, or enjoy it as a standalone salad. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired.
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your chicken salad will be directly affected by the quality of your ingredients. Opt for fresh, flavorful chicken and good-quality mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
- Don't Overmix: Gently combine the ingredients to avoid over-mixing and making the chicken salad mushy.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the chicken salad before serving and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Get Creative with Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other add-ins like dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, celery seeds (for those who enjoy the flavor subtly), or even a little bit of curry powder for an exotic twist.
Variations:
- 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 teaspoon of curry powder and a tablespoon of chopped cilantro for an Indian-inspired flavor.
- Avocado Chicken Salad: Add 1/2 of a ripe avocado, mashed, for a creamy and healthy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This easy chicken salad recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is a delicious alternative to traditional chicken salad recipes. Its adaptability makes it perfect for any palate and skill level. Enjoy!