Are you craving a delicious and refreshing meal that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! This Elizabeth Heiskell Chicken Salad recipe is a family favorite, a true testament to Southern comfort food, perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an elegant appetizer. It's one of those healthy meals that's so flavorful, you'll want seconds (and maybe thirds!). This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and requires minimal ingredients, making it one of the best recipes for homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 1.5 lbs raw)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended for richness)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breasts. Grilling, baking, or poaching all work wonderfully. Let the chicken cool completely before shredding or dicing it. This ensures a properly chilled and flavorful salad.
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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.
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Mix Gently: Avoid overmixing, as this can make the chicken salad mushy. Just combine the ingredients until everything is evenly distributed.
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Chill & Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for developing the best flavor profile. Serve chilled on croissants, crackers, bread, lettuce cups, or enjoy it straight from the bowl!
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
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High-Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor of your chicken salad. Look for ripe celery and a good quality mayonnaise.
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Don't Overmix: Overmixing can result in a tough, unappetizing chicken salad. Gentle mixing is key.
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Taste and Adjust: Before chilling, taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasonings to your preference. You might want to add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper.
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Get Creative with Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other add-ins such as grapes, apples, cranberries, or different herbs.
Variations:
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Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
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Curried Chicken Salad: Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of curry powder for a delicious Indian-inspired twist.
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Avocado Chicken Salad: Mash half an avocado into the chicken salad for added creaminess and healthy fats.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Low
This Elizabeth Heiskell Chicken Salad is a simple, quick dinner idea that is both healthy and delicious. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways, making it a perfect addition to your recipe collection. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, ideal for potlucks, picnics, or just a satisfying meal at home. Enjoy!