Are you craving a refreshing and flavorful salad that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! This Filipino Chicken Salad recipe is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, guaranteed to become a new family favorite. It's a fantastic option for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or even a delightful potluck contribution. This easy recipe requires minimal cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Get ready to experience the vibrant tastes of the Philippines in this simple yet delicious homemade dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted cashew nuts (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breasts until fully cooked through. You can boil, bake, or grill them – whichever method you prefer. Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
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Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, red onion, celery, green bell pepper, raisins, cashew nuts (if using), sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until well incorporated.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for the best taste! Serve chilled and enjoy. This delicious chicken salad is perfect on its own, or you can serve it on bread, crackers, or lettuce cups for a more substantial meal.
Tips for the Best Filipino Chicken Salad:
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the overall flavor of the salad. Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken, crisp vegetables, and flavorful mayonnaise.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the salad mushy. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper to your preference. Some people prefer a sweeter salad, while others prefer a more tangy one.
- Get creative with add-ins: Experiment with other ingredients to customize your salad. Chopped hard-boiled eggs, shredded carrots, or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley are all great additions.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Chicken Salad: Use a combination of mayonnaise and sour cream for a richer, creamier texture.
- Curry Chicken Salad: Add a teaspoon of curry powder for a unique flavor twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients for precise values.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This Filipino Chicken Salad is a truly versatile and delicious dish. It's a quick and easy recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or a casual get-together. Enjoy this healthy meal and let us know what you think in the comments below! We'd love to hear your feedback and any variations you've tried.