Are you craving a light yet satisfying meal that's bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Hotel Arlington Chicken Salad recipe is a delicious twist on a classic, perfect for a quick lunch, a delightful dinner, or even a sophisticated appetizer. Forget bland, boring chicken salad – this version is creamy, tangy, and packed with fresh ingredients that will elevate your taste buds. It's so easy to make, even beginner cooks can master it in a flash, making it one of the best recipes for a busy weeknight. This healthy meal is also incredibly versatile; you can easily adjust it to your preferences and dietary needs. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 1.5 lbs raw)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use your favorite brand!)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (for a healthier twist)
- 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 additions: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breast. Grilling, baking, or poaching all work perfectly. Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding. This ensures your salad stays chilled and prevents the mayonnaise from becoming watery.
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Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until well combined. Don’t overmix; you want to preserve the texture of the chicken and vegetables.
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Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s the time to add your optional ingredients. Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch, while cranberries or raisins offer a sweet and tart contrast.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for developing a truly delicious and well-balanced flavor profile. Serve your Hotel Arlington Chicken Salad on bread, crackers, croissants, lettuce cups, or enjoy it as a stand-alone dish.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Salad:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your chicken salad will taste. Opt for fresh, flavorful chicken and high-quality mayonnaise.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the chicken salad mushy. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to suit your palate.
- Make it ahead: This chicken salad tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead recipe for busy days.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Curry Chicken Salad: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of curry powder for an exotic twist.
- Avocado Chicken Salad: Add 1/2 mashed avocado for a creamy, healthy boost.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on additions)
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This Hotel Arlington Chicken Salad recipe is a fantastic example of how simple, homemade cooking can result in delicious and satisfying meals. It's a quick dinner idea, a perfect addition to your lunchbox, or a great appetizer for any gathering. Enjoy the process of creating this easy recipe and savor every bite!