Chicken Salad
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of enjoying a refreshing bowl of Chicken Salad on a warm day. I remember the first time I had it; I was at a summer picnic with friends. The sun was shining, and the laughter around me was infectious. As I dug into that bowl of vibrant flavors, I was instantly transported to a realm of creamy goodness and fresh herbs. From that day forward, Chicken Salad became a staple in my kitchen, a dish that embodies comfort and nostalgia.
Recipe Snapshot
60 mins
0 mins
0 mins
Medium
350 kcal
30 g
Keto, Gluten-Free
24 g
Blender, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Cutting Board, Large Pot, Grater, Frying Pan, Chef’s Knife, Saucepan, Whisk
Why This Chicken Salad Stands Out
1. Freshness in Every Bite
When you prepare Chicken Salad, you’re not just mixing ingredients; you’re crafting a vibrant dish that bursts with freshness. The addition of basil elevates the flavor profile, giving it a fragrant twist that makes each bite delightful.
2. Versatile and Customizable
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can add fruits like grapes or apples for a hint of sweetness, or toss in nuts for a satisfying crunch. The beauty of Chicken Salad is that it can be adjusted to suit your preferences and seasonal ingredients.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep
One of my favorite things about Chicken Salad is that it’s ideal for meal prep. You can whip up a large batch and store it in the fridge, making it a convenient choice for busy weekdays. Just grab a scoop, and you’ve got a healthy lunch ready to go.
4. Crowd-Pleaser for Gatherings
Whenever I host gatherings, Chicken Salad is always on the menu. It’s a dish that appeals to everyone, whether served on a bed of greens or in a sandwich. Plus, it’s easy to double or triple the recipe to serve a crowd.
5. Family-Friendly
Kids love it too! The creamy dressing and tender chunks of chicken make it a favorite among children. I often serve it with whole-grain crackers or on whole wheat bread for a nutritious meal.
6. It’s All About the Ingredients
The ingredients in Chicken Salad work harmoniously together. The creamy combination of mayo and buttermilk creates a luscious dressing, while the basil and green onions add a punch of flavor, making it irresistible.
Ingredient List for Chicken Salad
Gathering fresh and quality ingredients is key to making a delicious Chicken Salad. Each component plays a vital role in creating a balanced and flavorful dish. The star, of course, is the chicken, which is complemented perfectly by the creamy dressing and fresh herbs.
- 4 cups diced cooked chicken, cut in 3/4 inch pieces
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup sliced green onion
- 1/2 cup sliced fresh basil leaves
- 3 T coarsely grated Parmesan Cheese
- salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
How to Prepare Chicken Salad
Preparing Chicken Salad is a breeze! With just a few steps, you’ll create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into the easy, step-by-step process that ensures your salad is perfectly crafted.
- Start by taking your raw chicken and trimming any visible fat. Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise into thirds. This will help them cook evenly.
- In a small saucepan, add a can of chicken stock along with two cans of water. If you have any Italian seasoning or poultry seasoning, toss that in for extra flavor. Bring this mixture to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, carefully place the chicken pieces in the pot. Reduce the heat to low, allowing the chicken to simmer for about fifteen minutes, or until it is cooked through.
- After cooking, drain the chicken using a colander and let it cool. It’s essential that the chicken is cool before you dice it, so you don’t end up with a mushy salad.
- While the chicken cools, prepare the fresh ingredients. Slice the basil leaves and chop the green onions. The aromas will fill your kitchen, making it even more enticing!
- Once the chicken has cooled, cut it into 3/4 inch pieces and place it in a medium-sized bowl, ready for mixing.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mayo and buttermilk. Whisk them together until they are smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the chopped green onion, grated Parmesan, and sliced basil into the creamy mixture.
- Pour the dressing over the diced chicken and gently mix until all the pieces are coated evenly. This is where the magic happens!
- Finally, season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. You can serve it immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for better flavor fusion.
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooling Matters: Always allow the cooked chicken to cool before dicing. This prevents the salad from becoming mushy.
- Fresh Herbs: For the best flavor, use fresh basil and green onions rather than dried. Fresh herbs elevate the dish.
- Mixing Technique: When combining the dressing with the chicken, be gentle. You want to coat the pieces without shredding them.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit for a bit in the fridge allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Recipe Variations about Chicken Salad
If you love experimenting in the kitchen, you’ll appreciate the versatility of Chicken Salad. Here are some exciting tips and variations to try.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. It’s best when freshly made.
- Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze Chicken Salad, if you must, store the dressing separately to maintain freshness.
- Pairing: Serve Chicken Salad with whole-grain crackers, pita bread, or atop a bed of mixed greens for a hearty meal.
- Fruit Additions: Consider adding diced apples or grapes for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in some toasted walnuts or pecans for a delicious contrast in texture.
- Global Twist: Experiment with spices like cumin or curry for an international flavor profile.
What Goes Well With This Chicken Salad
When it comes to serving Chicken Salad, the possibilities are endless! Here’s how you can elevate your dining experience:
- Lunch Delight: Serve Chicken Salad as a light lunch option, paired with a refreshing cucumber salad.
- Picnic Perfect: Pack Chicken Salad for your next picnic; it travels well and is sure to be a hit.
- Family Gatherings: This dish is great for family gatherings. Serve it alongside a variety of sides like coleslaw and chips.
- Seasonal Pairings: In summer, enjoy it with fresh fruits like watermelon or cantaloupe for a refreshing contrast.
- Storage Tips: Be sure to keep any leftovers stored in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh.
FAQ
Conclusion
The beauty of Chicken Salad lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s a dish that can be enjoyed in numerous ways, making it a staple in many households. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the blend of flavors. You won’t regret it; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a delicious addition to any meal.
Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by taking your raw chicken and trimming any visible fat. Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise into thirds. This will help them cook evenly.
- In a small saucepan, add a can of chicken stock along with two cans of water. If you have any Italian seasoning or poultry seasoning, toss that in for extra flavor. Bring this mixture to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, carefully place the chicken pieces in the pot. Reduce the heat to low, allowing the chicken to simmer for about fifteen minutes, or until it is cooked through.
- After cooking, drain the chicken using a colander and let it cool. It’s essential that the chicken is cool before you dice it, so you don’t end up with a mushy salad.
- While the chicken cools, prepare the fresh ingredients. Slice the basil leaves and chop the green onions. The aromas will fill your kitchen, making it even more enticing!
- Once the chicken has cooled, cut it into 3/4 inch pieces and place it in a medium-sized bowl, ready for mixing.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mayo and buttermilk. Whisk them together until they are smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the chopped green onion, grated Parmesan, and sliced basil into the creamy mixture.
- Pour the dressing over the diced chicken and gently mix until all the pieces are coated evenly. This is where the magic happens!
- Finally, season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. You can serve it immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for better flavor fusion.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. It’s best when freshly made.
- Freezing: While it’s not ideal to freeze Chicken Salad, if you must, store the dressing separately to maintain freshness.
- Pairing: Serve Chicken Salad with whole-grain crackers, pita bread, or atop a bed of mixed greens for a hearty meal.
- Fruit Additions: Consider adding diced apples or grapes for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in some toasted walnuts or pecans for a delicious contrast in texture.
- Global Twist: Experiment with spices like cumin or curry for an international flavor profile.
