This Chicken Salad recipe offers a delightful mix of tender, juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy, zesty dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or enjoyed on its own, this salad stands out with its combination of textures and flavors. The recipe adds a surprise crunch with toasted nuts and seeds, and a burst of freshness from herbs, making it a perfect meal for any time of the day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (grilled or poached)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds or pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp sunflower seeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Mixed greens or lettuce leaves for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cooking your chicken. You can poach it for tenderness, or grill it for added flavor. Once cooked, let it cool before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chopped celery, red onion, and red bell pepper. These add a nice crunch and sweetness to the salad.
- Add the Chicken and Crunchy Elements: Add the cooked chicken to the vegetable mix. Then toss in the toasted almonds (or pecans) and sunflower seeds for a nutty crunch.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
- Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly coated. Gently fold in the fresh parsley to brighten up the flavors.
- Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve over mixed greens, in sandwiches, wraps, or enjoy on its own.
- Optional Add-ins: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding chopped grapes, cranberries, or even diced avocado before serving.
Enjoy your Zesty Chicken Salad as a healthy, delicious meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying!