Simple Chicken Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Recipe for Every Occasion
When you’re craving something light yet satisfying, chicken salad always hits the spot. This Simple Chicken Salad recipe is an excellent choice for a nutritious lunch or a quick, easy dinner, especially when time is tight but you still want something delightful and wholesome. With a mix of crunchy veggies, juicy fruits, and a tangy-sweet dressing, this chicken salad offers a balance of flavors and textures that can appeal to everyone at your table. Let’s dive into the recipe:
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 pound raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2 1/2-inch chunks (or 2 to 3 cups cooked chicken meat)
- Vegetables: 2 ribs celery, chopped; 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- Extras: 4 to 6 green olives, pitted and minced; 1/4 cup chopped red onion; 1/2 to 1 apple, cored and chopped; 1/3 head iceberg lettuce, sliced and chopped
For the Dressing
- Mayonnaise: 5 tablespoons
- Sweetener: 1 tablespoon plum preserves, or any sweet berry preserve (or a lesser amount of honey)
- Acid: 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Poach the Chicken: Start by bringing a pot with 2 quarts of well-salted water (1 tablespoon salt) to a boil. Add the chicken breast chunks and return to a simmer. Turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. This gentle cooking method ensures your chicken stays tender and juicy.
- Prepare the Dressing: While the chicken is poaching, prepare the dressing in a large bowl. Combine the mayonnaise, plum preserves (or your choice of sweetener), and lemon juice. Whisk together and adjust the balance of sweetness and acidity to your taste. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix in the Vegetables and Fruits: To the dressing, add the chopped celery, red bell pepper, minced olives, red onion, and apple. These ingredients add a delightful crunch and a burst of freshness in every bite.
- Dice and Combine the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the water, dice it into bite-sized pieces, and add it to the bowl with the dressing and chopped ingredients. Mix well to ensure every piece of chicken is beautifully coated with the dressing.
- Add Lettuce When Serving: Just before serving, fold in the sliced and chopped iceberg lettuce. This keeps the lettuce crisp and fresh, adding a nice texture to your salad.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 300 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
This Simple Chicken Salad is not just easy to make but also versatile. Serve it on its own for a light meal or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. It’s also the perfect addition to your picnic basket or a potluck gathering. The combination of savory chicken, crisp vegetables, sweet fruits, and a creamy, tangy dressing makes this salad a delightful dish that’s sure to please any palate. Enjoy this delicious and healthy recipe that brings simplicity and taste together in one bowl!
Simple Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Simple Chicken Salad is the epitome of refreshing summer fare. With juicy chunks of chicken, crisp vegetables, and a harmonious blend of sweet and tart from the apple and plum preserves, it’s a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
Perfect for any occasion, this salad can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for gatherings or a quick family dinner. Its versatile nature allows for various substitutions or additions based on personal preference, ensuring it’s a hit every time.
Ingredients
1 pound raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2 1/2-inch chunks (or 2 to 3 cups cooked chicken meat)
2 ribs celery, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4 to 6 green olives, pitted and minced
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/2 to 1 apple, cored and chopped
1/3 head iceberg lettuce, sliced and chopped
For the dressing:
5 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon plum preserves, or any sweet berry preserve (or a lesser amount of honey)
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Poach the chicken: Bring a pot with 2 quarts of well-salted water (1 tablespoon salt) to a boil. Add the chicken breast chunks and return to a simmer. Turn off the heat, cover, and let sit for 15 minutes.
Make the dressing: In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, preserves, and lemon juice. Adjust sweetness and acidity, then season with salt and pepper.
Mix in the vegetables and fruits: Add celery, bell pepper, olives, red onion, and apple to the dressing.
Dice and mix the chicken: Remove the chicken from the water, dice it, and combine with the dressing and vegetables.
Add lettuce when serving: Fold in the sliced and chopped iceberg lettuce when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300 kcal