Basil Chicken Salad ๐ฅ
Overview:
This delightful Basil Chicken Salad recipe is a gem from the 3 Fat Chicks website, and it’s become a staple in my kitchen, earning rave reviews from family and guests alike! Perfect for those hot summer evenings spent on the patio, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, requiring just 10 minutes of your time. Packed with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s a must-try for any chicken lover. Plus, it’s lactose-free and kosher, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon celery salt
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 6 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 1/2 tablespoons pine nuts
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a small bowl, combine the fat-free mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, white pepper, and celery salt. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. This creamy and tangy dressing will be the perfect complement to the chicken and veggies! ๐ |
| 2 | In a medium bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, thinly sliced green onions, and chopped fresh basil. Toss everything together gently to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed. The vibrant colors and aromas will already have your taste buds tingling with anticipation! ๐ฟ |
| 3 | Pour the prepared mayonnaise mixture over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently toss until everything is coated in the creamy dressing. Be careful not to break up the chicken pieces as you mix. Every bite should be bursting with flavor and texture! ๐ฅ |
| 4 | To serve, arrange 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves on each of 6 salad plates. The bed of spinach will provide a crisp and nutritious base for the flavorful chicken salad. ๐ฅฌ |
| 5 | Spoon the chicken mixture evenly over each plate of spinach. Spread it out slightly to create an enticing presentation. The vibrant colors of the salad will make it look almost too good to eat…almost! ๐ฝ๏ธ |
| 6 | Finally, sprinkle each serving with a generous pinch of pine nuts. These crunchy little gems add a delightful texture and nutty flavor to the salad, elevating it to gourmet status. Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor! ๐ |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 161.5
- Fat: 6.1g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6g
- Cholesterol: 60.4mg
- Sodium: 225mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.1g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugar: 1.6g
- Protein: 22g
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to customize this salad to suit your taste preferences! Add extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for more color and crunch.
- For a dairy-free option, you can use a dairy-free mayonnaise substitute.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving again.
Conclusion:
With its fresh flavors, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures, this Basil Chicken Salad is sure to become a favorite in your household as it has in mine. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, a refreshing dinner, or packing it up for a picnic, it’s a dish that never disappoints. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in a culinary masterpiece that’s as delicious as it is nutritious! ๐ฟ๐
