Savory Chicken Salad Recipe
Category: Salads
Serves: 4
This savory chicken salad combines tender grilled chicken with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, tangy pickles, and creamy dressing, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. The balance of flavors and textures from the crunchy vegetables, sharp mustard, and smooth mayo will surely impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 600g |
| Green olives | 30g |
| Pickled gherkins | 60g |
| Red bell peppers | 200g |
| White celery | 170g |
| Carrots | 150g |
| Gruyère cheese (or Edam cheese) | 100g |
| Salt (to taste) | q.b. |
| Black pepper (to taste) | q.b. |
| Mustard | 15g |
| White wine vinegar | 20g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 100g |
| Mayonnaise | 120g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by tenderizing the chicken breasts using a meat mallet. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper to avoid tearing the meat. Gently pound until the chicken is evenly flattened.
- Once the chicken is tenderized, heat a grill pan or grill until it’s hot. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about two minutes per side, or until the meat is golden brown and cooked through. The cooking time might vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.
- Avoid piercing the chicken with a fork during grilling, as it will release the juices, causing the chicken to dry out.
- After grilling, immediately sprinkle the chicken with a pinch of salt while it’s still hot, allowing the salt to dissolve and absorb the flavors. Set the chicken aside to cool down.
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the chicken is cooling, wash and prepare the vegetables. Start with the red bell peppers: remove the seeds and cut them into thin strips.
- Peel and trim the carrots, then cut them into thin julienne strips.
- Slice the celery stalks into thin rounds.
- Slice the pickled gherkins into small rounds as well.
- Finally, cut the Gruyère cheese (or Edam) into small sticks.
-
Slice the Chicken:
- Once the chicken has cooled to room temperature, slice it into thin strips, making sure to cut against the grain for tender pieces.
-
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to create an emulsion. Add mayonnaise to the mixture and whisk until smooth.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced chicken with the prepared vegetables (red bell peppers, celery, carrots, gherkins, and olives). Add the cheese sticks and toss gently to combine.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss again until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
-
Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the chicken salad chilled, and enjoy this delightful, refreshing dish!
This Savory Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prep, a light lunch, or as a delicious side dish at your next gathering. With its vibrant colors and balance of flavors, it’s a recipe that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor, or swap out the cheese for a different variety that you prefer. Whatever you choose, this salad is sure to be a hit!
