Overnight Layered Chicken Salad π₯
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Greens, Onions, Vegetable, Meat, Potluck, Spring, Summer, < 15 Mins, Refrigerator
Description
This Overnight Layered Chicken Salad is the ultimate make-ahead dish, perfect for those days when you have friends coming over for lunch or when you simply want a hassle-free meal prep. By assembling it the night before, you can simply pop it in the fridge and let the flavors meld together beautifully. Plus, using a store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this already easy recipe even simpler!
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 | Iceberg lettuce |
| 1/4 | Bean sprouts |
| 1 | Can water chestnuts, drained and sliced |
| 1/2 | Green onion, thinly sliced |
| 1 | Medium cucumber, thinly sliced |
| 4 | Cups shredded rotisserie chicken |
| 2 | Cups pea pods (snow peas), ends trimmed |
| 2 | Cups mayonnaise |
| 2 | Teaspoons curry powder |
| 2 | Teaspoons sugar |
| 1 | Teaspoon ground ginger |
| 1/2 | Cup Spanish peanuts, chopped |
| 1/2 | Cup cherry tomatoes, halved |
Instructions
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Layer the Greens: Start by spreading the iceberg lettuce evenly in a wide 4-quart glass serving bowl. This will form the crisp and fresh base of your salad.
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Add the Crunch: Next, layer on the bean sprouts for a delightful crunch in every bite. These little gems of texture will add a lovely contrast.
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Introduce Water Chestnuts: Now, add the sliced water chestnuts. These add a subtle sweetness and a satisfying crispness to the salad.
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Sprinkle Some Green: Scatter the thinly sliced green onions over the water chestnuts. Their mild flavor will enhance the overall taste.
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Cucumber Slices: Arrange the thinly sliced cucumber on top. This adds a refreshing and hydrating element to the salad.
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The Star Ingredient – Chicken: Spread the shredded rotisserie chicken evenly as the next layer. The flavorful chicken will provide a hearty protein boost.
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Pea Pod Decor: Pat dry the pea pods and arrange them on top of the chicken layer. These little pods not only look pretty but also add a fresh, crisp bite.
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Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, curry powder, sugar, and ground ginger until well combined. This creamy, flavorful dressing will tie all the layers together.
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Coat with Dressing: Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly over the pea pods. Make sure it covers the entire surface to seal in the flavors.
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Chill and Marinate: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and develop into a delicious harmony.
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Finishing Touches: Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped Spanish peanuts over the top for a nutty crunch. Then garnish with the halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and freshness.
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Serve with Love: To serve, use a spoon and fork to lift out servings, making sure to scoop down to the bottom of the dish to get a bit of each layer in every bite.
Enjoy Your Make-Ahead Meal!
This Overnight Layered Chicken Salad is not only a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors and textures but also a delight for your taste buds. Each layer brings something special to the table, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re serving it for a gathering or simply meal prepping for the week, this salad is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe for its ease and deliciousness. Prep it the night before, relax, and let the fridge work its magic! π
