Celery salad with chicken breast

Celery Salad with Chicken Breast - a delicious and healthy recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Who doesn't love a fresh salad, full of flavor and nutrients? Celery salad with chicken breast is an excellent choice, not only for quick lunches but also for festive dinners. This recipe combines the crunchy texture of celery with the juiciness of chicken breast, resulting in a dish that perfectly blends health with flavor.

A brief history of the recipe
Meat salads have been a cherished dish over time, served both at everyday meals and special occasions. They have evolved based on available ingredients and regional preferences, but their essence remains to bring together diverse tastes and textures in a balanced and refreshing way.

Necessary ingredients

- 1 chicken breast (approximately 300-400 g)
- 200 g celery (approximately 1/2 medium celery)
- 2 eggs
- 100-150 ml oil (choose sunflower oil or a mild olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon mustard (for a more intense flavor, try Dijon mustard)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Juice from half a lemon (fresh is always best)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or dill, for garnish)

Preparing the salad

1. Boiling the chicken breast
Start by placing the chicken breast in a pot with cold water. Add a little salt and put the pot on the heat. Boil the chicken breast for 20-30 minutes, until fully cooked. Once boiled, remove it from the water and let it cool. It is important not to overboil it, as it can dry out.

2. Preparing the mayonnaise
In a bowl, place the yolk of a hard-boiled and cooled egg and the other raw egg. Mix them very well with a whisk or a hand mixer. Gradually add the oil, little by little, while continuing to mix. This will help the mayonnaise emulsify correctly. When you achieve a creamy consistency, add the lemon juice and mustard. Try to get a mayonnaise with a fine texture and pleasant taste, but feel free to adjust the amount of mustard or lemon to your liking.

3. Preparing the celery
Peel the celery, wash it well, and grate it finely. This step is essential, as celery adds a crunchy note to the salad. If you want to avoid oxidation, sprinkle the grated celery with a little lemon juice.

4. Assembling the salad
Once the chicken breast has cooled, cut it into small cubes. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, grated celery, and prepared mayonnaise. Mix everything gently to avoid crushing the celery. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

5. Serving
Transfer the salad to a platter and garnish with finely chopped fresh herbs. This will not only add a pleasant appearance but also enhance the flavor. The salad can be served immediately or left in the refrigerator to chill slightly, which will intensify the flavors.

Practical tips

- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of this salad contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. It is rich in protein due to the chicken breast, while celery provides essential fiber, vitamins, and minerals. An excellent choice for a balanced diet!

- Possible variations: You can add other ingredients to customize your salad. For example, diced apples or nuts add a sweet and crunchy note. Additionally, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.

- Frequently asked questions:
- *Can I use grilled chicken breast instead of boiled?* Yes, grilled chicken breast will add a wonderful flavor and a slightly smoky texture.
- *How can I keep the salad longer?* It is recommended to store the salad in the refrigerator and consume it within 2-3 days, but keep in mind that celery may lose its crunchiness.

Serving suggestions
Celery salad with chicken breast pairs perfectly with toasted bread or flatbreads. You can also serve it alongside a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade to complete the culinary experience.

So, I invite you to try this celery salad with chicken breast recipe and enjoy a healthy, tasty, and easy-to-make dish. Bon appétit!