Chicken Salad

Delicious Chicken Salad – A Simple and Satisfying Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Chicken salad is a classic, versatile dish full of flavor that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. This simple recipe combines textures and flavors, making it perfect for quick lunches or festive dinners. The origins of this salad are ancient and can be found in various cultures, each having its unique version. Discover how to prepare a delicious chicken salad that will impress your family and friends!

Ingredients:

- 1 boneless chicken breast (approximately 300g)
- 3-4 cloves of garlic
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A few sprigs of fresh dill
- 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of natural yogurt for a lighter touch
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice for added freshness

Ingredient details:

- Chicken breast: Choose a fresh, skinless chicken breast to reduce unhealthy fats. You can also use leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an intense flavor, but you can adjust the amount according to your preferences.
- Dill: This aromatic herb adds a note of freshness and a distinct taste to the salad. Make sure to use fresh dill if possible.
- Mayonnaise: You can use homemade mayonnaise for better flavor or a store-bought version, but ensure it is of good quality.
- Yogurt: Adding natural yogurt is an excellent option to make the salad lighter and to add a creamy texture.

Step by Step – Your Guide to a Perfect Salad

1. Boiling the chicken breast:
In a medium pot, add water and a teaspoon of salt. Place the chicken breast in and boil it over medium heat for 15-20 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked. Check if it is cooked by cutting a piece; it should not be pink inside.

2. Cooling and chopping:
Once the chicken breast is cooked, remove it from the water and let it cool. Once it has cooled enough to handle, chop it into small cubes. This size will allow the ingredients to mix better and combine the flavors.

3. Preparing the dressing:
In a large bowl, add the chicken cubes, crushed garlic (you can use a garlic press or chop it very finely), salt, pepper, and chopped dill. If you wish, you can also add lemon juice for a fresher taste.

4. Adding the mayonnaise:
Start adding the mayonnaise gradually, mixing well. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise according to how creamy you want the salad. If using yogurt, add it now for a lighter texture.

5. Final mixing:
Mix everything until the ingredients are well incorporated. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

6. Garnishing and serving:
You can garnish the salad as you prefer with a few sprigs of fresh dill or thin slices of tomatoes or cucumbers for a color contrast. The chicken salad can be served on lettuce leaves or in sandwiches, on toasted bread, or in bowls.

Serving suggestions:
- With toasted bread: Serve the salad on slices of toasted bread for a delicious appetizer.
- In sandwiches: Use the chicken salad as a filling for sandwiches alongside fresh vegetables.
- With vegetables: Add seasonal vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers) for a more complete meal.

Practical tips:
- You can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance and keep it in the fridge; the flavors will intensify and it will be even more delicious the next day.
- If you want a spicier version, you can add a few drops of hot sauce or mustard to the dressing.
- If you are on a diet, you can reduce the mayonnaise and replace part of it with Greek yogurt.

Nutritional values:
A serving of chicken salad contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used. It is a good source of protein due to the chicken breast, and garlic provides antioxidant benefits, contributing to a healthier immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use canned chicken?: Yes, it is a convenient alternative, but the taste will be different. Make sure to drain the liquid well before mixing the salad.
- How can I make the salad healthier?: Use yogurt instead of mayonnaise or add more fresh vegetables to enrich the salad with vitamins.

In conclusion, chicken salad is a quick and easy dish to prepare, perfect for meals throughout the day. With a few simple ingredients and an easy method, you can create a delicious salad that brings smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Don’t hesitate to play with the ingredients and add your personal touches! Enjoy every bite!