Chicken salad with mushrooms

Chicken Salad with Mushrooms - A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

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

Imagine a sunny day when you crave a fresh and flavorful salad. Chicken salad with mushrooms is the perfect choice for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a festive meal. This simple recipe combines the favorite ingredients of many and will delight your taste buds. Whether you serve it as a main dish or as an appetizer, this salad will bring a smile to your face!

A Short Story About Salad

Salads are a staple in kitchens around the world. They are versatile, can be adapted according to the season and preferences. Chicken salad with mushrooms, in particular, has gained popularity due to its simplicity and refined taste. So, let’s prepare to savor a dish that blends the juicy texture of chicken with the flavor of mushrooms!

Necessary Ingredients

- 1 chicken breast (about 500 g)
- 400 g corn (boiled or canned)
- 400 g mushrooms (fresh or canned)
- 300 g pickled cucumbers
- 200 g pickled peppers
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the mayonnaise:
- 2 raw egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons of mustard
- 400 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt, to taste

Preparation Instructions

1. Preparing the chicken breast:
- Clean the chicken breast of any skin or fat. Wash it well under cold running water.
- Place the chicken breast in a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Let it boil for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked (the meat should be white and juicy).
- Once cooked, remove it from the water and let it cool. Once cooled, cut it into small cubes.

2. Preparing the corn:
- If using fresh corn, boil it in water for about 5-7 minutes until tender. If using canned corn, drain it and let it cool.

3. The mushrooms:
- Rinse the mushrooms under cold water if they are canned. Then, in a pan, add the 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the mushrooms over medium heat until all the liquid evaporates (about 5-7 minutes).
- Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper, add the chicken cubes, and sauté for another 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly. Once the mixture is uniform, remove the pan from the heat and let it cool.

4. Preparing the mayonnaise:
- In a bowl, add the 2 raw egg yolks and mustard. Mix them well with a whisk or an electric mixer.
- Gradually start adding the oil, a little at a time, while continuously mixing. It’s important to add the oil slowly to prevent the mayonnaise from splitting.
- Once you have a smooth mayonnaise, add the lemon juice and salt, to taste.

5. Assembling the salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, boiled corn, sautéed mushrooms, and finely chopped pickled vegetables (cucumbers and peppers).
- Add the mayonnaise and mix all the ingredients well until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.

6. Serving:
- The chicken salad with mushrooms can be served immediately, but it will taste even better if you let it chill in the refrigerator for about an hour. This way, the flavors will meld together.
- Serve the salad on a beautiful platter, garnished with lettuce leaves or lemon slices.

Useful Tips for a Perfect Result

- Fresh Ingredients: Make sure to use fresh ingredients, especially for chicken and vegetables, to achieve a better taste.
- Variations: You can also add other ingredients, such as olives, fresh bell peppers, or even nuts for added crunch.
- Vegan Alternative: If you want a vegan version, you can replace the chicken breast with tofu or tempeh and the mayonnaise with an avocado-based sauce.
- Alternative Sauces: Instead of mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt for a healthier option.

Nutritional Values (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Yes, that’s a great idea! Pre-cooked chicken will make the preparation process even quicker.

2. How can I store the salad?
- The salad keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 2-3 days.

3. What can I pair this salad with?
- This salad pairs perfectly with a crunchy baguette or crackers. You can also serve it with a glass of dry white wine or lemon-infused water.

In conclusion, chicken salad with mushrooms is a quick and simple recipe, yet full of flavor and textures. Whether you prepare it for an everyday meal or for a special occasion, it will surely be appreciated by everyone who tastes it. Enjoy!