chicken salad with red beets

Chicken Salad with Beetroot – a delicious and healthy recipe

If you are looking for a recipe that combines the delicious taste of chicken with the sweet and earthy flavors of beetroot, then chicken salad with beetroot is the perfect choice. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, providing a satisfying lunch or dinner. Moreover, it is a versatile dish, ideal for a picnic, a festive meal, or simply to impress your family and friends.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients needed:

- 1 chicken breast (approximately 300 g)
- 1 medium beetroot
- 2 apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith)
- 1 celery (approximately 150 g)
- 2 carrots
- 1 head of lettuce (preferably Romaine or Iceberg)
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh tarragon for garnish
- Fresh parsley for added flavor

A brief history

Chicken salad with beetroot is a dish found in the menus of many cultures due to the diversity of ingredients and ease of preparation. The combination of chicken meat with vegetables and fruits became popular in the 1970s when healthy and colorful dishes began to gain popularity. Beetroot, with its nutritional properties and distinctive taste, adds an element of originality and a vibrant look to your salad.

Step-by-step preparation of the salad

1. Boil the chicken breast: Start by placing the chicken breast in a pot of salted water. Boil it over medium heat for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. Once boiled, remove it from the water and let it cool slightly, then cut it into cubes.

2. Roast the beetroot: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200°C. Wash the beetroot and place it in a tray, covered with aluminum foil, to retain moisture. Roast the beetroot for about 40-60 minutes, depending on its size, until soft inside. After it has cooled, peel the beetroot and cut it into cubes.

3. Prepare the vegetables and fruits: Peel the apples, celery, and carrots. Grate them to achieve a uniform texture. These will add a crunchy and fresh note to your salad.

4. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the mustard and mix well. You can also add a little pepper to taste. The dressing will provide a delicious creaminess to the salad.

5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, beetroot, apples, celery, and carrots. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and gently stir to coat all the ingredients.

6. Prepare the lettuce: Wash the lettuce leaves and arrange them on a platter or in a large bowl. Top them with the vegetable salad and sprinkle with chopped fresh tarragon.

Useful tips

- Choose fresh ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and fruits for the best flavor. Fresh beetroot has a better texture and taste than canned.
- Vegetarian option: If you want to turn this recipe into a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken breast with tofu or cooked chickpeas.
- Customize the dressing: If you prefer a spicier dressing, add a little garlic sauce or chili sauce.
- Storage: You can keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. It’s a perfect meal for office lunches!

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of this chicken salad with beetroot contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used. It is an excellent source of protein from chicken, vitamins, and minerals from vegetables. Beetroot is rich in antioxidants and helps improve blood circulation, while apples and carrots are excellent sources of fiber.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use cooked chicken breast?
Yes, you can use leftover chicken breast from other meals, which will save you time.

2. Can the salad be made a day in advance?
Absolutely! The salad can be prepared a day in advance, but it’s recommended to add the dressing shortly before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the ingredients.

3. What drinks pair well with this salad?
A fresh lemonade or a dry white wine would be the perfect pairing to complement this meal.

4. Can I add other ingredients?
Sure! You can experiment with nuts, seeds, or even feta cheese for a varied taste and texture.

Final notes

Chicken salad with beetroot is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy, flavorful, and colorful meal. It is not just a simple salad, but an explosion of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Don’t forget to play with your favorite ingredients and adapt it to your personal style. Enjoy every bite and savor the moment!