Chicken salad with zucchini

Delicious Chicken Salad with Zucchini

If you're looking for a simple and quick recipe that offers rich flavor and a pleasant texture, the chicken salad with zucchini is the perfect choice. This salad is not only nutritious but also an excellent way to combine protein from chicken with fresh vegetables, providing you with a light and healthy lunch or dinner.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients you need:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 300-400 g)
- 3-4 medium zucchinis
- 3-4 tablespoons of homemade mayonnaise
- 3-4 tablespoons of sour cream
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe history:
Meat salads have a long tradition, being prepared in various cultures as a way to combine fresh and hearty ingredients. This chicken salad with zucchini is a modern reinterpretation of a classic recipe, bringing a fresh touch through the use of zucchinis. Its origins can be found in summer cuisine when fresh vegetables are at their peak, offering a light and refreshing meal.

Preparing the ingredients:
1. Chicken breast: Wash the chicken breast well under cold running water. Then, slice it thinly. This will help the meat cook evenly and quickly.
2. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken slices. These basic seasonings will enhance the meat's flavor.
3. Zucchinis: Peel the zucchinis as desired and slice them thinly. Young and fresh zucchinis are ideal, having a more delicate texture.

Cooking:
1. Frying the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Place the chicken slices in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the meat so it fries evenly. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through, but do not let them dry out. A good technique is to flip them only once to keep them juicy.
2. Frying the zucchinis: In the same skillet, add a little oil if necessary and add the sliced zucchinis to fry. Lightly salt them and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they become slightly golden. Remove them to a plate to cool.
3. Preparing the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream. Mix well until you achieve a smooth consistency. You can adjust the proportions according to your preferences; for example, if you want a creamier salad, you can add more mayonnaise.
4. Assembling the salad: Cut the fried chicken into strips and add it to the bowl with the dressing. Add the fried zucchinis and gently mix everything so that it is well coated with the sauce. Don't forget to include the juices released by the zucchinis after frying, which will add extra flavor.
5. Serving: Taste the salad and adjust with salt and pepper as desired. You can serve the salad immediately or let it cool slightly in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.

Serving suggestions:
This salad can be served on a bed of greens, such as arugula or spinach, for an elegant presentation. Additionally, a squeeze of fresh lemon can add a refreshing taste. You can accompany the salad with a slice of toasted bread or a crunchy roll.

Variations and tips:
- Instead of chicken breast, you can use turkey meat or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add some toasted nuts or sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
- You can replace the zucchinis with eggplants or carrots, depending on your preferences.
- If you like a spicier taste, add some slices of hot pepper to the mix.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of this chicken salad with zucchini contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream used. It is rich in protein due to the chicken and provides essential vitamins and minerals from the zucchinis. This recipe can be an excellent choice for a light lunch, offering a combination of nutrients that will keep you energized throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen zucchinis?
It is preferable to use fresh zucchinis to achieve the best texture and flavor. However, if you have no other option, frozen zucchinis can be used, but they will have a softer texture after cooking.

2. How can I make homemade mayonnaise?
Homemade mayonnaise can be easily prepared by mixing an egg yolk with oil, mustard, salt, and lemon juice until you achieve a creamy emulsion. It is important to use all ingredients at room temperature for optimal results.

3. Can I keep the salad for the next day?
The chicken salad with zucchini is best consumed fresh, but you can keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 days. It is recommended not to add the dressing until serving to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy.

This chicken salad with zucchini is a versatile and flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick summer meal or to impress guests. Whether you enjoy it plain or with various variations, it will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!