Mushroom salad with chicken breast

Mushroom Salad with Chicken Breast - a simple and quick recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the delicious world of quick salads! Today, I invite you to prepare a mushroom salad with chicken breast, perfect for quick lunches or light dinners. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it is also full of flavors and nutritional benefits. Let's start our culinary journey!

Ingredients you will need:

- 1 can (about 400 g) mushrooms (fresh or canned, but I strongly recommend the lovingly prepared mushrooms by mom in the fall)
- 1 large pickled cucumber
- ½ chicken breast (about 250 g)
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 4 tablespoons homemade mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of mustard for an extra flavor

Recipe history

Salads have a long history, being consumed for centuries in various forms. This mushroom salad with chicken breast is a classic combination found in many households, gaining popularity due to its versatility. Whether you serve it at a festive meal or just to treat yourself on an ordinary evening, this recipe brings a touch of comfort to every serving.

Preparing the mayonnaise

To make delicious homemade mayonnaise, you will need:

- 1 boiled egg yolk
- 1 raw egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon of mustard
- Salt
- Oil (about 200 ml)
- Lemon juice (to taste)

1. In a bowl, mash the boiled yolk and the raw yolk.
2. Add the mustard and a pinch of salt, mixing well.
3. Start pouring in the oil gradually, constantly mixing with a whisk or mixer until the mayonnaise thickens.
4. Finally, add the lemon juice for a fresh taste.

Step by step: Preparing the salad

1. Boil the chicken breast: Place the chicken breast in a pot with cold water, add a little salt, and let it boil over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked. Check with a knife if it is well cooked and the juice running is clear.

2. Let the chicken breast cool, then cut it into small cubes. This step is essential to ensure that the salad mixes evenly.

3. Drain the mushrooms from the jar and chop them into cubes. If using fresh mushrooms, you can boil or sauté them quickly to enhance the flavors.

4. Wash and cut the pickled cucumber into cubes. Make sure to remove excess juice by squeezing it out, so the salad doesn't become too wet.

5. To give an intense flavor, crush the garlic cloves with a little salt. This will help release the flavors.

6. In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken breast, mushrooms, pickled cucumber, crushed garlic, homemade mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Gently mix to avoid breaking the ingredients.

7. Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you want a spicier note, you can add more garlic or even a bit of chili pepper.

8. Let the salad sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to chill and meld the flavors.

Serving and useful tips

This mushroom salad with chicken breast is delicious served as is or as a side dish alongside a slice of fresh bread. It also pairs perfectly with a refreshing drink, such as hibiscus tea or freshly squeezed lemonade.

Possible variations

To customize the recipe, you can try the following variations:
- Add green or black olives for an extra flavor.
- Replace mushrooms with sweet corn for a crunchier and sweeter salad.
- Include fresh vegetables, such as finely chopped bell pepper or grated carrot.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned mushrooms?
Of course! Fresh mushrooms are excellent and add a different texture to the salad. Just be sure to cook them properly to intensify their flavor.

2. How can I make the salad healthier?
For a lighter version, you can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise.

3. How long can the salad last in the fridge?
The salad can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days, but I recommend consuming it as soon as possible to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

Calories and nutritional benefits

One serving (approximately 200 g) of this salad contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used. It is a good source of protein due to the chicken breast and contains essential vitamins from the vegetables. Additionally, mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and can support immune health.

This mushroom salad with chicken breast is not only a delicious dish but also a healthy option for your meals. I encourage you to try the recipe and customize it to your taste. At the end of the day, cooking is an art that brings us together, and every meal becomes an opportunity to create delicious memories. Enjoy your meal!