Smoked Chicken Salad

Smoked Chicken Salad: a simple and delicious recipe, perfect for warm days or as an appetizer at festive meals. This salad brings together the smoky flavors of chicken with the freshness of vegetables, resulting in a dish that will delight everyone's taste buds. Plus, it's a quick recipe that can be prepared in just 20 minutes!

Total time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 smoked chicken thigh
- 1/2 medium onion
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 small carrot
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- Mayonnaise (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to preference)

Preparation:
1. Preparing the chicken: Start by deboning the smoked chicken thigh. Use a sharp knife to remove the bone and cut the meat into uniform-sized cubes to ensure even cooking. The smoked chicken will add a deep and savory flavor to your salad.

2. Chopping the vegetables: Finely chop the onion and garlic. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad to reduce its intensity. Grate the carrot and chop the fresh parsley, which will add a note of freshness and color to the dish.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with the onion, garlic, grated carrot, and parsley. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

4. Seasoning: Drizzle the mixture with the juice from 1/2 lemon, which will add a pleasant acidity and help balance the flavors. Add salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the smoked chicken may already be salty.

5. Adding the mayonnaise: Depending on how creamy you want the salad to be, gradually add mayonnaise, mixing well to achieve a smooth consistency. You can use homemade mayonnaise for a more authentic taste or a light version if you want to reduce calories.

6. Serving: The smoked chicken salad can be served immediately or chilled for an hour to allow the flavors to meld. It’s delicious on a slice of toasted bread or as a filling for a sandwich. One serving idea is to place it on a bed of green leaves, such as arugula or spinach, and sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top for added crunch.

Variation suggestions:
- For a more exotic taste, add some diced green apple or pineapple, which will provide a sweet and sour contrast.
- If you prefer a spicier salad, you can incorporate a few slices of chili pepper or a bit of chili sauce.
- Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier option and a fresher taste.

This smoked chicken salad is not only simple but also versatile, and can be customized according to your preferences. Prepare it for a picnic or as an appetizer at a party, and it will surely become a favorite for everyone!