Cold chicken salad with celery and lemon
This cold chicken salad combines tender shredded chicken with crunchy celery and zesty lemon for a refreshing meal. It's perfect for light lunches or picnics and features a creamy mayonnaise dressing for added flavor.
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
5 chicken breasts1 cup celery
1 lemon
5 tbsp mayonnaise salad dressing
Cold chicken salad with celery and lemon is a refreshing and flavorful dish that's perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Packed with protein from the chicken and a citrusy zing from the lemon, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious. The crunchy texture of the celery adds a delightful contrast, making this salad a well-rounded meal option.
Instructions:
- Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- While waiting for the water to boil, trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts.
- Once the water is boiling, carefully add the chicken breasts to the pot.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the chicken breasts for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the pot and let them cool completely.
- While the chicken is cooling, wash and finely chop the celery into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Roll the lemon on the counter to loosen the juices.
- Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a small bowl. Make sure to remove any seeds.
- Once the chicken breasts have cooled, shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and chopped celery.
- Add the mayonnaise salad dressing and lemon juice to the chicken and celery mixture.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated. You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise and lemon juice to your taste preference.
- Season the chicken salad with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Once chilled, remove the salad from the refrigerator.
- Serve the cold chicken salad on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers as a tasty, refreshing meal or snack.
There you have it—a deliciously tangy cold chicken salad with celery and lemon. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your meal!
Cold chicken salad with celery and lemon FAQ:
Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to keep it chilled to maintain freshness.
The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and it's no longer pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving substitution. Just shred it and mix with the other ingredients without the need for cooking.
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mixture of Greek yogurt and a little mustard for a healthier alternative.
Chill the chicken salad for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Tips:
- Cooking the Chicken: Poach the chicken breasts for a tender and juicy texture. Simply place the chicken breasts in a pot of boiling water and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Chilling for Best Results: For optimal flavor, allow the chicken to cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients. You can even chill the salad in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always better than bottled for a vibrant and fresh citrus flavor.
- Mayonnaise Options: For a healthier twist, consider using a light or olive oil-based mayonnaise. You can also mix a bit of Greek yogurt with the mayo for a creamier texture and added protein.
- Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your salad with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for additional flavor.
Nutrition per serving
3 ServingsCalories 300kcal
Protein 44g
Carbohydrates 4.77g
Fiber 0.98g
Sugar 1.73g
Fat 11g
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