Cold chicken salad with celery and lemon
Enjoy a refreshing and tangy cold chicken salad with celery and lemon. Made with tender chicken breasts, crunchy celery, zesty lemon, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a quick dinner!
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.
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.
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!
Nutrition per serving
3 ServingsCalories 300kcal
Protein 44g
Carbohydrates 4.77g
Fiber 0.98g
Sugar 1.73g
Fat 11g
More recipes
Lemon creme fraiche biscuits
Easy to make and utterly delicious—isn't it time you treated yourself?.
21 May 2025Baileys chocolate and walnut microwave brownies
Ready in minutes, they're the ideal dessert for any chocolate lover.
29 Apr 2025Protein-packed peanut butter shake
Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it's the ultimate blend for fitness enthusiasts and peanut butter lovers alike.
19 Mar 2025Cheesecake stuffed apples
Made with juicy apples, rich cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and a touch of berry topping, this dessert is a deliciously unique treat for any occasion.
09 Mar 2025Peanut butter banana bread
Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert – a treat the whole family will love.
02 Jun 2025