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!
- 17 Feb 2025
- Cook time 25 min
- Prep time 10 min
- 3 Servings
- 4 Ingredients
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.
Ingredients:
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 Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 270 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 300kcal | 15% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 44g | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 4.77g | 1% |
| Fiber 0.98g | 3% |
| Sugar 1.73g | 2% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 11g | 13% |
| Saturated 1.99g | 7% |
| Cholesterol 150mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 27ug | 3% |
| Choline 170mg | 30% |
| Vitamin B1 0.20mg | 17% |
| Vitamin B2 0.37mg | 28% |
| Vitamin B3 20mg | 119% |
| Vitamin B6 1.63mg | 96% |
| Vitamin B9 33ug | 8% |
| Vitamin B12 0.41ug | 17% |
| Vitamin C 9mg | 10% |
| Vitamin E 1.76mg | 12% |
| Vitamin K 24ug | 19% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 30mg | 2% |
| Copper, Cu 0.10mg | 11% |
| Iron, Fe 0.92mg | 8% |
| Magnesium, Mg 60mg | 14% |
| Phosphorus, P 430mg | 35% |
| Potassium, K 770mg | 23% |
| Selenium, Se 45ug | 83% |
| Sodium, Na 320mg | 21% |
| Zinc, Zn 1.41mg | 13% |
| Water | |
| Water 210g | - |
| * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. | |
More recipes
Maple pecan truffles
Ready in minutes, these truffles are ideal for holiday gifting or a delightful dessert any time.
05 Apr 2025Honey-lemon glazed carrots with parsley and black pepper
Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor.
23 Jan 2025Butterscotch puddings
Perfectly sweetened and irresistibly smooth, this butterscotch pudding is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
13 Apr 2025Honey almond energy bites
Healthy and satisfying, they're perfect for on-the-go snacking or a post-workout treat.
01 Feb 2025Chicken waldorf salad with apple, walnuts and grapes
Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.
12 Feb 2025