Description :
As someone who has been standing at the kitchen counter for decades, passing down family culinary traditions, I can say with complete certainty that chicken salad is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. This versatile chicken salad is a true treasure for every home cook – hearty, healthy, and incredibly adaptable.
In today’s article, I’ll share with you not only a tried-and-tested homemade chicken salad recipe, but also my most valuable tips that come from years of practice. Whether you’re planning a chicken salad sandwich for lunch or looking for summer chicken salad ideas for a family picnic, this recipe will be your guide through the world of flavors.
Preparing the perfect chicken salad recipe is an art that anyone can master – you just need to know a few secrets that my mother passed down to me, and which I now joyfully share with you.
This appetizing set of ingredients presents everything you need to prepare the perfect chicken salad. Fresh, high-quality products arrange themselves in a harmonious composition that immediately encourages cooking at first glance. Natural light emphasizes the freshness of each element, creating an atmosphere of a home kitchen full of love for cooking.
Introduction – My Thoughts and Tips:
Dear friends, before we get to the specifics, let me share with you some thoughts that come from my many years of experience in the kitchen. Chicken salad may seem like a simple dish, but the devil is in the details, and those details make the difference between an average and an outstanding salad.
First, chicken breast salad requires proper meat preparation. Never use overcooked, dry chicken! This is a common mistake that ruins the entire dish. The meat should be juicy, delicately seasoned, and properly cooked. Remember – chicken is the foundation of our salad, so let’s treat it with the respect it deserves.
The second issue is the balance of flavors and textures. Chopped chicken salad cannot be boring! We need variety – something crunchy, something creamy, a note of freshness, and a touch of surprise. This is what makes people come back for seconds.
The third aspect is seasonality. Summer chicken salad will differ from the winter version – in summer, let’s focus on fresh herbs and light additions, in winter we can afford more hearty ingredients. Cooking is a living thing that should breathe with the rhythm of the seasons.
What should you absolutely avoid? First and foremost, don’t be tempted by shortcuts. Ready-made sauces from boxes may be convenient, but they will never match homemade mayonnaise or dressing in taste. The second cardinal sin is mixing ingredients that are still warm – temperature is crucial for the final result.
Also remember about hygiene – chicken salad ideas are wonderful, but food safety is paramount. Always cool cooked meat before adding other ingredients and store the finished salad in the refrigerator.
The salad preparation process captured at its most beautiful moment – when experienced hands combine all ingredients into a harmonious whole. The wooden cutting board and glass bowl emphasize the traditional character of this homemade recipe. The warm kitchen atmosphere makes you almost smell the fresh ingredients mixing into a delicious salad.
INGREDIENTS (Recipe Card format):
For the basic salad:
- 1.75 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons high-quality mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
Optional additions:
- 1/2 cup chopped grapes
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS (Recipe Card format):
Step 1: Rinse chicken with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2: In a large pot, bring water to boil with 1 tablespoon salt and a bay leaf. Add chicken breasts and cook over medium heat for 18-20 minutes until meat is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F).
Step 3: Remove chicken from water and set aside to cool completely (about 30 minutes). Cut into cubes about 1/2 inch in size.
Step 4: In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Add chopped chicken to the bowl with dressing and gently mix.
Step 6: Add celery, onion, eggs, parsley, and walnuts. Mix again carefully, being careful not to mash the ingredients.
Step 7: Taste and season with salt or pepper if needed. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Step 8: Before serving, mix again and add a tablespoon of mayonnaise if the salad seems dry.
MY TIPS:
Tip 1 – Secret to Juicy Chicken: Never overcook the chicken! When the water starts boiling, reduce heat to medium and cook for exactly 18 minutes. After this time, immediately remove the meat from the hot water. If it stays in the pot, it will continue cooking and dry out. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken in broth – it will be even more flavorful.
Tip 2 – Balance of Textures: The key to perfect easy chicken salad is texture variety. Celery provides crunch, eggs add creaminess, nuts give character. If you want to achieve healthy chicken salad, replace part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt – it will maintain creaminess but be lighter.
Tip 3 – Storage and Serving: The salad tastes best after 4-6 hours in the refrigerator, when the flavors meld together. It can be stored for up to 3 days, but remember – each day add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to maintain freshness. For chicken salad sandwich, whole grain bread or bagette works best.
Chicken Salad – Perfect for Every Occasion
Course: Chicken, Salad4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
1.75 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons high-quality mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
Directions
- Rinse chicken with cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2: In a large pot, bring water to boil with 1 tablespoon salt and a bay leaf. Add chicken breasts and cook over medium heat for 18-20 minutes until meat is fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F).
Step 3: Remove chicken from water and set aside to cool completely (about 30 minutes). Cut into cubes about 1/2 inch in size.
Step 4: In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and tarragon. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Add chopped chicken to the bowl with dressing and gently mix.
Step 6: Add celery, onion, eggs, parsley, and walnuts. Mix again carefully, being careful not to mash the ingredients.
Step 7: Taste and season with salt or pepper if needed. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Step 8: Before serving, mix again and add a tablespoon of mayonnaise if the salad seems dry.
The final presentation of chicken salad in all its glory – a delicious combination of flavors and textures elegantly served in a rustic bowl. Fresh additions and crusty bread create a complete meal that encourages immediate tasting. Natural light highlights every detail, showing how beautiful homemade food prepared with passion can look.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? A: Absolutely! Thighs will be even more juicy, but remember the longer cooking time (about 25-30 minutes) and careful removal of bones and skin. The flavor will be more intense.
Q: How long can I store chicken salad? A: In the refrigerator, in a tightly sealed container, the salad will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Never leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours – chicken is a perishable product.
Q: Can I make a version without mayonnaise? A: Yes! Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, avocado, or a dressing based on olive oil and mustard. For broccoli chicken salad, an Asian dressing based on sesame oil works great.
Summary:
Dear friends, this chicken salad recipe is a true treasure that will serve you for every occasion. Whether it’s an elegant lunch, family picnic, or regular weekday dinner – this salad will always work. Remember my tips, don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonal additions, and most importantly – cook with love. It’s love that makes even the simplest dishes become extraordinary. Enjoy your meal and see you in the kitchen!
