Classic Chicken Salad (Mediterranean Chicken Salad)
As a busy professional, I’m always on the lookout for meals that are both tasty and healthy. Chicken salad fits the bill perfectly. It’s a mix of flavors and nutrients that keeps me going all day.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring spoon tablespoon
Ingredients
- 2 cooked chicken breasts shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise for classic, or olive oil for Mediterranean
- 1/4 cup celery chopped
- 1/4 cup onions chopped
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt optional, for Mediterranean
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives optional, for Mediterranean
- 1/4 cup feta cheese optional, for Mediterranean
- 1/4 cup cucumber chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for Mediterranean
- Fresh herbs dill, parsley for Mediterranean
Instructions
- Cook and shred or dice the chicken breasts.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken with the chopped celery, onions, and any optional vegetables (cucumber for Mediterranean).
- For the classic version, mix in mayonnaise. For Mediterranean, use olive oil and Greek yogurt.
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if making Mediterranean version).
- Add in optional Mediterranean ingredients such as olives, feta, nuts, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Mix everything until well combined.
- Serve on greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers. Enjoy!
Notes
Tips & Variations:
Storage & Reheating:
- Add Fresh Herbs: Enhance your chicken salad with fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or basil for a burst of flavor.
- Try Different Proteins: For variety, swap chicken for turkey, tofu, or chickpeas to create a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Experiment with Dressings: Instead of mayonnaise, try Greek yogurt, a lemon vinaigrette, or a tahini dressing for a lighter or more Mediterranean touch.
- Add Seasonal Fruits: For a sweet contrast, try adding grapes, apples, or dried cranberries to your chicken salad.
- Incorporate Superfoods: Boost the nutrition by adding chia seeds, hemp seeds, or avocado for additional healthy fats.
- Play with Vegetables: Mix up the veggies by adding bell peppers, cucumbers, or even roasted sweet potatoes for extra texture and nutrients.
Storage & Reheating:
- Storage: Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. For the best flavor and texture, avoid adding avocado or nuts until ready to serve.
- Reheating: While chicken salad is typically served cold, you can gently warm it up by microwaving it for 30 seconds to a minute. However, if the salad contains mayo or yogurt, it's better to enjoy it chilled to maintain the creamy texture.
- Freezing: If you need to freeze leftovers, be aware that the texture of the mayo-based dressing may change upon thawing. It's best to freeze only the chicken and vegetables, then add fresh dressing when ready to eat.