Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Chicken salad is a popular dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or as a light dinner. It’s a refreshing and healthy meal that suits various dietary preferences. If you're looking to prepare an easy, quick chicken salad that can serve two people in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for you.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 small apple, cored and diced (any type of apple)
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or light mayo
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: celery sticks, fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking time: 30 minutes (including chilling)

Number of servings: 2

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breast.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. To check if they're done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast; it should read at least 165°F.

Step 2: Cool and Shred.

Allow the chicken breasts to cool for about 10 minutes. Once cooled down, remove them from the bones and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces using a fork.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Ingredients.

In the meantime, prepare all other salad ingredients as per the list provided above. Dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and dice the apple for a fresh touch of flavor. Mix all these ingredients together in a mixing bowl.

Step 4: Combine and Season.

Add the shredded chicken to your salad mixture along with plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise or light mayo, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined. Taste it and adjust seasoning as needed. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider reducing the amount of lemon juice.

Step 5: Chill and Serve.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or put in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow all flavors to meld together. When you're ready, garnish with celery sticks or fresh parsley if desired. Serve chilled chicken salad on fresh lettuce leaves or as it is.

Enjoy Your Chicken Salad!

This easy-to-make chicken salad is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken and create a delicious meal that's packed full of nutrients. It’s especially beneficial for those looking to incorporate more protein into their diet without feeling heavy or bloated after eating.

To enhance this dish even further, consider adding some nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch and additional texture, or include avocado slices for extra creaminess. You could also experiment with different types of lettuce for variety in your presentation.

Chicken salad is an adaptable recipe that allows for personalization based on your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you're a novice cook or seasoned chef, this dish provides a satisfying meal option that can be tailored to suit any palate.

To add more variety to your weekly menu, try different variations such as adding cranberries instead of apples or substituting Greek yogurt for regular mayonnaise for a lower-fat version. This basic recipe offers a foundation upon which you can build numerous tasty and nutritious dishes.

Remember, chicken salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough to cater to various tastes and occasions. So go ahead, whip up this simple yet satisfying dish whenever you feel like something light and refreshing!