Perfectly Balanced Chicken Salad for Lunch

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Lunchtime can often feel like a busy time of day, but with a perfectly balanced chicken salad recipe in your repertoire, you’ll have no trouble putting together a quick and satisfying meal. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also provides you with essential nutrients that will keep you energized throughout the afternoon.

The preparation takes approximately 20 minutes for chopping ingredients and assembling everything, plus an additional 10 minutes for chilling before serving. It serves four people perfectly as a main course or can be doubled to suit larger groups.

Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (about 3 pounds)
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup pitted and sliced olives
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

To begin, gently combine the shredded chicken, cucumber, red onion, olives, and crumbled feta cheese in a large bowl. The freshness of these ingredients is critical for achieving that perfectly balanced flavor profile.

Instructions

1. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and parsley until well blended.
2. Add the dressing to the chicken mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly ensuring all ingredients are coated evenly.
3. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Taste it as you go to get that perfectly balanced flavor – not too salty or sour, just right!
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tips for a Perfectly Balanced Chicken Salad

• Use fresh ingredients: For the best results, it’s crucial to use fresh chicken and crisp vegetables. The flavor will be much more vibrant when you can taste each ingredient distinctly.
• Serve with whole-grain bread: To make this dish even more nutritious, serve it on a bed of lettuce or alongside whole-grain bread.
• Cooking your chicken ahead of time is recommended: This allows you to use the cooked chicken in various ways throughout the week. It’s perfect for busy days when you need something quick and delicious.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Note that this dish provides a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, but specific nutritional values depend on portion size and ingredient selection.

• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Fat: ~17g
• Saturated Fat: ~6.5g
• Total Carbohydrates: ~20g (including fiber)
• Protein: ~40g
• Sodium: ~300mg

Variations to the Perfectly Balanced Chicken Salad Recipe

The classic chicken salad can be easily customized to suit your personal preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Switch out the mayonnaise: Try using Greek yogurt or another type of dressing for a lower-fat version.
• Add more vegetables: Carrots, radishes, or even avocado can add extra texture and nutrition to your salad.
• Different cheeses: Goat cheese or blue cheese might be more to your liking than feta.

To take this recipe up a notch, consider adding some nuts like walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch. Adding a drizzle of balsamic dressing on top can also elevate the flavor profile. Don't forget to garnish with fresh herbs for that finishing touch!

Why Choose Chicken Salad?

The perfectly balanced chicken salad is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It’s an excellent choice when you want a light yet filling meal. Packed with protein, the chicken provides sustained energy while the vegetables and healthy fats contribute to satiety without leaving you feeling heavy after lunch.

Whether you're looking for something quick during busy weekdays or planning ahead for a weekend potluck, this recipe is sure to please. Plus, it’s adaptable enough that you can tweak it based on what you have on hand – making it ideal for those times when you’re short on ingredients but still want a great meal.

So next time you're in need of a simple yet satisfying lunch option, give this perfectly balanced chicken salad a try. You’ll be surprised at how much flavor and satisfaction it brings to your table without taking too much effort or time!