Looking for a refreshing and satisfying dish that perfectly balances flavor and nutrition? Look no further than our delightful Chicken Salad with Greens! This vibrant salad combines tender, shredded chicken with crisp mixed greens, crunchy walnuts, and sweet grapes, all brought together with a creamy Dijon dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a feast for the eyes and the palate. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a healthy meal that will leave your taste buds dancing. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into the delicious details of this irresistible salad!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup grapes, halved
Instructions
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled. If using leftover roasted or grilled chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Wash the mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Dice the celery into small, uniform pieces, about 1/4-inch in size, to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, whisking until smooth and well integrated.
- Add the shredded chicken to the mayonnaise mixture, folding gently to coat the chicken evenly with the dressing.
- Season the chicken mixture with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Halve the grapes lengthwise, removing any seeds if present.
- Roughly chop the walnuts to release their natural oils and enhance their flavor.
- Arrange the mixed greens on a large serving platter or divide among individual plates.
- Spoon the dressed chicken over the greens, creating an even layer.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts and halved grapes over the top of the chicken salad.
- Serve immediately at room temperature or slightly chilled for optimal flavor and texture.
Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: To save time, utilize leftover roasted or grilled chicken. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces for a quick and easy addition to your salad.
- Wash Your Greens: Ensure your mixed greens are fresh and clean by washing them thoroughly under cold water. A salad spinner is great for removing excess moisture, which helps keep your salad crisp.
- Uniform Dice for Celery: When dicing the celery, aim for uniform pieces (about 1/4-inch). This ensures even distribution of flavor and texture throughout the salad.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to adjust the amount of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to suit your taste. You can even add a splash of lemon juice for extra tang!
- Add Texture: For an extra crunch, consider toasting the walnuts lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the salad. This enhances their flavor and adds a lovely warmth to the dish.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor and texture, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- Garnish Creatively: Don’t hesitate to add other toppings like avocado slices, crumbled feta cheese, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.Enjoy crafting your Chicken Salad with Greens, and watch it become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
