Craving a refreshing, protein-packed meal that combines the vibrant flavors of Mexico with a classic comfort food? Look no further than Ensalada de Pollo! This mouthwatering chicken salad is not just another boring lunch option – it's a culinary adventure that will transport your senses to a sunny Mexican kitchen. Packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dish for quick, delicious meals that impress everyone at the table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast
- Mayonnaise
- Celery
- Red onion
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. If you haven't done so already, cook the chicken breast until fully cooked, then allow it to cool. Once cooled, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash the celery stalks thoroughly under running water. Remove the ends and chop the celery into small, even pieces.
- Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can soak the sliced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes, then drain it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, and sliced red onion.
- Add mayonnaise to the bowl. Start with a few tablespoons and mix well, adding more to reach your desired creaminess. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Prepare the serving plates by laying down a bed of fresh lettuce leaves. This will serve as a base for the chicken salad.
- Using a spoon, generously scoop the chicken salad mixture onto the bed of lettuce on each plate.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and arrange them around the chicken salad for added color and flavor.
- Optionally, you can garnish the salad with additional herbs or spices of your choice for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Ensalada de Pollo!
Tips
- For the most tender and flavorful chicken, consider poaching or grilling the breast meat instead of using pre-cooked chicken.
- To reduce the sharp bite of red onion, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
- For extra creaminess, mix in a touch of Greek yogurt with the mayonnaise.
- Want to add some extra crunch? Consider adding chopped almonds or toasted sunflower seeds.
- If you're watching calories, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise.
- For the freshest flavor, prepare the salad just before serving and keep the ingredients chilled.
- Experiment with additional herbs like cilantro or chives to give the salad an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
