Easy Chicken Salad

$Here’s a complete list of ingredients for your easy chicken salad: - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup mixed greens - 1/2 cup orange segments - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced - 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional) - 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste If you want to switch things up, here are some ideas: - Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. - Swap mixed greens for spinach or romaine. - Try using tangerine or grapefruit segments for a twist. - Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch. - Omit feta for a dairy-free option, or use avocado for creaminess. Want to make your salad even better? Add some of these: - A handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. - Sliced avocado for extra creaminess. - Diced apples or grapes for a sweet touch. - A pinch of chili flakes for some heat. - A sprinkle of sunflower seeds for extra texture. This easy chicken salad is not only quick to make, but it also lets you personalize it to your taste. You can find the full recipe and more tips in the Zesty Citrus Chicken Salad section. Enjoy! Start with the chicken. Use cooked chicken breast. Shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for speed. Next, wash the mixed greens well. I like to mix spinach, arugula, and romaine. Chop the cucumber into small cubes. Cut the red bell pepper into small chunks. Slice the red onion thinly. If you use feta cheese, crumble it into small pieces. In a large bowl, combine all the prepared ingredients. Add the shredded chicken, mixed greens, orange segments, diced cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, sliced red onion, and feta cheese. Using two salad spoons, toss everything gently. Make sure all the ingredients blend well together. This helps the flavors mix nicely. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth. This step is key to making the dressing creamy. It adds a nice flavor to the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss again gently to coat everything. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. Before serving, sprinkle the chopped walnuts on top. They add a nice crunch. For a pretty display, serve the salad in shallow bowls. You can add extra orange segments or fresh herbs as a garnish. This makes your dish look even more inviting. To make this chicken salad fast, use pre-cooked chicken. You can buy it or cook it ahead. Shredding the chicken is quick with two forks. Also, chop your veggies while the chicken cools. This way, you save time and keep things moving. When choosing greens, look for bright colors. They should feel crisp, not wilted. For cucumbers, pick ones that are firm with no soft spots. Choose bell peppers that are shiny and firm. Fresh oranges should feel heavy for their size. These tips ensure your salad tastes great and is healthy. When tossing your salad, use two large spoons. This method helps mix all the ingredients without smashing them. Add the dressing before tossing for better coverage. Toss gently so the greens stay crisp. Letting the salad rest helps all the flavors blend well. You can find the full recipe for this zesty chicken salad to try these tips. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your chicken salad with different dressings. Try ranch for a creamy touch. A yogurt-based dressing offers a lighter option. If you like spice, add sriracha to your dressing. For a zesty kick, consider a cilantro-lime vinaigrette. Each dressing gives you a new taste experience. Adding new ingredients can make your chicken salad special. Consider adding: - 1/2 avocado, diced for creaminess - 1/4 cup dried cranberries for sweetness - 1/4 cup chopped apples for crunch - 1/4 cup celery, diced for freshness - 1/4 cup cooked quinoa for added protein These additions create exciting flavors and textures. Feel free to mix and match! If you want a vegetarian or vegan option, replace chicken with chickpeas. You can also use tofu or tempeh for a protein boost. For the dressing, swap honey with maple syrup. This keeps the dish sweet and vegan-friendly. You can make this salad work for everyone! For more details, check out the Full Recipe. To store your chicken salad, use an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and air out. Place the salad in the fridge right after serving. If you have extra salad, try to separate the dressing. This keeps the greens fresh and crunchy. You can keep chicken salad in the fridge for about three to four days. Check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. If you notice any changes, it is best to throw it away. Freezing chicken salad is not ideal because of the ingredients. However, if you want to freeze it, do so without the greens. Place the salad in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Add fresh greens and dressing just before serving. For the best taste, always try to enjoy the salad fresh. For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Citrus Chicken Salad. The best way to cook chicken for salad is to grill or bake it. This method keeps the chicken moist and adds flavor. You can also poach chicken in water or broth for tender results. Make sure to season it well with salt and pepper for added taste. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing in your salad. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Prepare the chicken salad and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes even better when the flavors have time to blend. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve it to maintain the crunchiness of the greens. Chicken salad lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. Always check for any signs of spoilage before you eat it. If it smells off or looks unusual, it’s best to throw it away. Yes, you can use canned chicken for this salad. Canned chicken is a great option for a quick meal. Just drain and rinse it before adding it to your salad. This saves time and still gives you a tasty dish. You can serve chicken salad in many ways. Try it on a sandwich, in a wrap, or over a bed of greens. You can also serve it with crackers or on a plate of fresh veggies. It pairs well with fruit or a light soup for a full meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. This chicken salad recipe combines tasty ingredients and simple steps. You need cooked chicken, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing. I shared tips for fresh ingredients and time-saving hacks. Try variations with different dressings and add-ins to keep it fun. Store your leftovers properly to enjoy later. This dish is not just easy to make, but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Enjoy creating your own version; the possibilities are endless!$

Elevate your meal with this zesty citrus chicken salad, bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors. Packed with tender chicken, crunchy cucumbers, sweet orange segments, and a tangy dressing, this salad is perfect for lunch or dinner. The combination of mixed greens and walnuts adds a delightful crunch. Discover the full recipe now and treat yourself to this delicious, healthy dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends! Click through to explore the recipe!

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

1 cup mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine)

1/2 cup orange segments (use fresh for best flavor, but canned works as well)

1/2 cup cucumber, diced into small pieces

1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional: use goat cheese for a tangier flavor)

1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (or use almonds for a different texture)

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mixed greens, orange segments, diced cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Using two salad spoons, toss the ingredients gently until they are well mixed and evenly distributed.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Continue whisking until the dressing is well emulsified and creamy.

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the chicken salad mixture and toss gently again to ensure all the ingredients are coated in the flavorful dressing.

Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature; this resting time will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Just before serving, add the roughly chopped walnuts on top of the salad to provide a delightful crunch and garnish.

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in large, shallow bowls for a beautiful display, and consider garnishing each serving with additional orange segments or sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of color.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4