Lemon Chicken Salad

Why Make This Recipe

Lemon Chicken Salad is a delightful dish filled with fresh flavors, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. A salad like this not only combines healthy ingredients, but it also offers a burst of citrus that brightens up any meal. Using lemon and dill creates a refreshing taste, while the tender chicken adds protein to keep you satisfied. With the added crunch from the vegetables and the option to include bacon, this salad becomes a wholesome meal that appeals to both adults and kids.

Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a hearty salad, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s easy to prepare, and it can be customized to fit your palate. Plus, with the right balance of flavors, you’ll be going back for seconds, or even thirds! So why make Lemon Chicken Salad? Because it brings freshness and flavor to your table effortlessly.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 large chicken breast, halved horizontally or 2 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp extra lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ tbsp olive oil for cooking
• 2 tbsp finely chopped dill
• 8 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (or other lettuce of choice)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium avocado, quartered and thickly sliced
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¾ cup corn kernels (fresh or canned, drained)
• 120g/4 oz bacon, cooked and chopped (optional but highly recommended)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Dressing and Marinade.
   Start by taking a medium bowl and mixing together the lemon zest, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil. Use a whisk to combine all the ingredients until they are well blended and form a smooth dressing.

2. Marinate the Chicken.
   Take the chicken breast or thighs and coat them with half of the prepared dressing. Make sure each piece is evenly covered. Once coated, place the chicken in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the marinade, making it tastier when cooked.

3. Cook the Chicken.
   After marinating, heat half a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 7-9 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. To check if it’s done, you can cut a piece open; the inside should be no longer pink.

4. Prepare the Salad Base.
   While the chicken is cooking, take a large bowl and combine the chopped lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, quartered avocado, thinly sliced red onion, corn kernels, and finely chopped dill. Toss the ingredients together so that everything is mixed well.

5. Assemble the Salad.
   Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes. After that, slice the chicken into strips and place it on top of the salad. Pour the remaining dressing over the salad and toss everything gently together to combine. This ensures that each ingredient is coated with the flavorful dressing. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Salad

Lemon Chicken Salad is best served fresh. To enhance the experience, consider presenting it on chilled plates for added freshness. You can serve it as a main dish, as it is filling enough with the protein from the chicken and the healthy fats from the avocado.

For an added touch, consider sprinkling some extra dill or a few slices of lemon on top of the salad just before serving. If you like a little crunch or a smoky flavor, the optional bacon pieces make for a delicious garnish as well. This Lemon Chicken Salad is delightful on its own or can be paired with whole-grain bread or pita on the side for a more filling meal.

For a family gathering or a picnic, you can pack individual servings in jars for easy transport. This makes for a convenient and attractive meal that’s sure to impress.

How to Store Lemon Chicken Salad

If you have leftover Lemon Chicken Salad, store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, be mindful that the avocado may brown over time, and it’s best to consume the salad sooner rather than later.

When storing, keep the dressing separate if possible. This helps maintain the crispness of the lettuce and other components. When you are ready to eat it again, simply pour over the dressing, give it a good toss, and enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

If you want to make Lemon Chicken Salad ahead of time, you can prepare the components separately. Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge, along with the salad ingredients (excluding the avocado). Then, mix them together with the dressing right before serving.

Tips to Make Lemon Chicken Salad

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh lettuce and vegetables to enhance the overall flavor and texture of the salad. Crisp greens and ripe tomatoes will make a significant difference.

2. Adjust Dressing to Taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing based on your preferences. If you like a stronger lemon flavor, you can add more lemon juice or zest. Conversely, if you prefer it a bit sweeter, add extra honey.

3. Add Protein Varieties: If you don’t have chicken on hand, this salad can be made with grilled shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

4. Opt for Different Greens: While romaine lettuce is the base here, you could also use spinach, arugula, or kale for a different taste and texture.

5. Play with Seasonal Veggies: This salad is versatile, so feel free to add seasonal vegetables. Bell peppers, cucumber, or zucchini can all enhance this dish.

6. Make it Filling: If you want a more filling salad, consider adding quinoa or farro to the mix. These grains add fiber and protein, making it a heartier meal.

Variation

One fun variation of this Lemon Chicken Salad is to make it a Mediterranean-style meal. You can add olives, feta cheese, and cucumbers to give it a Greek twist. Additionally, you can substitute olive oil with a flavored oil, such as garlic or herb-infused oil, to infuse extra taste into your dressing.

Another variation could include using grilled or roasted vegetables alongside the cherry tomatoes and corn. Vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers would complement the lemon chicken beautifully.

For those who enjoy a bit more heat, adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño can kick this salad up a notch.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare the chicken in advance for the salad?

Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the salad. Just make sure it is properly cooled before storage.

2. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Lemon Chicken Salad is great for meal prep. You can prepare all the vegetables and the chicken in advance and just assemble them when you are ready to eat.

3. What if I don’t like dill?

If dill isn’t your favorite herb, you can substitute it with parsley, basil, or cilantro for a different flavor profile. Each of these herbs will bring its unique taste to the salad.

4. Can I make this salad without the bacon?

Yes, the bacon is optional. The salad is delicious even without it, making it a healthier choice if you want to reduce fat and calories.

5. What can I do with leftover salad?

If you have leftover salad that has not been dressed, you can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember that any leftover salad that has been dressed should be consumed promptly, as the lettuce will wilt. Consider serving it with some whole grain bread on the side for a complete meal.

In summary, Lemon Chicken Salad is not only easy to make but also a delicious and healthy option for any meal. Enjoy the bright flavors and satisfying textures that come together in this delightful dish!

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