Roast chicken salad

Roast Chicken Salad Recipe: Freshness and Flavor in Every Bite

Hello! Get ready to enjoy a salad that combines the delicacy of roast chicken with the vibrant flavors of fresh and nutritious ingredients. This dish is ideal for those looking for something delicious, easy, and healthy, perfect for a complete meal without complications. Furthermore, its preparation makes use of leftover chicken, giving it a special and practical touch.

Preparation time

The preparation of this salad is simple and quick, ideal for those days when you want to eat well without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 10 minutes (if you don't have pre-roasted chicken)
• Total: 25 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the roast chicken salad

• 200 grams of boneless, diced roast chicken
• 1/2 fresh lettuce, washed and chopped
• 5 piquillo peppers, cut into strips
• 3 gherkins, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, cut into cubes
• 100 grams of crumbled fresh cheese
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
• Caesar dressing to taste

Practical alternatives and substitutions

If you don't have roasted chicken, you can prepare a grilled chicken breast with a drizzle of olive oil and season it with fine herbs. If you don't have piquillo peppers, normal roasted peppers also work perfectly. For the lettuce, mixed greens or fresh spinach leaves are excellent alternatives that add variety.

Utensils we will use

• Non-stick pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Colander for washing vegetables

Preparation

1. Prepare the fresh ingredients

1. Wash and cut the lettuce: Wash under cold running water and drain well so that no moisture remains to water down the salad. Chop into medium pieces, neither too large nor too small, so that each bite is balanced.
2. Cut the piquillo peppers and gherkins: Cut the peppers into thin strips and the gherkins into small cubes so that they are evenly distributed and add texture and a tangy flavor.
3. Chop the tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into cubes of approximately 2 cm, neither too large to prevent them from releasing too much juice, nor too small to preserve their flavor in each bite.

2. Incorporate the roast chicken and other proteins

1. Debone and chop the chicken: If using pre-roasted chicken, make sure to remove any bones or fat residue to avoid accidents or unwanted flavors.
2. Include the hard-boiled eggs: Peel them carefully and cut them into medium pieces; this adds creaminess and protein to the salad.
3. Add the fresh cheese: Drain the fresh cheese if it has excess moisture and crumble it to mix it gently without it completely falling apart.

3. Assemble and dress the salad

1. Mix in a large bowl: Combine all ingredients carefully so as not to break the cheese or the eggs.
2. Incorporate the Caesar dressing: You can add the dressing directly or serve it on the side so that each diner can choose the amount. The Caesar dressing adds creaminess and enhances the flavor of the chicken.
3. Stir gently: Use a spoon or spatula to integrate the dressing without breaking up the salad. The idea is for each ingredient to maintain its texture, while being infused with flavor.

To finish and serve

If using freshly roasted chicken, you can slightly warm the pieces so that the salad has a warm touch that intensifies its aroma and seasoning. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the vegetables and the creamy texture of the cheese and eggs. This salad is best enjoyed with fresh bread or with a light vinaigrette of olive oil and apple cider vinegar, an option you can find in recipes such as fennel salad with orange and radishes.

I want to share these tips with you

• Balance the dressing: Do not overload with dressing to prevent the salad from losing its freshness and crispy texture.
• Chop uniformly: Cutting ingredients into similar sizes ensures that each bite has a balanced mix.
• Use boneless and skinless chicken: This facilitates tasting and avoids undesirable textures or remnants.
• Temper the chicken before mixing: If you decide to use it warm, it helps the natural fats release aroma and flavor.
• Prepare homemade croutons: If you want to add crunch, make croutons by spreading bread with garlic and toasting it in the oven; you can save them for future recipes.

Nutritional Information per serving

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Proteins: 40 g
• Fats: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 5 g

Approximate values per serving, may vary depending on brands and portion size.

5 keys to make your roast chicken salad perfect

• Use quality chicken: The flavor and juiciness of the roasted chicken directly impact the salad.
• Wash and dry the vegetables well: Excessive moisture can ruin the dressing and texture.
• Dress just before serving: This keeps the ingredients fresh and crispy for longer.
• Respect the cutting sizes: Maintain uniformity for a good balance in each bite.
• Incorporate fresh and colorful ingredients: This way it will not only be healthy but also visually appealing.

When is it ideal to enjoy roast chicken salad?

This salad is perfect for summer days or any time a light but complete meal is desired. Its freshness and balance of ingredients make it ideal for quick dinners, informal lunches, or to take to work. It is also a great choice for family gatherings or to accompany a barbecue, providing a fresh contrast between hot dishes.

Comparison table: Variants and recipes similar to Roast Chicken Salad

When to enjoy this salad to make the most of its flavor and nutrients?

The ideal time to enjoy this salad is during lunch or a light dinner, especially in spring and summer when a fresh and nutritious meal is desired. At family gatherings or informal celebrations, it becomes a star dish due to its practicality and balanced flavor. It's also fantastic for taking in containers to work or a picnic, as it maintains its freshness and texture if dressed just before consumption.

Roast Chicken Salad and Country Flavors: Freshness and Tradition

This video shows the basic preparation of roasted chicken salad, emphasizing cooking techniques that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and the freshness of the vegetables, inviting you to experiment with local ingredients from Pollos Asados El Buen Sabor or La Huerta.

Professional tips for dressings that enhance the flavor of roast chicken

Discover how to prepare dressings that enhance the chicken and the texture of the salad, combining ingredients like apple cider vinegar, honey, and extra virgin olive oil from Granja Sabor Natural, for an extra touch to your dish.