Quick and Easy Big Chicken Salad Recipe for Busy Days
Oh, my goodness, do I have a treat for you! This Big Quick Chicken Salad—let me tell you, it’s just the kind of dish that brings together all the crisp, fresh flavors… it’s like a burst of garden goodness on a plate. Perfect for those hectic days when you just wanna throw something together, yet feel like you’ve put in the effort, you know? It’s light but satisfying, and, trust me, you’ll want to keep coming back for more…
Why You’ll Crave It
- Super quick to whip up—like, 15 minutes or less!
- Totally customizable… switch in your favorite veggies or nuts.
- Perfect for meal prep—makes great leftovers for lunch!
- Fresh and healthy, so you can feel good about indulging.
My family fights over the last scoop of this salad… it’s that good!
What You’ll Need
- Cooked chicken: Two cups, shredded (I tend to grab a rotisserie one for ease!)
- Mixed greens: Four cups—whatever you have on hand will do!
- Cherry tomatoes: One cup, halved… ’cause they’re just so cute and juicy.
- Cucumber: One medium, diced for that crunch.
- Red onion: A quarter cup, thinly sliced; it adds a nice zing!
- Avocado: One, sliced… because avocado makes everything better!
- Olive oil: A quarter cup, for a drizzle of goodness.
- Lemon juice: Two tablespoons; it brightens up all the flavors!
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!
- Your choice of nuts or seeds (optional): Just a handful, if you like a little crunch.
Easy How-To
Getting Started
First up, gather all your ingredients. You want that cooked chicken ready… and it really should be shredded, you know, to make it easier to mix later… You could also get creative and add in things like olives or bell peppers—whatever’s in your fridge feels good! Okay, next, let’s chop the cucumber, tomatoes, and onion so everything’s nice and bite-sized. I mean, nobody wants giant chunks in their salad, right?
Good to Know
- Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken saves you loads of time—such a game changer!
- Feel free to customize… maybe throw in a handful of nuts for crunch—pecans or walnuts work great!
Serving Ideas
- Serve it on a bed of greens, or pile it high in a sandwich… or just dig in with a fork—whatever works for you!
Top Tricks
- For extra flavor, mix in some fresh herbs… like parsley or dill. Makes all the difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned chicken is super convenient, just drain it well before mixing in. It works just fine.
What vegetables can I add?
Oh, you can get really creative! Bell peppers, radishes, or even some shredded carrots—they all taste great in this salad!
How long does the salad stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, it keeps in the fridge for about three days… but I doubt it’ll last that long!
Can I make this salad in advance?
For sure! Just dress it right before serving, you know, to keep everything crisp and fresh.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you want to lighten it up, Greek yogurt works really well! Or you could use smashed avocado for a creamier vibe.
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I really hope you give this Big Quick Chicken Salad a shot! It’s such a simple way to put something wholesome on the table without the fuss. It not only fills the tummy but also promises a happy heart with every bite. Enjoy!