Holiday Chicken Salad
Welcome to Cezanne Garden, where we celebrate the holiday season with delicious and festive recipes. This Holiday Chicken Salad combines the flavors of tender rotisserie chicken, vibrant vegetables, creamy avocado, and tangy lime juice, all brought together with a touch of cilantro and Feta cubes. It’s a perfect dish for holiday gatherings or any time you want to enjoy a refreshing and flavorful salad.
Let’s dive into making this delightful Holiday Chicken Salad!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chopped or shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced green onion
- 3/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 avocados, chopped
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lime juice, plus extra for tossing with avocado
- 1 cup Feta cheese cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon Vege-Sal or salt, adjust to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped or shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped red bell pepper, sliced green onion, and chopped cilantro.
2. Prepare the Avocado:
- In a separate bowl, toss the chopped avocados with 2 tablespoons of fresh-squeezed lime juice to prevent browning.
3. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh-squeezed lime juice, and Vege-Sal or salt.
4. Assemble the Salad:
- Add the tossed avocado and Feta cheese cubes to the chicken mixture in the large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Gently toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Serve:
- Transfer the Holiday Chicken Salad to a serving dish or individual bowls.
- Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors!
Variations and Tips for Success:
- Add Crunch: Include toasted pine nuts or chopped toasted almonds for added texture.
- Herb Substitution: Substitute cilantro with fresh parsley or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the salad ingredients and dressing separately, and combine just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use leftover roasted chicken instead of rotisserie chicken? A: Yes, leftover roasted chicken works well. Ensure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Q: How long can this salad be stored in the refrigerator? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avocado may brown slightly over time, so freshen it up with a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
Q: Can I make this salad dairy-free? A: Yes, omit the Feta cheese or substitute it with dairy-free cheese if preferred.
Internal Links: Explore more festive salad recipes from Cezanne Garden:
- Balsamic Chicken Cobb Salad with Pasta
- Chicken Caesar Twice Baked Potatoes
- Creamy Keto Chicken Salad
Enjoy preparing this Holiday Chicken Salad and bringing festive flavors to your table. It’s a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any holiday gathering or meal. Happy cooking!
