Holiday Chicken Salad
The holidays are a time for celebration, gatherings, and of course, delicious food. If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant dish that captures the essence of the season, look no further than this Holiday Chicken Salad. It’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making it the perfect addition to any holiday feast or a simple lunch option during the busy season. This salad is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly adaptable, ensuring it caters to a variety of tastes. Let’s dive into what makes this salad so special!
Top Reasons to Make Holiday Chicken Salad
1. **Quick and Easy**: With shredded rotisserie chicken as the base, this salad comes together in no time, making it a perfect choice for busy holiday schedules.
2. **Colorful and Festive**: The vibrant red bell pepper and fresh cilantro add a burst of color that brightens up any table.
3. **Healthy and Satisfying**: Packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the avocados, this salad is both nutritious and filling.
4. **Versatile**: This recipe can easily be modified to suit your dietary needs or preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser.
5. **Make Ahead**: You can prepare this salad in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together, which makes it an ideal dish for holiday gatherings.
What You’ll Need
- 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
- 2 tablespoons fresh-squeezed lime juice (to toss with the avocado)
- 1 cup Feta cubes
Cook’s Kit
- Large mixing bowl – for combining all ingredients.
- Cutting board and knife – to chop vegetables and chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions.
- Rubber spatula – for gently mixing the salad.
Holiday Chicken Salad: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality components will elevate your Holiday Chicken Salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If you haven’t already, chop or shred your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. The pre-cooked chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
Step 3: Chop the Vegetables
Next, chop the red bell pepper, slice the green onions, and roughly chop the cilantro. The colors will create a festive look, while the flavors will complement the chicken beautifully.
Step 4: Avocado Magic
Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Drizzle with fresh-squeezed lime juice to prevent browning and add a zesty flavor.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken, bell pepper, green onion, cilantro, and Feta cubes. Gently fold in the avocado last to keep it intact.
Step 6: Mix and Serve
Using a rubber spatula, carefully mix all the ingredients until well combined. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld.
Dietary Swaps & Alternatives
- For a lower-fat option, use Greek yogurt instead of Feta or reduce the amount of avocado.
- Swap out the rotisserie chicken for cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Use lime zest along with lime juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- For a nutty flavor, consider adding toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
- Make sure to toss the avocado with lime juice immediately after cutting to prevent browning.
- Adjust the saltiness of the salad based on the feta cheese you use, as some brands are saltier than others.
- If you’re making this ahead of time, consider storing the avocado separately to maintain its freshness.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you find you have a lot left over, you can freeze the chicken salad without the avocado for up to a month. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and mix in fresh avocado before serving.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works wonderfully and can add a personal touch to your Holiday Chicken Salad.
How can I make this salad spicier?
If you enjoy a kick of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mix.
What can I serve this salad with?
This salad pairs beautifully with Cranberry Orange Relish No Cook Fresh or as a filling in a wrap or sandwich.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
To prevent a soggy salad, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, and add the avocado last to maintain its integrity.
What to Make After This
- Turkey Cranberry Sliders – A perfect pairing for your holiday spread.
- Classic Cranberry Sauce – A must-have during the holidays!
Save & Share
If you love this Holiday Chicken Salad as much as I do, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite at your holiday gatherings and can be enjoyed year-round.
The Holiday Chicken Salad is a delightful blend that showcases the flavors of the season. With every bite, you’ll taste the essence of fresh ingredients coming together in harmony. Whether you serve it at a festive gathering or enjoy it as a quick lunch, this salad is sure to impress. Embrace the holidays with this vibrant dish, and don’t forget to enjoy the moments spent with loved ones around the table!
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Holiday Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients - Start by gathering all your ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality components will elevate your Holiday Chicken Salad.
- Step 2: Prepare the Chicken - If you haven’t already, chop or shred your rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. The pre-cooked chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- Step 3: Chop the Vegetables - Next, chop the red bell pepper, slice the green onions, and roughly chop the cilantro. The colors will create a festive look, while the flavors will complement the chicken beautifully.
- Step 4: Avocado Magic - Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Drizzle with fresh-squeezed lime juice to prevent browning and add a zesty flavor.
- Step 5: Combine Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken, bell pepper, green onion, cilantro, and Feta cubes. Gently fold in the avocado last to keep it intact.
- Step 6: Mix and Serve - Using a rubber spatula, carefully mix all the ingredients until well combined. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, use Greek yogurt instead of Feta or reduce the amount of avocado.
- Swap out the rotisserie chicken for cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Use lime zest along with lime juice for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
