Are you craving a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied? Look no further than this mouthwatering Chicken and Carrot Salad! Packed with protein, vibrant colors, and a zesty dressing, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or just someone who loves amazing flavors, this salad is about to become your new go-to dish!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups carrots, grated
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Ensure that the cooked chicken is shredded into bite-sized pieces. If you haven't cooked the chicken yet, you can boil or roast it until fully cooked, then shred it.
- Next, wash and peel the carrots. Use a grater to grate the carrots into fine shreds. You should have about 2 cups of grated carrots once finished.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and grated carrots. Mix them together gently to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by combining the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Pour the mayonnaise dressing over the chicken and carrot mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the dressing into the salad, ensuring that all the ingredients are well-coated.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each, and adjust according to your preference. Mix again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Chop the parsley finely and add it to the salad. This will add a fresh flavor and a pop of color to your dish. Mix gently to incorporate the parsley.
- Once everything is mixed well, taste the salad and adjust any seasonings if necessary. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a little more mayonnaise.
- Transfer the Chicken and Carrot Salad to a serving dish or individual bowls. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Enjoy your Chicken and Carrot Salad as a light meal, a side dish, or a filling for sandwiches!
Tips
- Chicken Selection: Use freshly cooked, high-quality chicken for the best flavor. Rotisserie chicken works great as a time-saving option.
- Carrot Technique: Grate carrots using the fine side of a box grater for a delicate texture that blends seamlessly with the chicken.
- Dressing Hack: For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of dried herbs to your mayonnaise dressing.
- Chill Factor: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Customization: Feel free to add chopped nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Storage Tip: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve on a bed of mixed greens, in a wrap, or as a sandwich filling for versatile meal options.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
