Zoes Kitchen Chicken Salad Recipe
Introducing my very own creation, the Zoes Kitchen chicken salad recipe!After countless visits to Zoe’s Kitchen and falling in love with their delectable chicken salad, I embarked on a mission to recreate this mouthwatering dish in the comfort of my kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup mayonnaise you can adjust this to taste
- ¼ cup diced celery
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves for serving optional
- Sliced almonds for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare The Chicken: Start with cooked, shredded chicken. I used leftover roasted chicken, which adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, a rotisserie chicken from the store works perfectly.
- Mix The Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, chopped dill, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until well mixed. I like to add a personal touch by using homemade mayonnaise, but store-bought works just as well.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the flavors of the salad will meld and intensify a bit as it sits, so don’t overdo the seasoning.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least an hour. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the chicken salad on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves or as a sandwich filling. I love to garnish it with sliced almonds for a crunchy texture and an elegant presentation.
Notes
Perfect Making Tips
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean and tender result.
- Grill the chicken for a smoky flavor, or poach it for a lighter option.
- Dice cucumbers, red onions, and tomatoes finely for a refreshing crunch.
- Fresh lemon juice and extra-virgin olive oil make the perfect dressing.
- Add crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives for an authentic touch.
- Season generously with oregano, salt, and pepper for that Mediterranean flair.
- Chill the salad before serving to let the flavors meld together.