Chicken Salad II

Scandinavian Chicken Salad II Recipe with Mushrooms, Asparagus, and Creamy Dressing

Region / culture: Scandinavia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Salad II is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light lunch or a late-night snack. This recipe combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus with a creamy and tangy dressing. It is easy to prepare and can be served on its own or as a starter on a bed of lettuce.

History

Chicken salad has been a popular dish for many years, with variations found in cuisines around the world. This particular recipe for Chicken Salad II adds a unique twist by incorporating mushrooms and asparagus, giving the dish a depth of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Chicken, Mushroom, and Asparagus Salad

150 g of skinless cold cooked chicken
100 g of raw mushrooms
100 g of cold cooked asparagus

Dressing

2 tbsp of mayonnaise
200 ml of crème fraîche
0.5 tsp of salt
0.5 – 1 tsp of sweet mustard
0.5 tsp of lemon juice

How to prepare

Cut the cold chicken into small dice.
Clean and slice the mushrooms.
Drain the asparagus if necessary.
Blend the mayonnaise and the crème fraîche, and season with lemon juice, salt, and herbs.
Place the chicken, mushrooms, and asparagus in a bowl, and fold in the dressing.
Serve for lunch with French bread, as a late-night snack, or as a starter on a bed of lettuce.

Variations

The dressing can be seasoned with chopped parsley, tarragon, or dill instead of lemon juice.
The dressing is also suitable for cold haddock, mushrooms, and sliced celery.
Add diced avocado or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Substitute Greek yogurt for the crème fraîche for a lighter dressing.
Use grilled chicken or shrimp instead of cold cooked chicken for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use skinless, cold cooked chicken for this recipe to ensure that the salad is tender and juicy.

- When slicing the mushrooms, aim for thin slices to ensure that they blend well with the other ingredients.

- If using canned asparagus, be sure to drain it well before adding it to the salad.

- The dressing can be adjusted to taste by adding more or less sweet mustard and lemon juice.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Salad II can be served on its own, with French bread, or as a starter on a bed of lettuce. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Chicken Salad II is to ensure that all the ingredients are well-chilled before mixing them together. This helps to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have crème fraîche, you can substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can also use canned mushrooms instead of fresh mushrooms if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and chop the chicken, mushrooms, and asparagus ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chicken Salad II in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Chicken Salad II pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as a green salad, roasted vegetables, or a crusty baguette. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a fruity iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Chicken Salad II can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to stir the salad well before serving to redistribute the dressing. Do not freeze the salad, as the texture of the vegetables may become mushy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 250 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 20 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 15 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Chicken Salad II is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate from the asparagus and mushrooms. It also provides essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and dairy in the form of mayonnaise and crème fraîche, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Chicken Salad II is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious option for a light meal or snack.

Summary

Chicken Salad II is a versatile and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or a late-night snack. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus tossed in a creamy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy it on its own or as a starter on a bed of lettuce for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Chicken Salad II. It was a warm summer day, much like today, and I was attending a potluck picnic with some close friends. As we all gathered around the picnic table, each taking turns to unveil the dish they had brought, my friend Martha proudly presented her homemade chicken salad. It looked absolutely divine - a colorful medley of tender chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and crunchy walnuts, all coated in a creamy dressing.

As I took my first bite, I was instantly hooked. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the textures complemented each other beautifully. I turned to Martha and asked her for the recipe, eager to recreate this delicious dish in my own kitchen. She smiled and gladly shared the ingredients and instructions with me, explaining how she had learned to make it from her grandmother many years ago.

I returned home that evening, excited to try my hand at making Chicken Salad II. I carefully gathered all the ingredients - a cooked and shredded chicken breast, diced celery, halved grapes, chopped walnuts, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. As I mixed everything together in a large bowl, the kitchen filled with the enticing aroma of the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients. I took a small taste and was delighted to find that it tasted just as delicious as Martha's version.

From that day on, Chicken Salad II became a staple in my recipe collection. I would often make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a quick and easy lunch. Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding in some chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and swapping out the walnuts for toasted almonds for a bit of crunch.

As I continued to make Chicken Salad II, I would often think back to that sunny day at the potluck picnic when I first discovered this recipe. It had become a cherished memory, a reminder of the joy that good food and good friends can bring. And every time I shared this dish with others, it brought me great satisfaction to see their faces light up with delight as they took their first bite.

One day, as I was preparing Chicken Salad II for a family gathering, my granddaughter approached me with a curious expression on her face. She asked me how I had learned to make this delicious dish, and I smiled as I recounted the story of Martha and the potluck picnic. My granddaughter's eyes sparkled with excitement as she asked if she could help me prepare the salad.

I happily agreed, guiding her through the steps of mixing the ingredients and tasting the dressing to adjust the seasoning. As we worked side by side in the kitchen, I saw a passion for cooking ignite in her eyes, much like the one that had burned within me so many years ago. And as we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor together, I knew that Chicken Salad II had now become a part of our family's culinary tradition, passed down from one generation to the next.

As I look back on the journey that led me to discover this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the friends and family who have shared their culinary wisdom with me over the years. Each recipe I have collected holds a special place in my heart, a memory of the people and moments that have shaped my love for cooking. And as I continue to pass on these recipes to my loved ones, I know that the joy of good food and good company will always be a constant presence in our lives.