Chicken Salad with Apples and Cucumber

Chicken Salad with Apples and Cucumber Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Chicken Salad with Apples and Cucumber recipe is a refreshing and delicious twist on the classic chicken salad. The combination of crunchy apples and crisp cucumber adds a burst of flavor and texture to the dish.

History

Chicken salad is a popular dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The addition of apples and cucumber to the traditional recipe adds a modern twist and a refreshing flavor profile.

Ingredients

1 cup of chopped cooked chicken
0.33 cup of chopped cored apple, chopped seeded cucumber, or finely chopped celery
1 hard-cooked egg, peeled and chopped
2 tbsp of plain low-fat yogurt
2 tbsp of light mayonnaise or salad dressing
salt and black pepper
8 slices of whole wheat bread

How to prepare

In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the chicken, apple, and egg.
Add yogurt and mayonnaise, and stir to combine.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 4 hours.
Spread the chicken mixture on half of the bread slices.
Top with the remaining bread slices.
If desired, cut away the crusts.
Cut each sandwich into 4 triangles or squares.
These sandwiches are great to serve as finger sandwiches at a special luncheon.

Variations

Add some chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra crunch and sweetness.
Substitute the chicken with turkey or tuna for a different flavor profile.
Use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a tangier taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use cooked chicken for this recipe, either leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken works well.

- Chilling the chicken salad for a few hours allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Salad with Apples and Cucumber can be served on its own as a light lunch or dinner. It can also be served on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich for a more filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to chop the ingredients finely for a more uniform texture.

- Mix the dressing ingredients separately before adding them to the chicken mixture for even distribution of flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a tangier taste.

- Feel free to use any type of bread for the sandwiches, such as whole grain or sourdough.

Make Ahead Tips

This Chicken Salad with Apples and Cucumber can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the chicken salad on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This Chicken Salad with Apples and Cucumber pairs well with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 250 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 10 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 20 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and dairy.

Summary

This Chicken Salad with Apples and Cucumber recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a light and satisfying meal.

Summary

This Chicken Salad with Apples and Cucumber recipe is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a balance of flavors and textures, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Chicken Salad with Apples and Cucumber. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Alice for tea. As we chatted and sipped our tea, she suddenly disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a bowl of the most delicious chicken salad I had ever tasted.

I marveled at the combination of flavors and textures in the salad – the tender chunks of chicken, the crisp apples, the cool cucumbers, all brought together with a creamy dressing that was both tangy and sweet. I begged Alice for the recipe, and she graciously obliged, sharing with me the secrets of her delicious creation.

Alice explained that she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. She told me about how her grandmother would make the salad for family gatherings, picnics, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from those lucky enough to taste it.

I was determined to master the recipe myself, so I set to work in my own kitchen, carefully following Alice's instructions. I started by poaching the chicken breasts in a flavorful broth until they were tender and juicy. Then, I diced up crisp apples and crunchy cucumbers, combining them with the chicken in a large bowl.

Next, I whisked together a dressing made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I poured the dressing over the chicken and vegetables, gently tossing everything together until it was well coated.

I took a tentative bite of the salad, and my taste buds exploded with delight. The flavors were bright and fresh, the textures perfectly balanced. I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.

Over the years, I have made this Chicken Salad with Apples and Cucumber countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I add a handful of toasted walnuts for extra crunch, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. No matter how I choose to customize it, the salad always brings me back to that sunny afternoon with Alice, sharing stories and laughter over a simple bowl of delicious food.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that Alice's grandmother started so many years ago. I love the way this salad brings people together, sparking conversation and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons I have learned along the way. Cooking is not just about following a set of instructions – it is about creativity, tradition, and love. It is about taking simple ingredients and transforming them into something truly magical.

And so, I will continue to make this Chicken Salad with Apples and Cucumber, honoring the legacy of Alice's grandmother and creating new memories with each bite. For in the kitchen, as in life, the best recipes are those that bring joy to those who share them.