Confetti Chicken Salad
Healthy Confetti Chicken Salad Recipe with California Avocados
Introduction
Confetti Chicken Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy avocado, and a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs. This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
History
The origins of Confetti Chicken Salad are unclear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. The combination of chicken, avocado, and spicy peppers is a popular flavor profile in these regions, and has been adapted into a delicious and nutritious salad.
Ingredients
Chicken and Avocado Salad
- 0.25 cup of fresh lime juice
- 3 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp of chili powder
- 0.25 tsp of salt
- 2 cups of cooked and cubed chicken
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 0.33 cup of sliced green onions, including tops
- 2 tbsp of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 2 jalapeño peppers, stemmed, seeded and minced
- 3 cups of cooked rice, cooled
- 2 california avocados, seeded, peeled and cut into chunks
How to prepare
- In a large bowl, blend lime juice, oil, garlic, chili powder, and salt.
- Add chicken, red pepper, onions, cilantro, and hot peppers.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.
- Add rice and avocado chunks, toss lightly, and serve.
Variations
- Add black beans or corn for extra fiber and protein.
- Substitute quinoa for rice for a gluten-free option.
- Top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before cubing it for the salad.
- For a spicier salad, leave the seeds in the jalapeño peppers.
- Make sure to cool the rice before adding it to the salad to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- For added flavor, you can grill the red bell pepper before adding it to the salad.
Serving Suggestions
Confetti Chicken Salad can be served on a bed of lettuce, in a wrap, or on its own as a light and refreshing meal.
Cooking Techniques
To cook the chicken, you can grill, bake, or poach it before cubing it for the salad.
- Be sure to let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use lemon juice instead of lime juice for a slightly different flavor.
- If you don't have jalapeño peppers, you can use a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Make Ahead Tips
Confetti Chicken Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add the avocado right before serving to prevent it from browning.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Confetti Chicken Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Confetti Chicken Salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a light beer like a pilsner.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover Confetti Chicken Salad can be stored 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
Each serving of Confetti Chicken Salad contains approximately 350 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Confetti Chicken Salad contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Confetti Chicken Salad contains approximately 15 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Confetti Chicken Salad contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Confetti Chicken Salad is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
Alergens
This recipe contains avocado and may not be suitable for individuals with avocado allergies.
Summary
Confetti Chicken Salad is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Summary
Confetti Chicken Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm spring day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly bridge game. As usual, Margaret had prepared a delicious spread of snacks for us to enjoy during our game.
One particular dish caught my eye - a vibrant and colorful chicken salad that looked absolutely divine. When I took my first bite, I was instantly hooked. The flavors were a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with a hint of spice that lingered on my tongue. I knew right then and there that I had to ask Margaret for the recipe.
Margaret smiled warmly when I complimented her on the dish, and she was more than happy to share the recipe with me. She told me that she had learned it from a friend years ago, and that it had since become a staple in her household. I eagerly scribbled down the ingredients and instructions, knowing that this recipe would soon become a favorite in my own kitchen.
When I got home that day, I wasted no time in preparing the Confetti Chicken Salad for my family. The colorful mix of vegetables, tender chicken, and zesty dressing came together beautifully, creating a dish that was both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. My husband and children devoured it eagerly, and I knew that this recipe was a keeper.
Over the years, I have made the Confetti Chicken Salad countless times, each time eliciting praise and requests for the recipe. I have shared it with friends, colleagues, and neighbors, all of whom have fallen in love with its unique flavors and textures. It has become a signature dish of mine, one that I am proud to serve at gatherings and special occasions.
As I look back on the day that I first discovered this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for Margaret and her generosity in sharing it with me. It has brought joy to my family and friends, and has become a beloved tradition in our home. I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.
I am grateful for the many recipes that have come into my life over the years, each one a treasure that I hold dear. But the Confetti Chicken Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of that fateful day when I discovered a dish that would bring so much happiness and satisfaction into my life. And for that, I am truly thankful.
Categories
| Avocado Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Chile Pepper Recipes | Chili Powder Recipes | Hass Avocado Recipes | Lime Juice Recipes | Lime Recipes | Rice Recipes |