Chicken Salad Simple and Easy Recipe

O Chicken Salad It is one of the most beloved recipes on Brazilian tables, especially during the end of year festivities and other special celebrations.

This dish combines a variety of fresh and colorful ingredients, resulting in a light, tasty and extremely versatile meal.

Whether as a starter, main course or side dish, the Chicken Salad is always a good choice.

The History and Origin of Chicken Salpicão

Chicken Salpicão is a Brazilian adaptation of a dish that has its origins in Portuguese cuisine, where “salpicão” was used to describe a type of sausage made with pork.

In Brazil, the recipe was reinvented and began to incorporate shredded chicken, fresh vegetables and a creamy mayonnaise-based sauce.

Over time, the dish gained popularity and became a constant presence at celebrations, especially Christmas parties.

Main Ingredients of Chicken Salad

One of the great attractions of the Chicken Salad is the possibility of customizing the recipe according to personal taste. However, some ingredients are considered essential to maintain the traditional flavor of this dish.

• 1 large chicken breast (about 500g): The main ingredient and base of the dish. The chicken can be cooked with seasonings such as garlic, onion, and salt, ensuring an even richer flavor to the salpicão.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (about 120g): The creamy sauce that brings all the ingredients together and gives the Chicken Salpicão its characteristic texture. For a lighter version, you can replace the mayonnaise with natural yogurt or ricotta cream.
• 2 medium carrots, grated: A touch of crunchiness and a colorful look. The carrot brings lightness and freshness to the dish.
• 1 green bell pepper, 1 yellow bell pepper, and 1 red bell pepper (about 1/2 each), cut into thin strips: In addition to flavor, peppers contribute to a vibrant appearance.
• 1/2 cup chopped green olives (about 50g): Scattered throughout the salpicão, the olives offer a salty flavor that balances the creaminess of the dish.
• 1/2 cup raisins (about 70g): The sweet and sour touch of raisins is traditional in Chicken Salpicão. Although it is a controversial ingredient, it adds an extra layer of flavor.
• 1 cup of straw potatoes (about 100g): Essential to finish the dish, the straw potatoes add an irresistible crunchy texture.

How to Make the Perfect Chicken Salad

Prepare the Chicken Salad It's a simple process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure that all the flavors harmonize.

1. Cooking the Chicken: In a pan, cook the chicken breast with water, salt, pepper, garlic and onion. After cooking, shred the chicken and set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Grate the carrot, cut the peppers into thin strips and chop the olives.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the carrots, peppers, olives, raisins, and mayonnaise. Stir well until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Finish with Straw Potatoes: Before serving, cover the salpicão with a generous layer of straw potatoes to ensure crunchiness in every bite.
5. Refrigerate Before Serving: O Chicken Salad It should be served cold, so refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Tips for Customizing Chicken Salpicão

O Chicken Salad It is an extremely versatile recipe, allowing for several variations and adaptations according to personal taste and dietary preferences.

• Light Version: For a healthier version, replace the traditional mayonnaise with a light version, Greek yogurt, or even ricotta cream. The result will be a lighter but equally tasty salpicão.
• Adding Fresh Fruit: Fruits such as apples, pineapples, or mangos can be added for a more tropical and refreshing version of the dish. Fresh fruits add a sweet and sour touch that contrasts with the other ingredients.
• Protein Replacement: Although chicken is the main ingredient, you can substitute it with other proteins, such as turkey breast or even tuna. These substitutions maintain the essence of the dish, but offer new flavors.
• Variety of Seasonings: In addition to traditional seasonings like salt and pepper, try adding fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or cilantro. This adds a touch of freshness and an irresistible aroma to the dish.

How to Serve Chicken Salpicão

O Chicken Salad It is a dish that can be served on many occasions, from a simple family lunch to a big Christmas dinner.

It can be served as a starter, side dish or even a main course, depending on the quantity and side dishes served.

• Starter or Side Dish: When served as a starter or side dish, salpicão can be presented in smaller portions, such as in individual cups, for example. This presentation is elegant and practical for events.
• Main course: To serve as a main dish, simply increase the amount of salpicão and offer light side dishes, such as green salads or artisanal breads.
• Christmas Table: At Christmas dinner, the Chicken Salad It's a star, especially alongside traditional dishes like roast turkey. It can be garnished with fresh fruit, like cherries or orange slices, to give it an even more festive look.

Conclusion

O Chicken Salad It is a recipe that combines flavor, versatility and tradition. Whether for a special meal or an everyday lunch, this dish has the power to please all palates.

With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it is possible to create a complete meal, rich in nutrients and extremely tasty.