Zesty Jalapeño-Cilantro Chicken Salad Extravaganza
This award-winning Zesty Jalapeño-Cilantro Chicken Salad combines tender, juicy chicken with a vibrant medley of fresh ingredients, delivering a mouthwatering kick that will tantalize your taste buds. The creamy mayonnaise base is deeply infused with fresh cilantro and spicy jalapeños, while the added crunch of celery and red onion elevates each bite. Perfect for a summer picnic, a light lunch, or as a tasty filling for sandwiches or wraps, this salad is sure to impress at your next gathering. You can even swap out the chicken for tuna, creating a delightful twist that caters to seafood lovers!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mayonnaise
1 cup (good quality)
Cooked Chicken Breasts
4 cups (cut-up)
Celery
1/4 cup (chopped fine)
Red Onion
1/4 cup (chopped fine)
Fresh Cilantro Leaves
1/4 cup (chopped)
Nacho-Style Sliced Jalapeños
1/4 cup (chopped)
Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped celery, red onion, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño slices. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2
Gently add the cooked, cut-up chicken breasts to the mayonnaise mixture. Use a spatula to fold the chicken into the mixture until everything is evenly coated.
3
Taste the salad and add salt and black pepper to your preference, mixing again to incorporate the seasoning.
4
Transfer the chicken salad to a serving bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
Serve chilled on a bed of greens, in sandwiches, or with crackers for a delightful presentation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Zesty Jalapeño-Cilantro Chicken Salad?
The main protein is 4 cups of cooked, cut-up chicken breasts.
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes, you can swap out the chicken for tuna for a seafood twist.
How much mayonnaise is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of good quality mayonnaise.
What ingredients provide the spicy kick in this salad?
The spicy kick comes from 1/4 cup of chopped nacho-style sliced jalapeños.
How long should the chicken salad be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What type of onion is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion.
Is this chicken salad suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is perfect for a summer picnic, a light lunch, or as a filling for sandwiches.
How much cilantro is included in the salad?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro leaves.
What is the suggested serving method for this salad?
You can serve it chilled on a bed of greens, in sandwiches, or with crackers.
How do I season the chicken salad?
Season with salt and black pepper to your personal preference.
Does the recipe require finely chopped celery?
Yes, it requires 1/4 cup of finely chopped celery for crunch.
Is this an award-winning recipe?
Yes, the description identifies this as an award-winning recipe.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
While the recipe specifies cooked chicken breasts, rotisserie chicken is an excellent, time-saving substitute.
Is the chicken salad served warm or cold?
It is served chilled.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by using a dairy-free or vegan mayonnaise substitute.
What is the first step in preparing the salad?
The first step is to combine the mayonnaise, celery, onion, cilantro, and jalapeños in a mixing bowl.
How should I incorporate the chicken into the dressing?
Use a spatula to gently fold the chicken into the mixture until evenly coated.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and features fresh ingredients.
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of nacho-style?
Yes, though nacho-style jalapeños add a specific pickled tang that complements the creamy base.
How should I store leftover chicken salad?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free; however, check your mayonnaise label to ensure it is gluten-free certified.
What makes this salad 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh cilantro and spicy jalapeños provides the zesty profile.
Can I add other vegetables like bell peppers?
Absolutely, adding bell peppers would provide extra color and crunch.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, because it needs to be chilled and the flavors improve over time, it is great for preparing in advance.
What tools are needed to make this?
You will need a medium mixing bowl, a spatula for folding, and plastic wrap for covering during refrigeration.
How many cups of chicken are needed?
You will need 4 cups of cooked chicken.
Can I substitute the red onion with white onion?
Yes, though red onion is preferred for its color and slightly milder raw flavor.
Is the chicken shredded or cubed?
The recipe suggests cut-up chicken, which usually implies small cubes or bite-sized pieces.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken salad, spicy, jalapeño, cilantro, cold salad, healthy, lunch, picnic, and award-winning.