Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped (or use grilled beef strips as an alternative)
- 1 pound beef, diced and cooked until crisp (or replace with additional seasoned chicken)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- ½ cup light mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Protein
If you are starting with raw chicken or beef, cook it first.
- For Chicken: Poach chicken breasts by placing them in a pot of water and simmering for about 15 minutes until fully cooked. You can also grill or pan-fry them for added flavor. Once cooked, chop or shred the chicken.
- For Beef: Dice the beef into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
If using pre-cooked chicken, simply chop it into bite-sized pieces and move on to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and chop all vegetables to ensure they are fresh and ready to go.
- Cut cherry tomatoes in half.
- Finely dice the red onion.
- Dice celery into small pieces for a mild crunch.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix the following ingredients:
- Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
Whisk everything together until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Chopped cooked chicken
- Crispy beef (or additional seasoned chicken)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Celery
Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
The salad can be served immediately, but for the best flavor, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious taste.
Notes
How to Tell If Chicken Is Cooked Properly
If you are cooking chicken from scratch, ensure it is fully cooked by checking for these signs:
- The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- The meat should be white all the way through with no pink in the center.
- Juices should run clear when you cut into the thickest part.
Avoiding Overcooked Vegetables
Red onion and celery should be crisp and fresh. If you accidentally chop them too far in advance, store them in a bowl of ice water to keep them from getting too soft before mixing them into the salad.
Making the Salad Ahead of Time
If preparing in advance, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. However, for the best texture, add the dressing just before serving.
Adjusting the Seasoning
If you find the dressing too mild, try adding a bit more lemon juice for tanginess, an extra pinch of salt, or a dash of paprika for warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes