Crispy Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Crispy Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, crunchy chicken tenders, and creamy ranch dressing. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner, combining crisp textures and rich flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 small head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and shredded
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sliced red onion
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
- 12 fried chicken tenders, chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, shredded carrots, chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Step 2: Add the ranch dressing to the bowl and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Step 3: Divide the salad mixture among individual plates or bowls.
- Step 4: Top each serving with quartered hard-boiled eggs, chopped fried chicken tenders, and chopped pecans to finish.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding.
- Try substituting grilled chicken for a lighter version.
- Add avocado slices for creaminess and extra nutrients.
- Use your favorite salad dressing if you prefer a different flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover salad components (without dressing) separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss with dressing just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. Fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in the oven until crispy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the fried chicken tenders and replace them with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or extra nuts for protein.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve and add crunchy toppings like chicken and pecans just before plating to maintain texture.
PrintCrispy Chicken Salad Recipe
A vibrant and hearty Crispy Chicken Salad featuring fresh iceberg lettuce, shredded carrots, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, shredded Cheddar cheese, hard-boiled eggs, crispy fried chicken tenders, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in creamy ranch dressing. This salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for frying chicken tenders and boiling eggs if not pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vegetables and Greens
- 1 small head iceberg lettuce, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and shredded
- 1 cucumber, chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sliced red onion
Dairy and Eggs
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
Protein and Nuts
- 12 fried chicken tenders, chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Dressing
- ½ cup ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, shredded carrots, chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and shredded Cheddar cheese. Mix these fresh ingredients well to create an even salad base.
- Add dressing and toss: Pour the ranch dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the dressing coats all the vegetables and cheese evenly, enhancing the flavors.
- Plate the salad: Divide the tossed salad among individual serving plates, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with protein and nuts: Distribute the quartered hard-boiled eggs, chopped fried chicken tenders, and chopped pecans evenly over each salad plate. These toppings add protein, crunch, and flavor to complete the dish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use grilled chicken tenders instead of fried to reduce fat content.
- Feel free to substitute ranch dressing with a vinaigrette for a tangier taste.
- You can omit pecans if you have nut allergies or replace them with sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Make sure eggs are fully cooked and cooled before quartering for the best texture.
- Chilling the salad ingredients before assembling can enhance freshness and crunch.
Keywords: crispy chicken salad, fried chicken salad, easy chicken salad, ranch chicken salad, summer salad, hearty salad
