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More and more people are recognizing the importance of eating a packed lunch made with love from home. Compared to some take out options and fast food offerings, packed lunches give you control of your health.
However, many individuals stay away from packing lunch because it can take some time and effort to prepare. But, with the right recipe, you can make a dish that is easy yet delicious and healthy.
A simple chicken salad recipe is what you need. For chicken lovers and healthy eaters out there, here is a satisfying recipe that takes less time to make.
Easy and Healthy Recipe for Classic Chicken Salad
A classic chicken salad is a no-brainer, especially for people who love chicken or simply like eating healthy. It is a simple and easy recipe that is guaranteed to tickle the palette of most people.
To prepare this dish, you just need a few ingredients namely ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 ½ teaspoon of lemon juice, 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 cup cooked and chopped chicken meat.
You’ll also need 3 tablespoons of blanched slivered almonds and ½ stalk chopped celery. You can pre-cook your chicken the night before so that you can prepare your packed lunch in the morning with no issue.
This recipe can also work with leftover chicken. Once you have all the ingredients, you just need to toast your almonds over medium-high heat. Take care not to burn them.
Then, simply mix your mayonnaise, lemon juice, and pepper, toss in the chicken, almonds, and celery. This makes 1 serving. You can eat this as is, with greens or in a sandwich.
You can also add other types of nuts such as pecans or walnuts.
How is Chicken Salad Healthy Food?
Seeing that this recipe is simple, you might be wondering how healthy this dish is. Check out the nutritional value of this dish.
Chicken Meat is Healthier
This dish offers chicken meat as your primary source of protein. This type of meat is high in protein and can also be low in fat. It contains less fat compared to red meats such as beef, lamb, and pork.
However, keep in mind that chicken meat can be red or white, depending on the part. Chicken thighs and legs are red meats, while the breast is the best source of white meat, so make sure to use the breast part for a healthier dish.
It is Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
Notice that the ingredients are pretty simple yet healthy. Almonds are a great source of fiber, protein, good fats, magnesium, and vitamin E. Meanwhile, lemon juice is a source of vitamin C.
This means that you are getting your share of vitamins and minerals when you eat this classic chicken salad.
It Contains Mayonnaise
Now, you may be wondering how this recipe is healthy considering it contains mayonnaise. The thing about this ingredient is that it may be fatty, but in moderation, it can be healthy.
Aside from fat, mayonnaise also contains vitamins E and K. Moreover, having a small helping of saturated fats can help your body absorb nutrients.
Remember, some essential vitamins and minerals are fat-soluble, which means that your body can only absorb them once dissolved in fat.
Conclusion
This easy chicken salad recipe is a great option for working individuals or those who are preparing food for working people and students. With this, you are sure that your loved ones are eating healthy food.
And on top of that, the ingredients are inexpensive and putting the whole thing together takes just minutes and you can get as creative as you want.