Delve into the vibrant flavors of Persian cuisine with this Persian Chicken Salad recipe. This dish is not just a simple salad, it's a symphony of textures and flavors, combining tender chicken, crunchy vegetables and tangy dressing together. It's perfect for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner or an impressive dish to bring to a potluck.
This recipe calls for some ingredients that may not be commonplace in every pantry. Kalamata olives, a type of Greek olive, adds a tangy, salty flavor to the salad. They are usually found in the international aisle of most supermarkets. Another ingredient to note is Dijon mustard, which is a bit spicier and more complex in flavor than regular yellow mustard. If these ingredients are not available, they can be substituted with black olives and regular mustard respectively.
Ingredients for Persian Chicken Salad
New potatoes: These are the first crop of potatoes, harvested early. They have a thin, tender skin and a sweet, buttery flavor.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken, it adds a light, fruity flavor to the dish.
Chicken breasts: The main protein in this salad. It's lean, healthy and takes on the flavors of the dressing well.
Yogurt: Adds a creamy, tangy element to the dressing.
Mayonnaise: Gives the dressing a rich, smooth texture.
Dijon mustard: Adds a spicy, tangy flavor to the dressing.
Lime juice: Gives the dressing a fresh, citrusy kick.
Carrots: Adds a sweet, earthy flavor and a nice crunch to the salad.
Cucumbers: Provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the other flavors.
Celery: Gives the salad a bit of a bite and a nice crunch.
Petite peas: These small peas are sweet and tender. They add a pop of color and a burst of sweetness to the salad.
Red onion: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet flavor to the salad. It also gives the salad some much-needed bite.
Kalamata olives: These Greek olives add a tangy, briny flavor to the salad.
Flat-leaf parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note to the salad.
Basil: Gives the salad a sweet, slightly peppery flavor.
One reader, Josi Church says:
This Persian chicken salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty dressing is simply divine. It's a burst of flavors in every bite. I love how the ingredients come together to create a refreshing and satisfying meal. A must-try for any salad lover!
Key Techniques for Crafting Persian Chicken Salad
How to boil potatoes: Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan of salted water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 12 minutes until just tender. Drain the potatoes and let them cool.
How to cook chicken breasts: In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over moderate heat. Season the chicken with ¼ teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Cook the breasts for about 5 minutes per side until browned and just done. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it cool. Cut into ½-inch chunks.
How to whisk dressing: In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, lime juice, the remaining 1¼ teaspoons of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper.
How to toss salad: Add the potatoes, chicken, carrots, cucumbers, celery, peas, onion, olives, parsley, and basil to the dressing, and toss gently to combine.
How to serve: Serve and enjoy!
How To Make Persian Chicken Salad
This flavorful chicken salad is a loaded lunch meal of potatoes, carrots, and cucumbers all tossed in a creamy and refreshing herb dressing!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbsmall new potatoes,(about 6 potatoes)
- 3tbspolive oil
- 1lbchicken breasts,(about 4 chicken breasts), boneless, skinless
- 1½tspsalt
- ½tspfresh ground black pepper
- 1cupplain yogurt
- ½cupmayonnaise
- 1tbspdijon mustard
- ¼cuplime juice,(from about 2 limes)
- 4carrots
- 2cucumbers
- 2celery ribs
- 1cuppetite peas,frozen
- 1red onion
- ½cupkalamata olives,or other black olives
- 1cupflat-leaf parsley,chopped
- ½cupfresh basil,or parsley, chopped
Instructions
-
Put the potatoes in a medium saucepan of salted water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 12 minutes until just tender. Drain the potatoes and let cool.
-
In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over moderate heat.
-
Season the chicken with ¼ teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Cook the breasts for about 5 minutes per side until browned and just done.
-
Remove the chicken from the pan and let it cool. Cut into ½-inch chunks.
-
In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, lime juice, the remaining 1¼ teaspoons of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper.
-
Add the potatoes, chicken, carrots, cucumbers, celery, peas, onion, olives, parsley, and basil, and toss.
-
Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 777.79kcal
- Fat: 47.60g
- Saturated Fat: 9.46g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 19.34g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 17.19g
- Carbohydrates: 56.44g
- Fiber: 10.29g
- Sugar: 13.66g
- Protein: 34.12g
- Cholesterol: 91.80mg
- Sodium: 1388.18mg
- Calcium: 223.07mg
- Potassium: 1785.04mg
- Iron: 5.19mg
- Vitamin A: 653.83µg
- Vitamin C: 84.25mg
Mastering the Art of Persian Chicken Salad: Technique Tips
When cooking the chicken, ensure that it is fully cooked through to prevent any foodborne illnesses. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, when cutting the vegetables, try to keep them all roughly the same size. This not only makes the salad more visually appealing, but it also ensures that each bite has a good mix of all the ingredients. Lastly, for a more intense flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the yogurt and lime juice mixture for a few hours before cooking.
Time-Saving Tips for Persian Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make larger quantities and store leftovers for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Efficient tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and mandolines to speed up the prep work.
Mise en place: Organize and set up your ingredients and tools before you start cooking to work more efficiently.
Time-saving shortcuts: Use pre-cooked or pre-prepared ingredients such as rotisserie chicken or pre-cut vegetables to cut down on prep time.
Streamlined cleanup: Clean as you go to avoid a big mess at the end, making the post-cooking cleanup much quicker.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to cook multiple components simultaneously to save time in the kitchen.
Substitute Ingredients For Persian Chicken Salad Recipe
new potatoes - Substitute with baby potatoes: Baby potatoes are smaller and have a similar texture, making them a suitable substitute for new potatoes in this recipe.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a good alternative for olive oil in this recipe.
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe.
plain yogurt - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency and tangy flavor, which can work well as a substitute for plain yogurt in this recipe.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard can add a similar tangy flavor and texture to the dish as Dijon mustard.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar level of acidity and citrus flavor as lime juice in this recipe.
carrots - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers can add a crunchy texture and sweet flavor similar to carrots in this recipe.
cucumbers - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can be used as a substitute for cucumbers, providing a similar crisp texture and mild flavor.
celery ribs - Substitute with fennel: Fennel can offer a similar crunchy texture and subtle anise flavor as celery in this recipe.
petite peas - Substitute with edamame: Edamame can be used as a substitute for petite peas, providing a similar pop of color and texture to the dish.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder and sweeter flavor compared to red onions in this recipe.
kalamata olives - Substitute with green olives: Green olives can provide a similar briny and tangy flavor as kalamata olives in this recipe.
flat-leaf parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for flat-leaf parsley, offering a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
fresh basil - Substitute with mint leaves: Mint leaves can provide a refreshing and aromatic flavor similar to fresh basil in this recipe.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Chicken Salad
Elevate the plating: Arrange the Persian chicken salad in a visually appealing manner, ensuring each component is showcased beautifully on the plate.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Integrate colorful ingredients such as the red onion, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs to add visual interest and vibrancy to the dish.
Utilize edible flowers: Garnish the dish with delicate, edible flowers to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation.
Create height and dimension: Build the salad upwards to create a sense of depth and dimension on the plate, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Use a fine drizzle of olive oil or yogurt-mayonnaise dressing to add artistic flair to the plating, enhancing both the visual and flavor appeal.
Use high-quality serving ware: Select elegant and high-quality serving ware to present the Persian chicken salad, elevating the overall dining experience for the judges.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Persian Chicken Salad
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and often a lid, used for boiling, stewing, or making sauces.
- Nonstick frying pan: A shallow pan with a nonstick coating that prevents food from sticking, making it easier to cook delicate items like eggs and fish.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients together, often with a handle and a series of loops or wires.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing food, often made of wood or plastic.
- Mixing bowl: A deep bowl used for mixing ingredients together, often made of glass, ceramic, or metal.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing food.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for lifting, flipping, and spreading food.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen utensil with perforations used for draining liquids from food.
- Tongs: A tool with two arms and a pivot, used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Grater: A tool with a rough surface used for shredding or grating ingredients like cheese or vegetables.
- Ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl, used for serving soups, stews, and sauces.
- Peeler: A tool used for removing the outer skin or peel of fruits and vegetables.
- Garlic press: A tool used for crushing garlic cloves to extract their flavor.
- Citrus juicer: A tool used for extracting juice from citrus fruits such as lemons and limes.
Storing and Freezing Persian Chicken Salad for Later
- To store the persian chicken salad, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
- If you want to freeze the salad, it's best to do so without the mayonnaise and yogurt dressing. These dairy products can separate and become watery when frozen and thawed.
- To freeze, place the undressed salad in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room at the top for expansion. Label the container with the date and contents, then freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to serve, thaw the salad overnight in the refrigerator. Once thawed, drain any excess liquid and toss the salad with freshly prepared yogurt and mayonnaise dressing.
- If you have leftover dressed salad, you can still freeze it, but the texture of the vegetables and dressing may change slightly upon thawing. It will still be safe to eat, but the quality may not be as good as freshly made salad.
How To Reheat Leftover Persian Chicken Salad
- The best way to reheat leftover persian chicken salad is to remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to come to a more palatable temperature.
- If you prefer your chicken salad slightly warmer, you can microwave individual portions for 15-20 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the mayonnaise and yogurt to separate and become oily.
- Another option is to reheat the chicken separately in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil until warmed through. Then, mix the warm chicken into the cold salad ingredients. This method helps maintain the texture of the vegetables while providing a nice contrast of temperatures.
- If you have stored the persian chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly.
- For a refreshing twist, serve the leftover chicken salad over a bed of fresh greens or wrapped in a tortilla for a quick and tasty lunch wrap.
Fascinating Facts About Persian Chicken Salad
The Persian Chicken Salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This dish is a perfect balance of creamy and tangy, with the yogurt and lime juice adding a refreshing twist to the salad. It's a versatile recipe that can be served as a main dish or a side, making it a great option for picnics, potlucks, or family dinners. The combination of kalamata olives and fresh basil adds a unique and delicious touch to the salad, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
Budget-Friendly Persian Chicken Salad for Home Cooks
The Persian chicken salad recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like potatoes, chicken breasts, carrots, and peas makes it a budget-friendly option. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $25. The dish offers a refreshing blend of flavors and textures, earning a solid 8/10 rating.
Is Persian Chicken Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Persian chicken salad recipe offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures, but it does have some aspects that could be improved to make it healthier. The inclusion of vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, celery, peas, and onions provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The use of lean chicken breast and potatoes also adds protein and complex carbohydrates to the dish. However, the recipe relies heavily on mayonnaise and yogurt for the dressing, which can increase the overall fat and calorie content.
To make this recipe healthier:
- Reduce the amount of mayonnaise used or replace it with a lighter alternative like Greek yogurt or avocado
- Increase the proportion of vegetables to boost the nutrient content and fiber
- Opt for whole grain or sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for added fiber and nutrients
- Use a lean cooking method for the chicken, such as grilling or baking, to reduce added fats
- Incorporate more herbs and spices to enhance flavor without relying on excessive salt or oil
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious salad that still retains its delightful Persian-inspired flavors. The key is to focus on fresh, whole ingredients and to be mindful of the dressing and cooking methods used. With a few simple tweaks, this salad can become a satisfying and healthy meal option that you can feel good about enjoying regularly.
Editor's Take on This Delightful Persian Chicken Salad
This Persian chicken salad recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, creamy yogurt dressing, and vibrant vegetables creates a harmonious dish that is both satisfying and refreshing. The use of fresh herbs like parsley and basil adds a burst of aromatic freshness, while the kalamata olives provide a hint of briny richness. The addition of new potatoes adds a comforting element to the salad, making it a well-rounded and substantial meal. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Enhance Your Persian Chicken Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Persian Chicken Salad Recipe
Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Persian Chicken Salad
Why trust this Persian Chicken Salad Recipe:
This Persian Chicken Salad recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring tender chicken and creamy yogurt dressing. The use of fresh herbs like parsley and basil adds a burst of aromatic freshness, while the inclusion of kalamata olives provides a savory depth. The addition of lime juice brings a zesty brightness to the dish, complementing the earthy potatoes and crisp vegetables. Trust in the quality of this recipe, as it incorporates a harmonious blend of ingredients that promise a satisfying and flavorful dining experience.
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