Oh, fried chicken salad! What a delightful way to mix crunchy, savory, and fresh all in one dish. I can still remember the first time I had this glorious salad at a local bistro. It was a sunny Sunday afternoon, and I was meeting up with some friends for brunch. We were all in the mood to indulge, and when I saw “fried chicken salad” on the menu, I knew I had to try it. The salad arrived piled high with crispy, flavorful fried chicken, fresh greens, and all sorts of colorful veggies. One bite, and I was hooked!
The beauty of fried chicken salad is that it combines the best of both worlds – you get your protein fix along with a hearty serving of veggies. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use leftover fried chicken, if you have any (though, let’s be honest, who really has leftover fried chicken?). So, let’s dig right in!
What’s in Fried Chicken Salad?
Fried Chicken: The star of the show! Whether you’re using leftover fried chicken or making a fresh batch, the crunch and flavor are what make this salad a winner. I love using my homemade fried chicken, but store-bought is perfectly fine too!
Mixed Greens: A bright mix of crisp lettuce, spinach, or arugula adds a refreshing base to your salad. Pick whatever you have on hand, or grab a pre-packaged salad mix for convenience.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and tangy, these little bursts of flavor add a lovely pop to your salad. I usually toss in a bunch, halved.
Cucumber: For a lovely crunch, cucumber slices are a must. They’re refreshing and a great way to hydrate, especially on hot days.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced, red onion adds a zesty kick. If you’re not a huge fan of the strong flavor, soak the onion slices in cold water for about 10 minutes – it’ll mellow the flavor nicely.
Cheddar Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheddar provides a creamy tang that complements the fried chicken beautifully. I tend to use sharp cheddar for more flavor, but any type works!
Croutons: A handful of store-bought or homemade croutons adds that perfect crunchy texture. Baking bread leftovers in the oven with garlic and olive oil is an easy way to make your own!
Dressing of Choice: Ranch, honey mustard, or balsamic vinaigrette are all fantastic choices. I typically lean towards buttermilk ranch for that classic pairing with fried chicken.
Is Fried Chicken Salad Good for You?
Now, let’s get real. While this salad does have its fair share of nutritious ingredients, the fried chicken does pack a heavier punch.
Mixed Greens: The greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, making them a great base for this dish. They also contribute to your daily fiber intake.
Cherry Tomatoes and Cucumbers: Both are full of antioxidants and hydration, meaning they’re not just tasty, but also help keep your skin healthy and your body hydrated.
Fried Chicken: While it’s the hero of the dish, fried chicken does bring in saturated fats and calories. Therefore, enjoy in moderation, and consider baking or air-frying instead for a healthier alternative!
Overall, this salad can be enjoyed guilt-free as long as you balance it with plenty of greens and ditch the heavy dressings.
Ingredients List
– 1 pound fried chicken, cut into pieces
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, sliced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup croutons
– Dressing of choice (about 1/2 cup)
Serves: 4
How to Make Fried Chicken Salad?
1. Start by prepping the ingredients. If you haven’t done so already, fry your chicken or chop up your leftover fried chicken into bite-size pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
3. Gently toss the greens and veggies together to evenly distribute the flavors.
4. Top the salad with the fried chicken pieces, sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, and add croutons for that satisfying crunch.
5. Drizzle your dressing of choice over the salad and give it another gentle toss, or you can serve the dressing on the side if you prefer.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy that crunchy, savory goodness!
Crunchy Tips and Variations
Get creative with this salad! You can swap out the cheese for feta or goat cheese for a tangier taste. Add avocado slices for some creamy deliciousness, or toss in some nuts for extra crunch – walnuts or pecans can be delicious.
Another trick I love is to marinate the fried chicken in a bit of hot sauce before frying it. This adds a flavorful kick that works beautifully against the freshness of the salad!
Remember that fresh ingredients will always make a difference, so try to use the freshest produce you can get your hands on.
I truly hope you give this Fried Chicken Salad a shot! It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress and makes me feel cozy, even on the busiest days. Share your experience with me, and happy cooking!
