Author :chef ssentongo

Chicken Salad in Baskets

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Chicken Salad in Baskets:

Ingredients

• 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4-6 lettuce leaves (for baskets)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine diced chicken, celery, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
4. Stir in chopped fresh dill.

Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce Baskets

1. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves.
2. Remove the stem end of each lettuce leaf to create a basket shape.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Salad in Baskets

1. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the chicken salad into each lettuce basket.
2. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and chopped fresh parsley.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Tips and Variations

1. Use leftover cooked chicken or turkey for a convenient twist.
2. Add diced apples or grapes for extra flavor and texture.
3. Substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for mayonnaise for a healthier option.
4. Use different types of lettuce, such as butter lettuce or arugula, for varying flavors and textures.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

1. Calories: 320
2. Fat: 18g
3. Saturated Fat: 3g
4. Cholesterol: 60mg
5. Sodium: 250mg
6. Carbohydrates: 10g
7. Fiber: 5g
8. Protein: 30g

WHAT ARE THE CORE INGREDIENTS OF A VEGAN DIETS ?

A well-planned vegan diet consists of a variety of whole, plant-based foods. Here are the core ingredients:

Protein Sources

1. Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans)
2. Nuts and seeds (almonds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds)
3. Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat)
4. Soy products (tofu, tempeh, edamame)
5. Meat alternatives (seitan, veggie burgers)

Healthy Fats

1. Nuts and seeds (walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds)
2. Avocados
3. Olive oil

Complex Carbohydrates

1. Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat)
2. Fruits (apples, bananas, berries)
3. Vegetables (leafy greens, broccoli, bell peppers)
4. Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans)

Calcium-Rich Foods

1. Fortified plant-based milk (soy milk, almond milk, oat milk)
2. Dark leafy greens (kale, broccoli, spinach)
3. Tofu and other soy products
4. Calcium-set tofu
5. Fortified cereals

Vitamin B12-Rich Foods

1. Fortified plant-based milk
2. Nutritional yeast
3. Fortified cereals
4. Vegan vitamin B12 supplements

Other Essential Nutrients

1. Iron: legumes, dark leafy greens, fortified cereals
2. Omega-3 fatty acids: walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, algae oil
3. Zinc: legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains
4. Iodine: iodized salt, seaweed, fortified plant-based milk

A well-planned vegan diet that includes a variety of these core ingredients can provide all the necessary nutrients for optimal health http://www.chefsideacafe.food.blog