Balsamic Chicken Salad

Have you ever just felt a bit lazy come lunch time? You don't know what to make - the fridge is pretty bare. We've all been there, right? When I find myself in that predicament, this easy Balsamic Chicken Salad often comes to mind when I'm short on time AND ideas. I feel a bit silly sharing this recipe today because when you see what's in it, you're going to roll your eyes at me. You might even unsubscribe to my blog. PLEASE DON'T!

I promise you I wouldn't be sharing this recipe with you if it wasn't delicious. I had good intentions on sharing this recipe earlier this summer because it's also an absolutely perfect salad to serve when camping or on-the-go. There are really only three ingredients in this salad, minus the shredded cheese for garnish.

Yep, that's it. Canned chicken breast, balsamic vinaigrette dressing and croutons. Is this a joke? No, it really isn't.

Make sure the chicken is finely shredded, add the balsamic dressing, the croutons and mix it all together. Once the salad sits a little while, the balsamic dressing soaks into the croutons and everything infuses with flavor. If you want to serve this salad on crackers, I would just omit the croutons and pile the balsamic chicken onto a seasoned cracker. I've never tried it that way but I think it might be an excellent idea for a tailgating party!

Sprinkle a little shredded cheese on top for garnish. I used cheddar but you could use Parmesan or mozzarella, too. While this may be the easiest chicken salad recipe you've ever seen, it packs a flavorful punch and people will ask you how you made it, guaranteed. It may very well become one of your go-to recipes when you find yourself at a loss of what to make for lunch or serve as a quick appetizer!

Balsamic Chicken Salad

The easiest and most delicious chicken salad you'll ever make!

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Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Cook Time: 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Calories: 254kcal

Author: Sara

adjust servings: 4

Ingredients

• ▢ 26 oz. canned chicken breast in water (drained)
• ▢ ¾ cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing (divided)
• ▢ 3 cups seasoned croutons
• ▢ Shredded cheese for garnish (optional Cheddar, Parmesan or Mozzarella)

Instructions

• Add canned chicken breast to a bowl and use a fork to mash it into fine pieces.
• Add ½ cup balsamic vinegar to the chicken and stir.
• Pour in the croutons and the rest of the balsamic vinegar and mix until combined.
• Top with shredded cheese for garnish.

Notes

1. Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality canned chicken breast and balsamic vinaigrette dressing to ensure a flavorful and satisfying salad. Look for canned chicken breast that is packed in water and free from added preservatives or artificial flavors. Similarly, choose a balsamic vinaigrette dressing with natural ingredients and a well-balanced flavor profile.
2. Customize Seasonings: While seasoned croutons add flavor and crunch to the salad, feel free to customize the seasoning according to your preferences. You can use different varieties of croutons or even make your own homemade croutons with your favorite herbs and spices. Experiment with different flavors to add a unique twist to the salad.
3. Enhance with Additional Ingredients: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese as an optional garnish, you can enhance the salad with additional ingredients to suit your taste. Consider adding fresh vegetables such as diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers for added crunch and color. You can also incorporate protein-rich ingredients like boiled eggs, avocado slices, or roasted nuts to make the salad more filling and nutritious. Feel free to customize the salad according to your preferences and dietary needs.

Nutrition

Calories: 254kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 555mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

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