Delicious Vegetarian Chicken Salad Recipe for a Healthy Meal
Welcome to the most delicious vegetarian chicken salad recipe you have ever tasted! Whether you are a vegetarian or just trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this vegan chicken salad is the perfect option for a light and healthy lunch.
If you are tired of bland salads that leave you feeling unsatisfied, look no further. This recipe is packed with flavor and textures that will satisfy your tastebuds and keep you feeling full for hours. The combination of savory vegan chicken strips, sweet raisins, crunchy apples, and crisp celery make for a delightful balance of flavors in every bite.
Not only is this vegetarian chicken salad a delicious meal option, it is also incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this salad in no time. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep so you can have it for several days throughout the week.
So why settle for a boring leafy salad when you can have this delectable vegan chicken salad? Get ready to impress your tastebuds and indulge in one of the best vegetarian chicken salad recipes out there.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you craving a flavorful, delicious and savory salad that will satisfy your taste buds without sacrificing your dietary preferences? Look no further than this Vegetarian Chicken Salad recipe!
But wait. How can a dish called “chicken salad” be vegetarian or vegan? The answer lies in the clever use of soy curls, chickpeas, or even extra-firm tofu as substitutes for chicken. This recipe proves that you can enjoy all the flavors and textures of the classic chicken salad without using any chicken!
But what makes this recipe truly special are its ingredients. Imagine biting into crunchy chunks of gala apples, the sweet burst of raisins and green onions, the refreshing notes of celery and carrots, and the tangy kick of Miracle Whip Light or vegan mayo. These ingredients form a flavor profile that is both savory and sweet in perfect harmony.
And don’t forget the absolute star of this dish – Morningstar Farms Meal Starters chicken strips! These plant-based miracle workers add protein and texture to your salad, making every bite well-balanced and wholesome.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or vegan yourself, or simply looking for a new way to enjoy your daily dose of protein, this Vegetarian Chicken Salad recipe will be sure to please. So go ahead, give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here is the list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make this fabulous vegetarian chicken salad recipe:
- 1 (12-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, drained, patted dry, and cut into small cubes
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 3 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 gala apple, cored and diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
Note: You can substitute Morningstar Farms Meal Starters chicken strips for tofu if you prefer mock chicken. Also, if you don’t have vegan mayonnaise you can use Miracle Whip light instead.
In addition to these ingredients, you’ll also need salt and pepper to taste.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve got our ingredients prepared, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious vegetarian chicken salad.
Step 1: Cook Vegetarian Chicken Strips
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add vegetarian chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Chop Your Ingredients
While the chicken is cooking, finely chop 1 stalk celery, 1 carrot, and 1/4 cup red onion. If you prefer a sweeter taste, dice 1/2 cup of gala apples.
Step 3: Prepare Your Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon Miracle Whip light(or your favorite mayonnaise substitute). You can also add more mayo if desired
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Once the vegetarian chicken strips are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add in the chopped celery, carrot, red onion, raisins, chickpeas, and apple if you’re using it. Pour in the dressing and mix well to combine.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together properly. This will also give you time to prepare any side dishes that you wish to add.
Enjoy your vegetarian chicken salad as an easy weekday lunch or as part of your next dinner spread!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making this vegetarian “chicken” salad, you have a number of substitutions and variations available to you. Here are some options:
If you don’t have celery, you can use chopped bell peppers instead for a similar crunch.
Want more sweetness in your salad? Try swapping out the raisins for dried cranberries or apricots.
For a different flavor profile, replace the Miracle Whip light with your favorite vegan mayo or Greek yogurt. You could also try a combination of Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard for some tanginess.
Instead of Morningstar Farms Meal Starters chicken strips, try using soy curls for a chewier texture or chickpeas for added protein.
If you’re looking to pack even more veggies into your salad, add in grated carrots, diced red onions, or sliced green onions.
To switch up the base of your salad, consider incorporating a different legume such as garbanzo beans or black beans.
For some extra zing, mix in some minced garlic or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the dressing.
Finally, for an even more substantial meal, consider serving your vegetarian “chicken” salad on top of a bed of greens or on a sandwich with some avocado and tomato. The possibilities for customization are endless!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your vegetarian chicken salad is complete, it’s time to serve and pair it with the perfect dish. This dish is a perfect summer lunch that can be eaten on its own or as a sandwich.
If you choose to eat it alone, it pairs incredibly well with fresh greens like spinach, arugula or kale. The salad has enough flavor and texture on its own without any dressing. However, if you want to dress it up a bit, you could drizzle some olive oil and lemon juice over it for a tangier taste.
If you prefer to eat your salad as a sandwich then the options are endless! You can use your favorite bread, whether that be ciabatta rolls or sourdough. Add some delicious toppings like avocado slices, tomato or cucumber for some extra freshness. You can also include cranberry walnut bread or sourdough rye for extra flavor.
For an Asian inspired twist, add some chopped water chestnuts, sesame oil and soy sauce in place of vegan mayonnaise. This will give the chicken salad an instant dash of umami flavor that’s subtle yet enticing.
Pair this tasty vegetarian chicken salad with iced tea or lemonade on hot summer afternoons. Try fresh fruit salads containing berries along with the salad itself. Iced tea goes nicely with this dish because of its complementary bitter notes.
In conclusion, serving and pairing is endless when it comes to vegetarian chicken salads. There are plenty of options to suit your requirements and personal tastes. Enjoy this recipe any way you please!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you have successfully prepared a mouth-watering vegetarian chicken salad, you may wonder what the best method is for storing leftovers or preparing in advance. The good news is that this recipe is perfect to make ahead of time, and it stores well in the fridge!
If you anticipate having leftovers, the best way to store the salad is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help ensure that the veggies retain their crunch and the flavors stay fresh. Within 3-5 days, your salad will still be appetizing and safe to consume. If you notice any discoloration, weird smells or slimy texture, it means your salad has gone bad and should not be eaten.
For reheating, keep in mind that this recipe tastes best when served chilled or at room temperature. If you do opt to reheat it, we’d recommend transferring it to a microwave-safe dish and heating for 30 seconds to one minute, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Be careful not to overheat it as vegan chicken meat can easily become rubbery if cooked for too long.
Lastly, if you want to prepare this recipe in advance, you can combine all ingredients except for the avocado and apple. These two items have a tendency to brown quickly and therefore are best added just before serving. Store this mixture up to two days before tossing it with sliced avocado and apple when you’re ready to sit down and enjoy. With these tips on storing and reheating your vegetarian chicken salad, you’ll be able to enjoy its delicious flavors all week long!
Tips for Perfect Results
As an articulate assistant for a vegan chef, my job is to provide you with detailed instructions, tips and recommendations for a vegetarian chicken salad recipe. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results:
1. Use fresh ingredients – When making this vegetarian chicken salad recipe, it’s important to use fresh ingredients to ensure that the flavors are at their best. Vegetables such as celery and onion should be crisp and not soft, while apples should be firm and not overripe.
2. Drain the chickpeas – When using canned chickpeas, make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the salad. This removes any excess salt and liquid that may otherwise affect the flavor of the dish.
3. Chill before serving – While this chicken salad can be served immediately after being made, it’s best to chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together creating a more cohesive taste.
4. Customize your salad – Feel free to experiment with different substitutions or variations based on your personal preferences. For example, you can add chopped walnuts or diced cranberries for a more exciting flavor profile.
5. Adjust seasoning as needed – Taste the chicken salad as you go along during preparation and make any necessary seasoning adjustments. You may need to add a pinch of salt or pepper for extra flavor.
6. Use mock chicken or soy curls – When making this chicken salad recipe, I recommend using mock chicken strips or soy curls instead of real chicken meat because they are vegan-friendly alternatives that offer similar texture and flavor.
7. Add crunch with vegetables – Vegetables like carrots or celery add crunchiness while also adding flavor-notes. Finely chopped celery can also add visual appeal to this animal-free meal option.
By following these tips, you can create a perfectly savory vegetarian chicken salad that is great for family dinners, lunches or dinners with friends without sacrificing taste or healthfulness!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some questions or concerns that arise during preparation. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about this Vegetarian Chicken Salad Recipe to help ensure your success in making it deliciously and easily.
What is vegan chicken salad made of?
For this recipe, we’ll need a 15-ounce can of drained chickpeas. In addition, prepare ¾ cup (180g) of vegan mayonnaise, ½ cup of celery finely chopped, ¼ cup of red onion finely chopped, and ½ cup (55g) of pecans finely chopped. To add some tang, we’ll be using 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Finally, we’ll also need ½ teaspoon of garlic powder to bring all the flavors together.
What is mock chicken salad made of?
For this recipe, you’ll need a 12-ounce block of extra firm tofu that has been thoroughly drained and dried. The tofu will be combined with minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, nutritional yeast, and Spike seasoning to create a flavorful and savory dish. Additionally, a grated carrot and minced celery will be added to the mix to provide some extra nutrients and crunch.
How does Gordon Ramsay make chicken salad?
Let’s start by getting our hands on half of a well-roasted chicken and slice or shred it into bite-sized pieces. For the dressing, we’ll want to mix 6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with the juice of half a lemon. Don’t forget to add in any pan juices from the roast chicken to give it that extra burst of flavor. Season with a dash of salt and pepper to taste.
Once the dressing is ready, toss the chicken into it, making sure every piece is coated evenly. Right before serving, add the watercress to the mix and toss it all together. The result is a refreshing blend of flavors that are sure to impress.
Why did Chick Fil A get rid of chicken salad?
Chick-fil-A recently made the announcement that they will no longer serve their popular chicken salad after September 30. According to a company representative, this decision was made in response to changing customer preferences and a desire for diverse menu options. This news was not an easy one for the restaurant chain, but they hope to bring exciting new flavors to the table for their loyal customers.
Bottom Line
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And there you have it, folks! A delicious and nutritious vegetarian chicken salad recipe that’s perfect for vegans and meat-eaters alike. This recipe is not only packed with flavor but also with essential nutrients that will nourish your body.
By substituting vegetarian chicken for real chicken, we’re reducing the levels of fat in the dish while maintaining the protein content. With this recipe, you won’t have to sacrifice taste for health as it provides both.
So, why not give this recipe a try? It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is a great way to switch things up in your meal plan. Whether you want to add it to your sandwiches or enjoy it as a standalone salad, this vegetarian chicken salad recipe will not disappoint.
Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and take advantage of the substitutions section; there’s a world of possibilities out there waiting to be discovered!
In conclusion, I hope this article has been helpful in introducing you to an easy vegan chicken salad recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. Feel free to share it with your friends and family and let them in on the tasty secret that is vegetarian chicken salad.
Vegetarian Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) package Morningstar Farms Meal Starters chicken strips
- 1/4 cup carrot
- 1/4 cup celery
- 1 medium gala apples
- 1/2 cup Miracle Whip light
- 1/4 cup raisins (golden or regular)
- 1/4 onion
Instructions
- Microwave the chick'n strips in a bowl until heated through (about 2 minutes depending on the power of your microwave).
- Shred the carrots, celery, onion, apple, and chick'n strips in a food processor.
- Transfer above items to a bowl and add the raisins and Miracle Whip.
- If your other items were already refrigerated and cold, you can go ahead and enjoy. Otherwise, chill for an hour or two. Then serve on bread, in a pita, or my favorite--in a tortilla.
Add Your Own Notes
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.