Description
Persian Chicken Salad is a vibrant and fresh salad combining tender chicken with crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. This healthy, colorful dish offers a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and aromatic flavors, ideal for a light lunch or a festive dinner centerpiece that celebrates Persian culinary tradition with a modern twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
Fresh Herbs
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Vegetables & Fruits
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons good-quality olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cooking your chicken until tender, either by boiling or roasting. Allow it to cool before shredding or dicing into bite-sized pieces, which will serve as the hearty protein foundation of the salad.
- Chop the Fresh Ingredients: Finely chop your fresh herbs—parsley, mint, and cilantro—to release their bright aromas. Slice the red onion thinly and dice cucumber into small, uniform pieces for a pleasant crunch in every bite.
- Combine Salad Components: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the fresh herbs, onions, cucumbers, and pomegranate seeds. The pomegranate seeds add a subtle sweetness and satisfying pop that complements the other flavors perfectly.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing adds acidity and richness, enhancing the freshness of the salad ingredients.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately or chill slightly before enjoying the full burst of fresh flavors.
Notes
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a huge difference—avoid dried since they lack the vibrant aroma and flavor.
- Don’t Overdress: Add dressing gradually to prevent overwhelming the delicate balance of flavors.
- Chill the Salad: Letting the salad rest in the fridge for 30 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Pick the Right Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken imparts more flavor compared to boiled chicken.
- Prepare Ahead: Chop herbs and veggies the day before for quicker assembly on serving day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling or Roasting
- Cuisine: Persian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg