Garlic Chicken Salad
A vibrant garlic chicken salad featuring tender green beans, shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing, perfect for a light, flavorful meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook green beans in boiling water for about 6 minutes until tender but crisp. Drain well and chill.
- If the chicken has skin, remove it and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces. Set aside and chill.
- Shell and devein the shrimp; chill.
- In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, salt, Dijon mustard, salad oil, and lemon juice to prepare the dressing.
- Arrange lettuce, tomatoes, and sliced mushrooms on a serving platter.
- Add the chilled green beans, chicken, and shrimp on top of the vegetables.
- Drizzle with the prepared garlic dressing just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of garlic and lemon juice before cooking. For a variation, you can substitute the shrimp with cooked crab or omit it entirely for a lighter dish. If fresh green beans are unavailable, frozen green beans can work well too. For a crunchier texture, lightly sauté the mushrooms before adding them to the salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Garlic Chicken Salad as a light main dish or as a side alongside grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Bess' Potatoes for a heartier meal. For added flavor, sprinkle some feta cheese or nuts on top before serving. A crisp white wine would complement the dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and green beans in a microwave, but avoid reheating the salad greens to maintain their crispness. If the dressing is separated, whisk it again before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garlic Chicken Salad contains roughly 372 calories, with 31g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2225mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components separately a few hours in advance. Chill the chicken, shrimp, and green beans, and mix the dressing. Just assemble the salad right before serving to ensure the greens stay fresh and crisp.
What can I substitute for salad oil?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute salad oil with olive oil or avocado oil. Both options will add a rich taste to the dressing. For a lighter option, consider using a yogurt-based dressing instead.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. Just store the components separately to maintain freshness. Assemble the salad with dressing right before eating for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).