Mushroom and Chicken Salad

Delicious salad with mushrooms and chicken

Of course, there’s nothing more comforting than a savory salad filled with fresh and aromatic ingredients. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a salad with mushrooms and chicken, a recipe that combines textures and flavors in a truly special way. This salad is perfect for a festive meal or simply to bring a touch of freshness to everyday dining.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 1 piece of chicken (bones can be from 2 chickens without breasts and thighs, for a richer flavor)
- 1 carrot
- 1 celery root
- 1 parsnip
- 2 onions
- 2 pickles
- 300 g fresh mushrooms (or canned mushrooms)
- 1 cup vinegar (about 100 ml)
- 100 ml oil
- Mayonnaise made from 1 raw egg, 2 boiled eggs
- Spices to taste (salt, pepper, sweet paprika)

Preparation

Step 1: Boiling the chicken

1. Preparing the chicken: In a large pot, add the piece of chicken and cover with cold water. Add the cleaned and chopped carrot, celery, and parsnip in large pieces. These vegetables will not only flavor the broth but will also be a delicious ingredient in the salad.
2. Boiling: Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for about 40 minutes, skimming off any foam that forms on the surface. In the end, the meat will become tender and juicy.

Step 2: Preparing the mushrooms

3. Boiling the mushrooms: In another pot, add the cleaned and finely chopped mushrooms. Boil them for 15-20 minutes, then strain them, saving the liquid, which can be used as a base for soups or sauces. This step will intensify the flavor of the mushrooms.

Step 3: Preparing the onions

4. Blanching the onions: Cut the onion into small cubes and prepare a brine from 1 cup of vinegar and water (1:1 ratio). Add the onion to the hot brine and let it blanch for a few minutes. Then, strain and let it cool. This technique will reduce the bitterness of the onion and add a tangy flavor to the salad.

Step 4: Assembling the salad

5. Shredding the meat: Once the chicken has cooled, shred it and cut it into small pieces. Mix it in a large bowl with the boiled mushrooms, blanched onion, and finely chopped pickles. The pickles add a crunchy and tangy note, perfect for balancing the rich flavor of the meat and mushrooms.

6. Preparing the mayonnaise: In a separate bowl, prepare the mayonnaise. Mix 1 raw egg with 100 ml of oil, using a blender or whisk, until you obtain a creamy texture. Add 2 boiled eggs, chopped, and mix well. This will add a delicious creaminess to the salad.

7. Mixing the ingredients: Add the mayonnaise over the meat and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle your favorite spices (salt, pepper, sweet paprika) and gently mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated with mayonnaise.

Step 5: Serving

8. Presentation: Transfer the salad to a large platter or individual bowls. You can garnish it with fresh parsley or dill leaves, which add a touch of freshness and an attractive appearance. The salad can be served cold or at room temperature.

Chef's tip

If you want to experiment with a variation of this salad, try adding green or black olives for a more intense flavor. You can also replace sunflower oil with extra virgin olive oil for a more refined taste.

Nutritional benefits

This mushroom and chicken salad is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Chicken provides quality protein, while mushrooms are an excellent source of antioxidants and fiber. Fresh vegetables contribute to your daily intake of vitamins and minerals, making this salad a healthy choice for any meal.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen mushrooms? Yes, frozen mushrooms are a convenient option. Make sure to fully thaw them before using.
2. How can I store the salad? The salad keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to enjoy all the flavors.
3. Can the recipe be adapted for vegetarians? Yes, you can replace the chicken with tofu or a variety of steamed vegetables, and mushrooms will add extra flavor.

Serving recommendations

This salad pairs perfectly with a slice of fresh bread or mashed potatoes. Also, a summer evening with a glass of chilled white wine will turn this meal into a memorable experience.

Enjoy every bite of this mushroom and chicken salad, which not only satisfies the taste buds but also enriches meals with flavor and nutrition!

 Ingredients: a piece of chicken (can be 2 chickens without breast and thighs) 1 carrot, celery, a root parsley, 2 pickled cucumbers, 300 g of mushrooms, 3 onions, 1 cup of vinegar, seasoning, mayonnaise made from 1 raw egg, two boiled eggs, 100 ml of oil