Chicken salad is a classic for a reason! It’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and can be endlessly customized. Whether you’re packing lunches for the week, planning a picnic, or throwing a party, chicken salad is always a good idea.
If you’re looking to shake up your usual chicken salad routine, you’ve come to the right place. Adding peppery arugula to your chicken salad recipe is a simple way to add a fresh, modern twist to this old standard. The slight bitterness of the arugula pairs beautifully with the richness of the chicken and creamy dressing.
This article is your complete guide to making the best chicken salad arugula recipe, including ingredient variations, preparation tips, and nutritional information. Let’s get cooking!
Key Ingredients: Building the Perfect Arugula Chicken Salad
Arugula chicken salad is a simple dish, but it’s also one where high-quality ingredients can really shine. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Chicken Selection and Preparation
You can use leftover roasted chicken, poached chicken breast, or grilled chicken. No matter how you cook it, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight). Grilled chicken thighs marinated in herbs, lemon juice, and garlic can be especially delicious.
Arugula and Other Greens
Arugula has a distinctive peppery flavor that I love in this salad, and it’s also packed with nutrients. If you prefer a milder taste, you can substitute spinach or mixed greens.
Complementary Vegetables and Fruits
Fresh ingredients are key here. I especially love using arugula, mozzarella, and tomatoes with a bright, zesty dressing. Other popular additions include grapes and pears. California grapes are widely available and add a lovely sweetness.
You could also add celery, red onion, or dried cranberries for different textures and flavors.
Dressings: Enhancing the Flavors
The dressing is what really pulls a chicken salad together. You have a wide range of options here, and your choice will influence the overall flavor profile.
Vinaigrette Options
A lemon vinaigrette is a classic choice, brightening up the chicken salad with a bit of tartness. If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, you can use fresh-frozen lemon juice as a substitute.
Other vinaigrette options include balsamic and red wine vinegar. A white balsamic vinegar would be perfect if you’re using mozzarella, as it will help keep the cheese a bright white.
Creamy Dressing Alternatives
Mayonnaise-based dressings are another popular choice. You can make a classic mayonnaise-based dressing or a paleo version if you’re following a grain-free diet. Homemade mayonnaise will always deliver the best flavor.
For a lighter option, consider a yogurt-based dressing. This will add a tangy creaminess without being too heavy.
Flavor Enhancers
Don’t forget the little things! A touch of Dijon mustard (½ teaspoon is usually just right) can add a subtle kick. Fresh herbs and spices like thyme, parsley, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor even further.
Recipe Variations: Tailoring the Salad to Your Preferences
One of the best things about chicken salad is how easily you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few tempting variations on the chicken salad with arugula theme:
Arugula Chicken Salad with Mozzarella and Tomatoes
Remember that “Italiano Chopped Salad” at the restaurant that closed down? Recreate it with chicken, peppery arugula, creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and a light white balsamic vinaigrette. This one’s a great choice if you’re watching your carbs — it comes in at just 7 net carbs and packs a whopping 30 grams of protein per serving!
Arugula Chicken Salad with Grapes and Nuts
Add a touch of sweetness with grapes and a satisfying crunch with your favorite nuts. Walnuts, almonds, pecans, or cashews all work beautifully. For the best flavor, try toasting the nuts before you toss them in. The combination of fresh arugula, sweet grapes, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy cashews is incredible!
Arugula Chicken Salad with Pears and Cheese
For a more elegant take, try adding slices of ripe pear and a creamy cheese. Goat cheese, feta, or even blue cheese would be delicious with the chicken and arugula. Feta or goat cheese could be used instead of mozzarella.
Chicken, Farro, and Arugula Salad
This heartier version includes farro, arugula, and an assortment of fresh vegetables. It’s substantial enough to serve as a main course, but it also works well as a side dish. The recipe includes instructions for preparing the chicken, making homemade croutons, and whipping up a flavorful dressing.
Preparation and Serving Tips
Here’s how to assemble and serve chicken salad with arugula:
Assembling the Salad
Layer your ingredients so that each bite gives you a good mix of flavors. To prevent sogginess, add the dressing right before you serve the salad. If you’re making it ahead, store the salad and dressing separately until you’re ready to eat.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken salad with arugula can be served as a light main course or as a side dish. It pairs well with soups and sandwiches.
Here are a few dishes that complement the flavors in this salad:
- Butternut squash mac and cheese
- Butternut squash risotto
- Butternut squash and pear soup
- Butternut squash soup with goat cheese
Make-Ahead Tips
To make assembly quick and easy, grill your chicken breasts or thighs in advance. If you’re taking the salad somewhere, pack the ingredients (chicken, mozzarella, arugula, tomatoes, dressing) in separate containers and combine them just before serving to keep things fresh and crisp.
Dietary Considerations and Modifications
This chicken salad with arugula recipe is pretty flexible. Here’s how to adjust it to fit your eating style:
Low-carb and keto options
The recipe, as written, is already pretty low in carbohydrates. Check out the nutritional information at the end of the recipe for more details (it clocks in at about 7 net carbs with 30 grams of protein per serving!). You can always tweak it by swapping out higher-carb ingredients for low-carb alternatives.
Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations
Good news! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, so you don’t have to do a thing. It’s quick, healthy, easy, and paleo-friendly, too.
Paleo-friendly versions
As mentioned, this recipe already fits the paleo bill, since it relies on whole, unprocessed ingredients. Just make sure you’re using a paleo-approved dressing, such as a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and lemon juice.
Wrapping Up
Chicken salad with arugula is a fast, easy, and healthy meal that you can customize to your taste. You can experiment with different herbs, nuts, fruits, or dressings to create a chicken salad that’s all your own.
The peppery bite of arugula is the perfect counterpoint to creamy chicken salad. This salad makes a satisfying sandwich, a delicious topping for crackers, or a light and refreshing meal on its own.
So, go ahead and give it a try. You might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy chicken salad!