Description
This Persian Chicken Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and healthy dish combining tender cooked chicken with an aromatic mix of parsley, mint, and cilantro, crunchy cucumber and red onion, and sweet-tart pomegranate seeds. Dressed in a simple lemon juice and olive oil dressing, it delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
Fresh Herbs and Vegetables
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 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 by boiling or roasting. Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. This will be the protein base of your salad.
- Chop the Fresh Ingredients: Finely chop the fresh parsley, mint, and cilantro to release their bright aromas. Thinly slice the red onion and dice the cucumber into small, uniform pieces to provide a crunchy texture in every bite.
- Combine Salad Components: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the chopped herbs, sliced onions, diced cucumber, and pomegranate seeds. The pomegranate seeds add a sweet and juicy pop that complements the other ingredients.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This simple dressing brings acidity and richness, enhancing the salad’s fresh flavors.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill slightly before serving to enjoy a refreshing and flavorful salad.
Notes
- Cooking the chicken in advance or using leftover chicken works well.
- For more texture, you can toast the pomegranate seeds gently before adding.
- Adjust the lemon juice and olive oil quantities based on your taste preference.
- This salad can be served as a light main dish or side salad.
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor and aroma.
