Creamy Chicken Macaroni Salad Delight
This Creamy Chicken Macaroni Salad Delight is a refreshing and wholesome dish that's perfect for potlucks, picnics, or an easy weeknight dinner. Combining tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and wholesome whole wheat macaroni, all enveloped in a creamy yogurt-based dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Each serving provides a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that will leave you and your guests craving more. Enjoy this gorgeous salad chilled, garnished with fresh lettuce, for a delightful, healthful meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
canned chicken breasts
1 (356 g) (drained)
whole wheat elbow macaroni
1 cup (cooked al dente)
fresh tomato
3/4 cup (cubed)
cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (cubed (sharp recommended))
cucumber
1/2 cup (sliced into half rounds)
celery
1/2 cup (sliced)
green onion
1/4 cup (sliced)
plain fat-free yogurt
1/2 cup (none)
fat-free mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (none)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (or coarse ground black pepper)
lettuce
enough (to line a platter)
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the canned chicken and reserving the broth for cooking the macaroni.
2
In a saucepan, combine the reserved chicken broth with enough water to fully cover 1 cup of whole wheat elbow macaroni. Bring to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente, according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely.
3
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, break up the canned chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the cooled macaroni, diced fresh tomatoes, cubed cheddar cheese, sliced celery, sliced cucumber, and chopped green onions. Stir gently until well combined.
4
In a separate small bowl, mix together the plain fat-free yogurt, fat-free mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper (or coarse ground black pepper). Whisk until smooth and well combined.
5
Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken and macaroni mixture. Gently stir to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
6
Prepare a serving platter by lining it with crisp lettuce leaves. Spoon the chicken macaroni salad onto the lettuce bed, creating an appealing presentation.
7
For the best flavor, cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Macaroni Salad Delight?
It is a refreshing and wholesome dish made with chicken, vegetables, and whole wheat macaroni in a creamy yogurt-based dressing.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include canned chicken, whole wheat macaroni, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, celery, cucumber, green onions, and a yogurt-based dressing.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or easy weeknight dinners.
What type of pasta is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of whole wheat elbow macaroni.
How much canned chicken is needed?
You will need 1 can (356 g) of canned chicken breasts.
What should I do with the liquid from the canned chicken?
You should reserve the broth from the canned chicken to use as part of the cooking liquid for the macaroni.
How is the macaroni cooked?
Cook the macaroni in a mixture of reserved chicken broth and water until al dente, according to package instructions.
How do I stop the macaroni from overcooking?
Once cooked, drain the macaroni and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
What type of cheese is recommended for this salad?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of cubed sharp cheddar cheese.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The fresh tomatoes should be cubed and should total about 3/4 cup.
How do I prepare the cucumber for the salad?
The cucumber should be sliced into half rounds to yield 1/2 cup.
What is the serving suggestion for the salad?
The salad is best served chilled on a platter lined with crisp lettuce leaves.
What is in the dressing?
The dressing consists of plain fat-free yogurt, fat-free mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper or black pepper.
Is this a low-fat recipe?
Yes, it uses fat-free yogurt and fat-free mayonnaise to keep the fat content lower.
How much Dijon mustard is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Is the salad spicy?
It contains 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat, which can be swapped for coarse ground black pepper.
How long should the salad refrigerate?
For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
While the recipe specifies canned chicken for convenience, you could use cooked fresh chicken breasts.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the preparation for the celery?
The celery should be sliced to make 1/2 cup.
What type of onions are used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sliced green onions.
How should I combine the ingredients?
Mix the chicken, macaroni, and vegetables first, then gently stir in the separately prepared dressing.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
The use of whole wheat macaroni and fresh vegetables adds fiber to the dish.
What is the texture of the macaroni?
The macaroni should be cooked until al dente for a firm, pleasant texture.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
While sharp cheddar is recommended, you could use other cubed cheeses based on preference.
Why is the salad covered with plastic wrap?
Covering it with plastic wrap while refrigerating prevents it from drying out and helps the flavors meld.
How much yogurt is in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/2 cup of plain fat-free yogurt.
Is the salad served hot or cold?
This is a chilled salad, served cold after refrigeration.
Can I skip the lettuce?
The lettuce is used as a bed for presentation, but the salad can be served without it if preferred.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, chicken salad, macaroni salad, healthy recipe, potluck dish, and creamy dressing.