This chicken salad is one of those rare dishes where simply tossing the ingredients together in a bowl is enough to create a culinary triumph. Tender smoked chicken, crunchy walnuts, juicy mandarins, and zesty hard cheese come together in a flavor combination that will have even the pickiest guests asking for the recipe (and you’ll humbly keep quiet about how easy it was).
This mix of ingredients is packed with as much nutrition as it is flavor, offering numerous health benefits typical of protein-rich and vitamin-filled foods. The protein sources in this dish include chicken, hard cheese, eggs, and walnuts, which are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids that promote brain and heart health. Meanwhile, the citrus fruits provide beneficial oils and antioxidants, serving as a source of fiber and vitamin C—especially important during cold season—boosting immunity and improving digestion. Mandarins are also good for heart and nerve health, enhancing vision, skin condition, and metabolism.
Ingredients: chicken fillet (smoked or baked) – 200 g; hard cheese – 100 g; eggs (boiled) – 3 pcs.; mandarins – 3 pcs.; walnuts – 50 g; mayonnaise – to taste.
Preparation
Cut the chicken and boiled eggs into cubes, grate the cheese, , and into segments. Combine all the ingredients, dress with , and mix well.
Life Hack
If you’re serving this salad at a festive table alongside other mayonnaise-based dishes, consider swapping out the mayonnaise in this recipe for a healthier option to enhance flavors:
- Greek yogurt (the best option – reduces calories by 40%)
- Sour cream (15-20%) mixed with lemon juice
- A blended dressing: yogurt + a bit of mayonnaise (50/50)
Serving Suggestions
This festive chicken salad can be served:
- In a large salad bowl – a classic option for family gatherings
- Individually in dessert cups – an elegant presentation for a buffet
- In tartlets – perfect for canapés and appetizers
- In lavash baskets – a unique presentation
Garnish the salad with:
- Halved walnuts
- Mandarin segments
- Sprigs of fresh parsley or dill
- Pomegranate seeds for contrast
We also recommend trying other chicken salads:
