Crispy Cajun Chicken Salad Made Easy
Make Delicious Cajun Chicken Salad in 5 Minutes with Store-Bought Chicken Tenders
You can whip up a fantastic Cajun Chicken Salad in no time with just a few vegetables from your fridge and store-bought chicken tenders. The combination of fresh greens, crispy chicken tenders, and a tangy-sweet Cajun dressing is simply irresistible. It’s perfect as a brunch option for special occasions or as a light yet satisfying meal. Follow along with this easy and quick recipe!
Salad Ingredients- 3 store-bought chicken tenders
- Generous amount of fresh lettuce (like Romaine or Iceberg)
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 green bell pepper
- 1 ripe tomato
- 1 hard-boiled egg
The Dreamy Cajun Dressing- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard sauce (e.g., Dijon or yellow)
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 pinches of salt
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard sauce (e.g., Dijon or yellow)
- 1 tablespoon corn syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 pinches of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables that will add color and freshness to your salad. Wash the yellow and green bell peppers thoroughly, remove the seeds and membranes, and slice them into thin strips, about 0.5 cm thick. Wash the ripe tomato, remove the stem, and cut it into bite-sized pieces. If your egg isn’t already boiled, boil it until hard-cooked, then peel and cut it into wedges (typically 4 or 6 pieces).
Step 2
Next, prepare the lettuce for that satisfying crunch. Wash the lettuce leaves under cold running water and spin or pat them completely dry. Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, about 3-4 cm in size. Tearing it by hand often gives a more rustic and appealing texture than chopping.
Step 3
Now, let’s cook the star of our salad: the chicken tenders! Pour a generous amount of cooking oil into a pan (enough to halfway submerge the chicken tenders). Heat the oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken tenders in the pan and fry them until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Aim for a texture that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Step 4
Once perfectly cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy salad and ensuring a cleaner taste. Let the chicken tenders cool slightly, then cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm, for easy eating.
Step 5
It’s time to make the incredible Cajun dressing that ties everything together! In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of mustard sauce, 1 tablespoon of corn syrup (or honey for a natural sweetness), and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Add 2 pinches of salt to enhance the flavors. Whisk everything together with a fork or a small whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6
Begin assembling your salad. On a large serving plate or in a salad bowl, arrange the prepared lettuce leaves as a base. Artfully scatter the thinly sliced yellow and green bell peppers over the lettuce. Distributing them evenly adds visual appeal and ensures every bite has a variety of textures and flavors.
Step 7
Almost there! Now, arrange the sliced tomato and hard-boiled egg wedges attractively on top of the vegetables. Finally, place the crispy, chopped chicken tenders generously over the salad. Just before serving, drizzle the delicious Cajun dressing all over the salad. Your vibrant and flavorful Cajun Chicken Salad is ready to be enjoyed! Bon appétit!
