Lemony White Bean Chicken Salad (Print View)

Bright salad featuring shredded chicken, white beans, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon dressing. Ready in 40 minutes.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
02 - 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 celery stalks, finely diced
04 - 1/4 red onion, finely diced
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Fresh Herbs

06 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

→ Lemon Vinaigrette

08 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
11 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - 1 garlic clove, minced
13 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# Directions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, white beans, celery, red onion, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and dill.
02 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
03 - Pour the vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper.
05 - Let the salad rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than delivery and tastes like you planned it all week.
  • The beans make it satisfying without feeling heavy, even on the hottest days.
  • Leftovers actually get better as the lemon soaks into everything overnight.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting time; the salad tastes like separate ingredients if you serve it immediately.
  • If you make it ahead, hold back half the dressing and toss it in right before serving so nothing gets soggy.
03 -
  • Use a microplane for the lemon zest so you get fine, fragrant shreds instead of bitter chunks.
  • Warm chicken shreds easier than cold; let it sit out for a few minutes before pulling it apart.
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