Smoked Chicken Gyro Salad with Marinated Mushrooms

This delicious smoked chicken gyro salad is a delightful combination of savory and tangy flavors. The dish is a wonderful mix of textures and tastes, featuring cold-smoked chicken gyro slices, crunchy toasted cashews, and soft marinated mushrooms. With a hint of cheese and the freshness of ripe tomatoes, this salad is both filling and bursting with flavor. The addition of creamy mayonnaise, sour cream, and spicy French mustard adds a creamy depth, while a dash of lemon pepper rounds everything off perfectly. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner and is sure to impress your guests with its unique combination of ingredients. Its preparation is simple and quick, making it an ideal choice for those who want to create a gourmet meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The salad is best served fresh and chilled, although it can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with a slice of crusty bread for an extra touch of texture.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 300 g canned green peas
• 300-400 g cold-smoked chicken gyro slices
• 50 g toasted, salted cashews
• 150 g Maasdam cheese
• 300 g marinated mushrooms
• 2 fresh tomatoes

Spices and Sauces:

• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• French mustard
• Lemon pepper

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all the required ingredients. Ensure the smoked chicken gyro is properly sliced and all other ingredients are ready at hand.
2. Combine Peas and Tomatoes: Pour the canned green peas into a large mixing bowl. Dice the fresh tomatoes and add them to the bowl.
3. Add Nuts for Crunch: Chop or crush the salted cashews, and sprinkle them over the tomatoes and peas for an added crunchy texture.
4. Incorporate Chicken Gyros: Slice the cold-smoked chicken gyro into bite-sized pieces and toss them into the bowl with the other ingredients.
5. Grate the Cheese: Grate the Maasdam cheese over the mixture, letting the cheese add both flavor and texture to the salad.
6. Add Marinated Mushrooms: Coarsely chop the marinated mushrooms and fold them into the salad to introduce their tangy flavor.
7. Mix with Creamy Dressings: In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, and a tablespoon of French mustard. Mix until smooth.
8. Season the Salad: Sprinkle lemon pepper into the creamy dressing, enhancing the zesty flavor profile.
9. Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy mixture over the salad ingredients and carefully toss everything together until well combined.
10. Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad for seasoning and adjust as necessary, considering any additional lemon pepper or mustard.
11. Chill the Salad (Optional): If preferred, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Once ready, serve the salad on chilled plates for maximum freshness.
13. Portion Control: Note that this salad is quite filling, so serve moderate amounts to avoid waste.
14. Garnish if Desired: A sprig of fresh parsley or grated zest of a lemon can serve as an attractive garnish.
15. Bread Pairing: Consider serving alongside a crusty baguette or whole-grain bread to complement the robust flavors.
16. Present Well: Arrange the salad aesthetically to make it inviting and appetizing.
17. Store Leftovers: If there are leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
18. Reinvigorate Flavors: Upon serving leftovers, add a fresh squeeze of lemon for brightness.
19. Express Creativity: Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on personal taste preferences.
20. Enjoy the Experience: Savor the harmony of flavors and textures in every bite!

Tips

• Substitutions: Swap Maasdam cheese with Swiss or cheddar for a different cheese profile.
• Nuts Alternative: Use almonds or walnuts if cashews are unavailable.
• Mustard Variation: For a milder flavor, use whole grain mustard instead of French mustard.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 580 per serving
• Protein: 35 g
• Fats: 40 g
• Carbs: 20 g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken gyro with grilled paneer cubes.
• Low Carb Version: Skip beans and add more leafy greens or grilled zucchini.
• Vegan-Friendly: Use vegan alternatives for cheese and mayonnaise.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a chilled glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay.
• Serve alongside a light soup or seasonal green salad.

Best Places

• The Salad Room - Offers a wide variety of exotic salads. Location: 123 Green Terrace, New York, USA.
• Greens & Grains - Known for creative and healthy meals featuring global flavors. Location: 57 Health Avenue, Los Angeles, USA.
• Mushroom & Leaf - Specializes in fresh salads with a whimsical touch. Location: 22 Veg Street, London, UK.
• Fresh Fields Café - Popular for its organic ingredients. Location: 88 Nature Lane, Sydney, Australia.
• La Saladerie - French-inspired salads with an artistic flair. Location: 45 Rue de Fraicheur, Paris, France.
• Taste & Spice Bistro - Fusion dishes that innovate traditional recipes. Location: 10 Spice Road, Mumbai, India.
• Vibrant Veggies - A haven for plant-based enthusiasts. Location: 39 Garden Path, Vancouver, Canada.
• Savor & Crunch - Known for its variety of textures and presentation. Location: 67 Fifth Avenue, Dubai, UAE.
• Bowlful Delights - Offers customizable salad options. Location: 21 Plaza Drive, Tokyo, Japan.
• Herb Infusion Café - Combines fresh herbs in every dish. Location: 53 Culinary Crescent, Cape Town, South Africa.