Chicken Salad Gets A Gourmet Lift When You Add This Canned Vegetable

Along with utilizing various chicken salad hacks, like using rotisserie chicken to cut down on effort, you can easily simplify your recipe by combining fresh and canned ingredients. That being said, if you're looking for a convenient and sophisticated way to dress up your next batch of chicken salad, add canned artichoke hearts. They'll give your meal a dose of unexpected artisanal flair.

Nestled safely among the stiff and fibrous leaves of a fresh artichoke is the heart, which many foodies believe is the most appetizing part of this Mediterranean vegetable. Artichoke hearts have a tender texture and a slightly nutty taste. More importantly, these prized morsels are often precooked and canned or jarred in water or brine for added convenience. 

All you need to do is drain and chop them before adding some to your favorite recipe. Just keep in mind there are two different varieties of artichoke hearts you can use: marinated or unmarinated. Unlike artichoke hearts packed in salted water or brine, marinated artichokes include oil and additional spices. Fortunately, there are many ways to use either variety to make a delicious chicken salad.

Beyond chicken, canned artichokes, and mayo, all you need to do is round out your recipe with some zesty extras like capers, chopped red onion, and lemon juice. Or, for a more savory version that's sure to please, combine cooked, diced chicken, chopped artichokes, mayonnaise, green onions, and shredded parmesan cheese. Parmesan cheese gives traditional chicken salad a salty kick, while green onions provide a zingy finish. You could also grill your canned artichoke hearts before chopping them to give your chicken salad a smoky twist.

Better yet, if you love the taste of five-cheese spinach artichoke dip, you can give your chicken salad recipe the same flavor profile by using similar ingredients. Besides drained and chopped canned artichokes, parmesan cheese, and a simple combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, add some finely chopped celery, red onion, and spinach to the mix. Additionally, upgrade your dressing with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and fresh basil and parsley for a more impactful flavor.

Speaking of flavor, if you're using marinated artichokes, feel free to include some of the packing liquid as part of your chicken salad dressing. For example, instead of mixing your recipe with just mayo and Greek yogurt, swap out a portion of these condiments for a small pour of artichoke liquid. This simple swap is sure to give your recipe a more artichoke-forward flavor profile.