Mary Berry Warm Chicken And Dill Salad Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking for a delicious and refreshing dish that’s easy to whip up but feels fancy enough for a special occasion, Mary Berry’s warm chicken and dill salad is definitely one to try!

The tender chicken, combined with the fresh, fragrant dill, creates a light yet satisfying meal that’s full of flavor. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch when you want something healthy but still full of taste. Plus, the warm dressing adds a comforting touch that makes it extra cozy and perfect for any season.

Mary Berry Warm Chicken And Dill Salad Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken and Dill Salad, you’ll need a mix of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together to create a dish that’s both light and hearty. This recipe is perfect for those who want something healthy yet satisfying. Here’s a detailed list of the ingredients you’ll need:

1. Chicken Breasts – Tender, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the dish. These provide lean protein and are the perfect base for the salad, absorbing the flavors of the dressing and herbs.
2. Olive Oil – A good quality extra virgin olive oil is used to cook the chicken. This helps in creating a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful on the inside.
3. Fresh Dill – The dill brings a fresh, slightly tangy, and aromatic flavor to the dish. It pairs wonderfully with the chicken and adds an earthy note, making the salad feel both refreshing and substantial.
4. Mixed Salad Leaves – A combination of baby spinach, rocket, or other leafy greens forms the foundation of the salad. These provide a nice balance to the richness of the chicken and give the dish a light, crisp texture.
5. Cucumber – Thinly sliced cucumber adds a cool crunch to the salad, balancing the warmth of the chicken with its refreshing, mild flavor.
6. Red Onion – Thinly sliced red onions bring a subtle sharpness and slight sweetness when paired with the dressing, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
7. Lemon – Fresh lemon juice is essential for the dressing, adding acidity to the dish. Its bright citrus flavor complements the dill and enhances the chicken’s savory taste.
8. Garlic – Minced garlic contributes a pungent, savory depth to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
9. Honey – A little honey is added to the dressing to give it a touch of sweetness, balancing the tartness from the lemon and the acidity from the vinegar.
10. Dijon Mustard – The Dijon mustard adds a slight tang and smooth texture to the dressing, helping to tie all the flavors together.
11. Vinegar – A mild vinegar like white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar brings just the right amount of acidity to balance the dressing.
12. Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together and make sure the dish is well-seasoned.

The combination of these fresh and pantry ingredients is what gives Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken and Dill Salad its harmonious and mouth-watering flavor.

Equipment Needed

To make Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken and Dill Salad, you won’t need a lot of equipment, but there are a few essentials to ensure the process goes smoothly and the dish turns out perfectly.

1. Large Frying Pan – A heavy-based frying pan or skillet is key to cooking the chicken breasts evenly. You’ll want something that distributes heat well, allowing the chicken to cook through without burning.
2. Tongs – Tongs will help you easily flip the chicken breasts without piercing them, maintaining the moisture inside.
3. Salad Bowl – A large mixing bowl is needed to toss the salad ingredients together. Since this is a warm salad, you want the bowl to be big enough to allow the hot chicken to mix with the greens without wilting them too much.
4. Small Mixing Bowl – You’ll use a small bowl to whisk together the dressing ingredients, ensuring everything is well combined before pouring over the salad.
5. Sharp Knife – A sharp knife is essential for slicing the chicken into strips, as well as for cutting the cucumber, onions, and lemon. Precision here is key for both presentation and taste.
6. Chopping Board – A sturdy chopping board will make slicing and dicing much easier and safer.
7. Whisk – A whisk is ideal for creating the dressing. It ensures that the oil and vinegar emulsify properly, giving the dressing a smooth and cohesive texture.

With these tools, you’ll be able to execute Mary Berry’s recipe with ease, allowing the flavors to shine and the presentation to be as appealing as the taste.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken And Dill Salad

Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment ready, it’s time to put it all together and create this wonderful warm chicken salad. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare The Chicken

   • Start by heating a large frying pan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to the pan.
   • Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper. When the pan is hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan.
   • Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C/165°F). Once done, remove from the pan and set aside to rest. This resting period will help the juices redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains moist.

2. Prepare The Salad Ingredients

   • While the chicken is cooking, prepare your salad ingredients. Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion. Pick the dill leaves from the stalks and roughly chop them.
   • In a large salad bowl, add the mixed salad leaves, cucumber, and red onion. Toss gently to combine.

3. Make The Dressing

   • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.

4. Assemble The Salad

   • Once the chicken has rested, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
   • Add the warm chicken slices to the salad bowl with the leaves and vegetables.
   • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
   • Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill over the salad as the finishing touch. The warmth of the chicken will help infuse the dill’s aroma into the salad.

5. Serve

   • Serve the salad immediately while the chicken is still warm, and enjoy the refreshing yet comforting combination of flavors.

Expert Tips

1. Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer something other than chicken, turkey breast or grilled salmon are excellent alternatives that would work well with the dill and fresh salad. Just be sure to adjust cooking times according to the protein.

2. Marinating the Chicken: For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts for 30 minutes to an hour in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and some dill. This will infuse the chicken with more depth of flavor and make it even more succulent.

3. Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the dressing in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a quick whisk before using. The chicken can also be cooked in advance, and when you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken briefly in a hot pan or in the microwave.

4. Customize the Greens: If you prefer a heartier salad, feel free to add some grains like quinoa, couscous, or farro. These can help make the dish more filling and add some texture.

5. Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a light, crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. It’s also fantastic served alongside some crusty bread or roasted potatoes if you’re looking for a more substantial meal.

Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken and Dill Salad is a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. The warmth of the chicken, the freshness of the salad, and the aromatic dill combine in a simple yet sophisticated dish.

Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or a special gathering, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing. The dressing ties it all together, providing just the right amount of acidity and sweetness to complement the tender chicken and crisp vegetables.

With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a top-notch restaurant. So, grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this delicious and healthy salad!

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken And Dill Salad

Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken and Dill Salad is a perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh greens, and zesty dill, all brought together by a simple yet flavorful dressing. However, just like any great recipe, it offers ample opportunities for tweaking and personalizing based on what you have on hand or your specific taste preferences. Here are a few easy variations to give this dish a unique twist:

1. Add More Vegetables: While the base recipe focuses on chicken and dill, you can easily incorporate additional vegetables for extra color and crunch. Try adding roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini. Alternatively, mix in fresh ingredients like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or radishes for a refreshing contrast.

2. Swap the Greens: The salad’s leafy base can be customized depending on your preferences. Instead of using a simple mixed green salad, you can opt for arugula for a peppery bite or spinach for a milder, sweeter flavor. If you want a more substantial salad, try adding some cooked quinoa, bulgur wheat, or couscous to create a heartier meal.

3. Try Different Proteins: While the recipe traditionally uses chicken, other proteins can be substituted without compromising flavor. You could try grilled shrimp, turkey breast, or even roasted tofu for a vegetarian-friendly alternative. For a smoky flavor, grilled salmon or a soft-boiled egg could elevate the dish even more.

4. Herb Variations: Dill is the star herb in this recipe, but you can experiment with different fresh herbs to give the dish a new flavor profile. Mint, parsley, or basil can provide an exciting twist while still maintaining the freshness of the salad. If you’re feeling bold, try thyme or tarragon for an earthy, anise-like undertone.

5. Dress It Up with Different Dressings: The dressing in Mary Berry’s original recipe is typically light and tangy, but you could play with different types of vinaigrettes or sauces to change things up. A lemony tahini dressing could complement the chicken and herbs beautifully, or a balsamic reduction could bring a deeper, more savory sweetness to the mix.

6. Add Crunchy Elements: If you like your salads with a bit of crunch, consider topping it with toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts. Alternatively, a sprinkle of crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs can bring a satisfying texture and contrast to the tender chicken and soft greens.

With these variations, you can tailor Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken and Dill Salad to your personal tastes or whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand. Feel free to be creative and let your imagination guide the way.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

If you’ve made Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken and Dill Salad and find yourself with leftovers, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor for the next day. Here are some key tips for storing and reheating your salad without compromising the quality:

1. Separate Protein and Greens: The salad’s chicken and greens should ideally be stored separately to avoid wilting. The chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, while the greens should be kept in a separate container. This will ensure that the chicken stays fresh and the greens don’t absorb moisture and lose their crispness.

2. Dressings on the Side: If you plan to store leftovers for later, always keep the dressing separate. Vinaigrettes or any creamy dressings can cause the greens to become soggy if left on. Keep the dressing in a small container or jar, and only toss it with the salad when you’re ready to serve.

3. Proper Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to store both the chicken and the greens. This will keep the salad fresh for up to 2-3 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken (though note that freezing the greens and dressing is not recommended, as they won’t retain their texture when thawed).

4. Reheating the Chicken: When reheating the chicken, it’s best to use a gentle method to avoid drying it out. You can microwave it for about 30-45 seconds, or reheat it in a pan over medium heat with a splash of olive oil or a dab of butter. To preserve the tender texture, avoid overcooking the chicken.

5. Adding Fresh Ingredients: If you’re storing leftovers for more than a day or two, consider adding fresh greens and herbs when you’re ready to eat. This will refresh the dish and help retain the original vibrant flavor. Additionally, adding a little extra dressing or a squeeze of lemon can help brighten up any flavors that may have dulled after refrigeration.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your warm chicken and dill salad stays delicious for multiple meals, keeping it fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.

What Goes Well With Warm Chicken And Dill Salad

Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken and Dill Salad can stand alone as a light, nutritious meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments to round out the meal. Here are some ideas for what goes well with this salad:

1. Crusty Bread or Rolls: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is an excellent addition to this salad. You could serve it with a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough, which can be used to scoop up any leftover dressing or sauce. If you want a more refined touch, garlic bread or herb-infused focaccia would complement the flavors of the chicken and dill beautifully.

2. Roasted Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: For a more filling meal, serve your chicken and dill salad alongside roasted potatoes. Their crispy, golden exterior and soft interior are a perfect balance to the freshness of the salad. Sweet potatoes, roasted with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, offer a slightly sweeter, earthier flavor that pairs well with the dish’s tangy dressing.

3. Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers are a fantastic side. The smokiness from grilling adds a depth of flavor that complements the light, fresh notes of the chicken salad, making the whole meal feel heartier without feeling too heavy.

4. Crispy Polenta or Couscous: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, crispy polenta squares or a side of couscous would pair wonderfully with this salad. The polenta’s crisp texture provides a lovely contrast to the tender chicken, while couscous offers a delicate and slightly nutty flavor that balances well with the dill.

5. Cheese: A mild cheese like feta, goat cheese, or mozzarella can make a delightful addition to the salad or as a side. Crumbled feta adds a salty, creamy contrast to the fresh flavors of the salad, while mozzarella offers a delicate creaminess that won’t overpower the dish.

6. Fruit Pairings: For a touch of sweetness, add a few slices of fresh fruit to the meal. A side of citrus fruits like orange segments or a small fruit salad featuring berries, grapes, and pears would provide a refreshing and tangy complement to the salad’s savory flavors.

7. Light Soup: If you want a more filling, multi-course meal, consider serving the salad as a starter to a light soup, like a tomato basil soup or a smooth butternut squash soup. These soups are both warming and flavorful but won’t overshadow the delicate flavors of the chicken salad.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken and Dill Salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, dinner, or even as part of a larger meal. Its simplicity is what makes it so appealing, offering a refreshing combination of tender chicken, crisp greens, and the unique flavor of dill. Whether you’re following the recipe to the letter or putting your own twist on it with different ingredients and herbs, this dish can be adapted to suit a wide variety of tastes and dietary preferences.

When it comes to leftovers, storing and reheating them with care will ensure you continue to enjoy the salad’s deliciousness for days to come. Paired with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or even a side of fruit, this salad can be a complete, balanced meal that satisfies both the stomach and the taste buds. With a little creativity, Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken and Dill Salad can easily become a go-to recipe that you return to time and time again.

FAQs

What Ingredients Are Required For Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken And Dill Salad?

To make Mary Berry’s warm chicken and dill salad, you will need chicken breasts, fresh dill, mixed salad leaves, cucumber, red onion, lemon, olive oil, mustard, honey, and seasoning such as salt and pepper.

How Do I Prepare The Chicken For Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken And Dill Salad?

First, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then, heat olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken breasts for around 6-8 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through. After cooking, let the chicken rest before slicing.

Can I Use A Different Type Of Chicken For This Recipe?

Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken as a substitute for chicken breasts. Just ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before slicing and adding to the salad.

What Is The Best Way To Serve Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken And Dill Salad?

The salad is best served warm, with the freshly cooked chicken sliced on top of a bed of mixed salad leaves, cucumber, and red onion. A drizzle of the lemon-mustard dressing brings it all together.

Can I Make Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken And Dill Salad In Advance?

While the salad is best served warm, you can prepare the chicken and dressing ahead of time. Keep the chicken in the fridge and slice it just before serving. The salad components can also be prepped in advance and stored separately.

What Dressing Is Used For Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken And Dill Salad?

The dressing for this salad is made from a combination of olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and seasoning. It’s whisked together until smooth and then drizzled over the warm chicken and salad.

Can I Substitute The Dill In Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken And Dill Salad?

Yes, if you don’t have dill, you can substitute it with other fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, or chives for a slightly different flavor profile.

How Many Servings Does Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken And Dill Salad Recipe Yield?

This recipe typically serves 4 people, but you can adjust the quantity of ingredients depending on the number of servings you need.

Is Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken And Dill Salad Suitable For Special Diets?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by ensuring the dressing uses olive oil instead of butter. It’s also adaptable for low-carb diets by adjusting the quantity of salad ingredients.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add To Mary Berry’s Warm Chicken And Dill Salad?

You can add other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, avocado, or roasted peppers to enhance the salad’s flavor and texture. Just ensure they complement the fresh dill and chicken.