Use Up That Leftover Chicken Salad And Stuff Some Peppers

When you're looking to prepare a meal that most people will enjoy, chicken salad should be a go-to for some really good reasons. It's simple to make and filling, and you can use your leftovers in a variety of ways. Add your leftover chicken salad to a sandwich, tuck it in a wrap, or use it to make a pasta dish as a delicious alternative. 

But if you really want to impress your guests and challenge yourself to learn how to make a new type of dish, forget about all those classic chicken salad variations and use your leftover chicken salad to stuff some peppers for a meal with a different kind of appeal. Peppers are a great addition to most meals; however, you can also use them as a main feature. By stuffing your peppers with chicken salad, you can enjoy a range of vibrant flavors and unique textures that combine seamlessly to make a creative and nutritious dish.

There are many benefits to swapping peppers in for bread or tortillas. Using peppers can be a great way to get more veggies into your meals, especially if you're trying to stick to low-carb dishes. They're also a great option for people who love a little spice in their food. The best peppers to use are bell peppers — any color of your choice. You'll want to pick the biggest ones so you have plenty of room for stuffing them with chicken salad.

To cut your peppers the right way, simply remove the top portion where the stem is. Next, scoop out the seeds and rinse out the inside to make sure it's ready to be stuffed. Use the bell peppers raw, or roast them in the oven for 15 minutes to achieve a softer texture. Either way, when you add your chicken salad, pack in as much as you can. Once you take a bite, you'll notice the incredible burst of flavor from the pepper. Its texture will then give way to the soft and tender meat from your chicken salad.

Beyond stuffing a traditional chicken salad into peppers, you can explore alternative ways to prepare this dish for a fresh burst of flavor in each bite. Step into the world of Mexican cuisine and infuse your bell peppers with a hint of spice. Enhance the experience by melting various shredded cheeses on top of the roasted peppers for added texture and taste. Sprinkle in some pico de gallo as a delightful garnish, paying homage to traditional Mexican cuisine. For an extra kick, consider incorporating peppers like jalapeños — both you and your guests will appreciate the bold flavor.

If you're a barbecue lover, experiment with stuffed peppers featuring barbecue chicken salad. Introduce a high-quality homemade barbecue sauce or use your favorite premade barbecue sauce on your chicken and mix it with cherry tomatoes and black beans. Feel free to continue experimenting with your favorite chicken salad variations when stuffing your peppers — they're sure to become a delightful addition to your repertoire of leftover meals.