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Chicken salad sandwiches will be tastier if you swap mayonnaise for better fridge ingredient

There is a simple method to make chicken sandwiches taste better, as all you have to do is swap out mayonnaise for a cheap ingredient almost everyone has tucked away in their fridge.

[Picture of a chicken salad sandwich]

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It is fine to use store bought chicken in this recipe or cook it yourself(Image: Getty)

There's nothing quite like a well-crafted sandwich on a balmy summer's day, and chicken salad is frequently the ideal option when you're after something light and refreshing. It's a firm favourite for picnics and beach outings alike, yet it can sometimes end up with an unpleasant, greasy texture when prepared with mayonnaise.

Mayonnaise is commonly slathered on sandwiches as it's thought to make fillings creamier, but being made with egg and other oily ingredients, it tends to spoil rapidly in high temperatures. Egg and oil can generate considerable moisture when exposed to heat, which can not only leave a sandwich horribly soggy but can also encourage bacteria to multiply, heightening the risk of salmonella in chicken.

However, Anne Mauney, a cook and founder of Fannetastic Food, has put forward a straightforward way to improve both the safety and taste of chicken salad by simply swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.

[Picture of someone spreading yoghurt onto a sandwich]

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Greek yoghurt will keep sandwiches fresh while still having a creamy texture(Image: Getty)

Anne said: "The secret ingredient? Plain Greek yogurt! It adds creaminess without feeling heavy like mayo sometimes can. Plus, the red onion and walnuts give it a nice crunch for some added texture.

Preparing sandwiches with yoghurt may sound unusual, but it boasts a thick and creamy consistency that holds up far better in warm weather than mayonnaise.

Greek yoghurt contains neither egg nor oils, meaning it will taste considerably fresher and carry significantly less fat, making it far less likely to turn smelly or greasy.

Opting for Greek yoghurt in place of mayonnaise helps keep your sandwich fresher for longer, while still delivering the same great taste but with fewer calories.

[Picture of chicken salad filling]

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Your chicken will be so much tastier if you use Greek yoghurt instead(Image: Getty)

It also boasts a tangy flavour that complements mustard brilliantly, meaning it will lift the taste of your chicken salad without requiring a lengthy list of ingredients.

How to make tastier chicken salad sandwiches

You will need:

• 75g of cooked chicken
• Two tablespoons of plain Greek yoghurt
• One teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• Half a tablespoon of red onion
• Handful of lettuce leaves
• One tablespoon of green onion (optional(
• Handful of chopped walnuts (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Two slices of bread

What type of chicken should you use?

It is perfectly fine to use pre-cooked chicken purchased from the supermarket, or alternatively, you can cook the chicken yourself for this recipe.

If you are cooking the chicken yourself, brush the breasts or thighs with olive oil and place them in the oven at 190C for 20 to 30 minutes. Once cooked, allow it to rest for 5 minutes, then use two forks to shred the meat.

Method:

To start, finely dice the red onion and leave it to soak in water for five minutes before using. This draws out some of the sulphur from the onion, resulting in a sweeter taste.

Chop the walnuts into small, bite-sized pieces. You can toast them in a pan for two to three minutes to enhance the flavour further.

Next, place the chicken, Greek yoghurt, Dijon mustard, walnuts, red onion and spring onions into a bowl. Stir everything together until you achieve a smooth, well-combined mixture.

[Picture of a chicken salad sandwich]

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Chicken salad sandwiches can quickly become greasy and smelly on a hot day(Image: Getty)

Toast the bread if desired, then spread a generous helping of the mixture onto each slice. Place the lettuce in the middle to absorb any excess moisture, and assemble your sandwich.

Your chicken salad sandwich should turn out crisp, refreshing and simply far more satisfying than you'd ever expect.

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