Reina Pepiada My Way

Reina pepiada is a classic Venezuelan chicken-avocado salad. The traditional dressing for this salad is made with mayonnaise, cilantro, garlic and lime juice. This dressing is tossed with shredded chicken, diced avocado and a splash of lime juice. And is mostly eating as an arepa filling. My version of this dressing is a little different, I don’t use mayonnaise for the dressing, instead I blend the avocado with a splash of water, garlic, cilantro, salt, pepper and lime juice until I get a creamy consistency. If you or one of your guests don’t eat chicken I suggest using cooked garbanzos, seared tofu, tuna, or why not shrimp. This chicken salad recipe is so versatile that any vegetable that you would like to add on goes great. I love adding mini sweet bell peppers and grape tomatoes. For the chicken: I simmer chicken breast and vegetables for around 20 to 50 mins and reserve the broth for a future meal.

Serves around: 4 to 5 people It will take you around 30 to 45 mins

Dressing Ingredients:

2 avocados

½ bunch of cilantro

1 garlic clove

The juice of 2 limes

Salt and pepper to taste

Water, around ½ cup

Dressing Preparation:

1. Wash and pat dry the cilantro

2. Place all the ingredients in a blender, and half of the water

3. Blend until a creamy sauce is obtained

4. If it is too thick and difficult to blend, add water little by little until you get a creamy dressing

5. Taste

6. Fix to your taste

7. Enjoy with your favorite recipes

8. If not eating right away storage in the fridge

Chicken Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts

1 carrot

½ onion

2 garlic cloves

Parsley and/or cilantro scraps

Chicken Preparation:

1. In a pot place all of the ingredients

2. Cover with water

3. Simmer for 20 to 40 minutes

4. Let the chicken breast to cool down

5. Reserve the broth to make a soup, rice, or a sauce

6. Shred the chicken

7. Once the chicken is completely cold toss with the dressing

8. If eating in few hours or next day storage in the fridge

Tips:

This reina holds great in the fridge for a few days.

Great to cook in advance when you have people over or for your meal prep repertoire.