Name: Ensalada de Gallina (Venezuelan Chicken Potato Salad)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Venezuelan
Ingredients: 2 Cups of Mayonnaise (see notes); 2 tablespoons of Dijon Mustard: Yellow Mustard is a suitable substitute.; 2 tablespoons of White Vinegar: Traditional in this salad, but lemon or lime juice are suitable substitutes.; 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce; 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil; 1 teaspoon of White Sugar: optional but highly recommended for a light touch of sweetness.; 1/2 teaspoon of Kosher Salt; Black Pepper to taste (optional); 2 boneless and skinless Chicken Breasts (see notes); 1/2 Red Onion; 2 Garlic Cloves; 2 Bay Leaves; 1 Chicken Bouillon cube; 1 teaspoon of Salt; 1/2 teaspoon of Ground Black Pepper; 4 cups of Potatoes (Yellow, Yukon Gold, or russet potatoes work well); 2 cups of Fresh Carrots peeled and diced; 1 cup of Green Peas; 1 cup of diced Green Apple: Preferably green apples for their firm texture and sweet-tart flavor (any tart and sweet apples is the way to go!)

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Ensalada de Gallina Venezolana (Venezuelan Chicken Potato Salad) reigns supreme as one of the best dishes in Venezuelan homes every December. A simple, creamy, and delightful cold salad perfectly embodies fiestas decembrinas (December festivities).

Ensalada-de-Gallina-Venezuelan-Chicken-Potato-Salad

Ensalada de Gallina Venezolana: The Traditional Venezuelan Chicken Potato Salad You Have to Try

Ensalada de Gallina, translated as hen salad, is a cold salad with a creamy base featuring shredded chicken, potatoes, carrots, peas, apples, and a creamy dressing.

It is a delightful and favorite Venezuelan side dish enjoyed during the holiday season. It is one of the stars in the Plato Navideño, a short name for the Venezuelan Christmas meal. One of the most delicious meals on earth!

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Ensalada de Gallina Venezolana: The Traditional Venezuelan Chicken Potato Salad You Have to Try
Traditional Venezuelan Holiday Dishes to Serve with Ensalada de Gallina
Equipment
Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions
A Taste of Venezuela: How to Make Ensalada de Gallina, a Star of the Holiday Table
Recipe Variations
Storing Leftovers
Top tip
Related
Pairing
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From Hen to Chicken, Tradition Lives On

The original recipe calls for a hen, but as time passed, it was replaced with more commercially available chicken; however, the recipe name retained its original denomination of “Ensalada de Gallina.”

Nevertheless, Hen and Chicken can be used interchangeably in this recipe.

One could ask, why don’t you call it Ensalada de Pollo, when you are using chicken instead? Substituting Ensalada de Pollo might seem logical, but it would miss the mark. Ensalada de Gallina carries the weight of tradition, the whispers of Christmas and New Year’s Eve gatherings, and the cherished family memories.

This Venezuelan salad is similar to the popular Ensalada Rusa (Russian salad or Olivier Salad) and Ensalada de Pollo Mexicana (Mexican Chicken Salad) with its unique touch of Mexican Crema and Jalapeño brine. While countless variations and other traditional chicken salad recipes are shared across the United States, this Venezuelan version will bring a unique flavor to your table.

Traditional Venezuelan Holiday Dishes to Serve with Ensalada de Gallina

Pan de Jamón: A traditional Venezuelan bread filled with ham, bacon, raisins, and olives, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Hallacas: A delicious dish made of cornmeal dough stuffed with a stew made of pork, chicken, beef, and other ingredients like raisins, olives, and capers, then wrapped in plantain leaves.
Ponche Crema: A creamy punch, Ponche Crema is a traditional Venezuelan beverage similar to eggnog, spiced with rum and enjoyed during the holidays. It's sweet and velvety!
Desserts: To wrap up a festive meal, we finish it with Dulce de Lechoza (Papaya dessert), Torta Negra (A dark fruit cake), or Flan, a caramel-infused custard.

Equipment

Medium saucepan
Large mixing bowl or pan
Small bowl
Rubber spatula

Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions

More Than Just Chicken Salad: Ensalada de Gallina, is a Cultural Gem from Venezuela. A passed down family recipe that I have been making for many years.

Dressing Ingredients (the Creamy Sauce)

These are the most typical dressing ingredients recipe, but I add a secret ingredient for a deeper savory touch. 😉 And the last key ingredient? A large dose of LOVE!

See the Printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities

ingredients-for-Ensalada-de-Gallina-Venezuelan-Chicken-Potato-Salad

Mayonnaise: Real mayonnaise is critical for the best flavor in this authentic Venezuelan recipe. For a lighter dressing, try Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a combination with Mayo. You may need to add a little bit of salt. Since yogurt is more acidic, you may start low on the white vinegar and increase the quantity based on your preference.
Dijon Mustard: Yellow Mustard works as a suitable substitute.
White Vinegar: Traditional in this salad, but lemon or lime juice can be used in a pinch.
Worcestershire Sauce: My SECRET ingredient for deeper flavor!
Olive Oil: For additional flavor
White Sugar: Optional but highly recommended for a light touch of sweetness.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper to taste (optional).

Salad Ingredients

Chicken Breasts (boneless and skinless): Leftover shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken are suitable substitutes.
Red Onion cut up in quarters
Garlic Cloves
Bay Leaves
Chicken Bouillon cube
Salt and Ground Black Pepper
Potatoes peeled and diced: Yellow, Yukon Gold, or russet potatoes work well.
Fresh Carrots peeled and diced
Green Peas: Frozen peas are preferred for their dark green color and texture. The traditional Venezuelan recipe uses canned Peas (Guisantes Verdes enlatados), but frozen peas are highly recommended.
Green Apple: Green apples are common in this salad for their firm texture and sweet-tart flavor but any tart and sweet apples is the way to go!

A Taste of Venezuela: How to Make Ensalada de Gallina, a Star of the Holiday Table

Detailed Instructions That Will Help You Achieve the Best Flavor

ingredients-Ensalada-de-Gallina-Venezuelan-Chicken-Potato-Salad

Step 1: Prep the chicken: Slice each chicken breast lengthwise (as in butterfly) to reduce the cooking time and add more flavor.

Step 2: Cook and shred the chicken.
In a saucepan, combine the chicken, garlic, onion, bayleaves, bouillon cube, salt, pepper, and water to cover (about 1 inch above the ingredients).
Bring to a boil, reduce to medium heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove the chicken and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes, then shred it with a fork.
Reserve the chicken broth to cook the vegetables for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Perfectly Cooked Vegetables: Add the potatoes and carrots to the reserved chicken broth and boil. When it starts to boil, cook for about 6 minutes, then add the frozen peas. Wait 2 more minutes, then check if potatoes and carrots are tender.
Avoid overcooking, as the veggies should remain slightly firm. Drain and set aside to cool completely. Save the chicken broth for other recipes.
Step 4: Make the dressing. While the veggies cool down. In a separate small bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, white vinegar, Worcestershire Sauce, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper (if using). Mix well.
Step 5: Combine and chill: Dice the apple into small cubes (about 1/2 inch / 1 cm). Combine shredded chicken, potatoes, carrots, peas, and apples in a large bowl or pan.
- Pour in the Mayonnaise mixture and mix gently with a rubber spatula until everything is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for an even richer flavor.

Can You Resist This Creamy Venezuelan Chicken Salad?

This Venezuelan Chicken Potato Salad is more than just a salad; it's a taste of tradition and a celebration of easy cooking during the holidays using simple ingredients. This simple dish is a favorite during Fiestas Decembrinas (December festivities) and a fantastic addition to any celebration. Explore the world of traditional Spanish salad recipes with this delicious and easy recipe!

Recipe Variations

Herbs: As with any traditional recipe like this, families experiment with different flavors and add their own touch. Some top with fresh herbs such as fresh cilantro or even diced green onions.
Don’t enjoy Mayo? I don’t typically use Mayo, but when it comes to this salad, I make an exception since Mayonnaise is the traditional ingredient and adds a unique flavor and creaminess without overpowering it.
However, you could swap the Mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt or a combination of yogurt and Mayo for a lighter version. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
Grocery Store Shortcut: While fresh vegetables are typical in this recipe, pre-chopped frozen vegetables from the grocery store can save you precious prep time. For a traditional salad version, choose mixed vegetables without corn or green beans, since traditional Ensalada de Gallina Venezolana does not have either.

Beyond the Holidays: Perfect for Any Occasion

While Ensalada de Gallina reigns supreme during Christmas and New Year's Eve feasts, its versatility shines beyond the holidays. It's a perfect dish for a birthday party, a special occasion (potluck anyone?), or even a quick meal on a hot day. Consider serving it in lettuce wraps, alongside saltine crackers, or as a main dish. It's a versatile and easy-to-make recipe, making it the perfect dish for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. The flavors will continue to meld and develop, making it even more delicious!

Tip: If serving the dish at room temperature, keep it chilled until the last minute and avoid leaving it out for more than two hours.

Top tip

For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving or even overnight. This allows the ingredients to meld and enhances the overall taste.

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Happy cooking! And Buen Provecho!

Ensalada de Gallina (Venezuelan Chicken Potato Salad)