Chicken Spätzle Salad

This Chicken Spätzle Salad with Radish Vinaigrette is a German twist on summer vibes. However, first, let’s talk Spätzle. No, it’s not a sneeze. It’s a pillowy, eggy noodle from the Swabian region of Germany that makes regular pasta look like it’s not even trying. Traditionally, you scrape the dough by hand into boiling water while singing polka tunes. Luckily, pre-packaged Spätzle exists, because time is a thing. And let’s be honest—your scraping game is probably rusty.

Now, grab that chicken breast and season it like you mean it. Kosher salt. Freshly ground pepper. Show no mercy. Sear those seasoned strips in olive oil until they look golden and smug. Perfect for this Chicken Spätzle Salad. Then—plot twist—chop them up and remove them. In the same skillet, toss in red onion rings. Let them bathe in the glorious chickeny oil bath until they turn soft and transparent. Like your excuses for not cooking more often.

Meanwhile, mini tomatoes are begging to be halved. Do it. It’s therapy. Chop chives like a boss. Then, toss your Spätzle, chicken, onions, tomatoes, and freshly chopped chives into a bowl that’s probably way too small. Get a bigger bowl. Trust me.

So, Radish Vinaigrette?

Now for the secret sauce for this Chicken Spätzle Salad. Blend six radishes and a garlic clove with olive oil and white wine vinegar. Add salt, pepper, and a whisper of sugar. Boom—pink magic. It looks creamy, but surprise—it’s a clear vinaigrette in disguise. Toss it with your gorgeous Spätzle Chicken Salad.

Want to make it extra? Of course you do. Crumble in some tangy Feta. Or go rogue with Parmesan Reggiano chunks. Cheese never asks questions. Cheese understands.

So next time someone says “salad,” don’t just think lettuce. Think German noodles, sassy radish dressing, and a whole lot of flavor drama. You’re welcome.

This Chicken Spätzle Salad is basically summer in a bowl. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, yet chill enough to roll up to your BBQ as the best-dressed side dish.

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Chicken Spätzle Salad with Radish Vinaigrette

Course Main Dish, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine German

Keyword Chicken Salad, homemade Spätzle, Radish Dresssing, Radish Vinaigrette, Spätzle Chicken Salad, Spätzle Salad

Prep Time 35 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Rest Time: 1 hour

Servings 6

Author Lora Wiley-Lennartz

Ingredients

Spätzle:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup seltzer

Chicken Salad:

• 1 lb. chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 large red onion
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cups mini tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives

Radish Vinaigrette:

• 6 radishes
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• Pinches of sugar

Instructions

Make the Spätzle:

1. Whisk together the flour and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add the eggs and seltzer and knead into a dough.
3. Cover the bowl with a dish towel and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
5. Use a spätzle press or colander with large holes to push the dough through into the water.
6. When the spätzle pop up to the top, they are done.
7. Transfer to a colander with a slotted spoon to drain.
8. Let cool completely.

Prepare the Chicken and Onion:

1. Cut the chicken breast into strips
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the oil in a skillet.
4. Cook the chicken breast. Remove from the pan and set aside.
5. Peel and slice the onion into thin rings.
6. Add to the pan and sauté until transparent and soft.
7. Season with salt. Sprinkle with sugar and toss to coat, cooking for 1 minute more.
8. Remove from heat.

Make the Radish Vinaigrette:

1. Roughly chop the radishes.
2. Peel the garlic clove.
3. Puree the radishes and garlic in a blender or food processor with the olive oil.
4. Transfer to a bowl and whisk in the vinegar
5. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Salad:

1. Chop the chicken into pieces and place it in a large bowl.
2. Slice the tomatoes in half.
3. Add the onions, spätzle, tomatoes, and chives to the bowl and toss to combine.
4. Pour the dressing over the top.
5. Toss, garnish with radish slices and chives, and serve.

So, do you like this Chicken Spätzle Salad with Radish Vinaigrette? Then also check out some of these other delicious recipes:

WARM FENNEL BRATWURST POTATO SALAD

PARMESAN CRUSTED PEAR SALAD

SPÄTZLE SAUERKRAUT RAMP CASSEROLE