Savory Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is a classic, but the right recipe can take it to new heights. Packed with flavor and a satisfying crunch, this Savory Chicken Salad is sure to become your new go-to for lunches or get-togethers.
Servings: 8 Cups
Calories: 275kcal
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds plain or pre-seasoned cooked chicken
- ½ cup finely diced celery
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
- 1 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons dill or sweet relish
- 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise
- salt and black pepper amount as desired
- Optional: sugar or sugar substitute
Instructions
- To a large bowl, combine chicken, celery, pecans, red onion, dijon mustard, relish, and mayonnaise. Mix with a hand mixer until well combined.
- If the chicken you used isn’t pre-seasoned, add salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Add additional seasonings as desired.
- Store in the refrigerator in an air tight container until ready to serve.
- Serve with crackers, on croissants or light bread, with raw vegetables, or on a bed of lettuce.
Video
Notes
Tips and Substitutions
- Chicken. Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken or your own chicken leftover from the grill, boiled, or baked is great. Make sure fresh cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts, thighs or a whole chicken is cool before mixing together.
- Preparation Technique. Shredded chicken yields a great texture. You can also chop the chicken in small cubes or pull it apart.
- Nuts. Substitute pecans with walnuts or sliced almonds. You can omit nuts if necessary.
- Herbs. Fresh dill or fresh parsley can be used for a fresh herb flavor. You can get creative and make it with fresh basil, dried curry, cinnamon, or garlic powder.
- Mayonnaise. For a lighter version, consider using light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, a dollop of sour cream, or a mayo alternative.
- Veggies. Add diced bell peppers, cucumbers or apples for an extra crunch! Green onion can be used in place of red onion.
- Sweetness. Adding a touch of sweetness is optional. Sugar or sugar substitute can be used.
- Other Additions. This is a basic recipe that you can jazz up. Some popular mix-ins you can add are hard-boiled eggs, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, jalapeños, juicy grapes, white onion, a blend of fresh herbs, and a pop of poppy seed.
Storage
Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Avoid freezing as the texture of mayonnaise can change once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh. The level of moisture the chicken absorbs in the fridge will vary depending on the type of chicken used. Add a little more mayonnaise and stir if you feel it's dry. Discard the chicken salad if left out at room temperature for more than two hours.Nutrition
Serving: 1Cup | Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 379mg | Potassium: 256mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 93IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
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