Traditional Chicken Salad

I have a passion for preparing delectable chicken salads that impress my friends and family at social gatherings. It’s sweet, savory, and satisfying. A perfect blend of sweet and crunchy, red grapes paired with almonds creates a delightful combination. And the best part? This project requires minimal effort to assemble. Combine the following essential components:

Contents

Ingredient Notes Chicken Options Make-Ahead Instructions Variations Serving Suggestions Storage Instructions

Why Our Recipe

Prepare a quick and delicious chicken salad in just 10 minutes.
A medley of sweet and crunchy textures, boasting an intriguing combination of juicy grapes, pungent onions, and nutty almonds.
A versatile condiment perfect for a wide range of uses, including but not limited to sandwiches, wraps, and even stuffed avocados.

The versatility of chicken salad lies in its ability to be tailored to individual tastes. Choose from a variety of mix-ins to suit your taste buds’ desires and select the perfect flavor profile for a truly personalized treat. Whether you prefer a pungent, tangy flavor profile infused with the zest of dill and the crunch of pickles, or instead opt for the understated elegance of fresh celery paired with sweet, juicy grapes. This dish can be adapted to suit various occasions, such as a luncheon, a baby shower, an outdoor barbecue, or even a casual evening meal.

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients for Traditional Chicken Salad.

: Cooked and chopped. For a quick meal solution, consider using rotisserie chicken or canned chicken for their convenience.
: Adds a nice crunch. When fresh vegetables are scarce, consider alternative crunchy options like thinly sliced cucumber or crisp apple to add variety to your meal.
For a subtly distinct flavour, consider substituting shallots or green onions to add depth without overpowering the dish.
: Add a sweet touch. Consider adding some natural sweetness: dried cranberries, dried figs, mandarin oranges, pineapple chunks, or chopped apples offer a delicious and nutritious twist.
Pecans or walnuts make suitable alternatives, offering a subtle yet distinct flavor profile in their place.
Substitute with Greek yogurt, a dollop of low-fat mayonnaise, or a drizzle of Miracle Whip for added creaminess and tanginess.
Freshness is paramount, yet bottled options can suffice when circumstances dictate.
Regardless of personal taste, any type of mustard can be used.

Chicken Options

Here are a few ways you can use up leftover cooked chicken to make this dish:

Many American grocery stores offer pre-cooked rotisserie chickens for purchase, which can be easily shredded for use in a variety of recipes. Often, products are marketed as “loss leaders,” meaning the company sells them at a price lower than their production cost, making it an attractive bargain for consumers. Now many stores offer the convenience of pre-shredded and packaged rotisserie chickens, in addition to their traditional whole-bird offerings.

Check out the freezer section at your local grocery store for convenient pre-cooked chicken strips and chunks.

Boil two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, approximately one pound, in either water or rich chicken broth for about 15 minutes, or until they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring tender and juicy results. Shred cooked chicken into fine strips using a fork for efficient preparation.

Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer within a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Season sparingly with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the dish is thoroughly cooked. Then shred or roughly chop.

Hand holding a Traditional Chicken Salad in a croissant.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This dish is an ideal candidate for a stress-free, prep-in-advance culinary experience. In reality, this refreshing cold salad actually becomes even more flavorful when allowed to chill in the refrigerator for two hours or, indeed, an entire day prior to consumption. With this innovative solution, you’re perfectly poised to plan a stress-free picnic or whip up a refreshing meal in advance. To maintain freshness, securely enclose your salad with plastic wrap prior to refrigeration.

Variations

I’d be happy to help with that! Here’s an improved version:

While I’m personally fond of grapes, feel free to choose the ingredients in this salad that resonate with you the most. I suggest a delightful mix of fresh and dried fruits: crisp apples, juicy mandarin oranges, tangy pineapple, chewy dried cranberries, and sweet dried figs.

If you prefer a savory flavor profile, consider substituting the grapes with your favorite vegetables. The versatility of vegetables! Whether you’re craving a refreshing snack or adding crunch to your salad, cucumbers, pickles, and peppers offer a world of flavor and texture possibilities.

A delightful twist on classic chicken salad: add some crunchy texture with chopped walnuts and pecans!

Serving Suggestions

Curry chicken salad has no fixed rules, offering a plethora of creative possibilities. This versatile item is ideal for a wide range of events and situations, offering the perfect blend of practicality and style.

What’s the perfect indulgence? Flaky croissants bursting with the aromatic flavors of curry chicken salad – a match made in culinary heaven! It feels a little fancy. While croissants are iconic, you can experiment with other flaky pastry options as well.

Why not try wrapping your desired filling in large, crisp leaves of butter lettuce or romaine for a refreshing twist?

Wrap fillings rolled up with fresh spinach or greens inside a tortilla make for a convenient and portable meal.

Carefully slice a ripe avocado in half, then carefully scoop out the creamy flesh to fill your toast, wrap, or snack plate with nutritious goodness. This refreshing, satisfying experience leaves you feeling truly invigorated.

Scoop those leftovers on top of your favourite greens for a super-quick salad that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!

Enjoy these creamy delights scooped up with your preferred crackers or pita chips for a effortless snack platter or appetizer occasion.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be safely stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. To truly appreciate this dish again, consider serving it chilled, either directly from the refrigerator or allowing it to reach room temperature.

*Freezing is not recommended.