When I think of chicken salad, I imagine summer picnics with laughter echoing through the park, but this isn’t just any chicken salad—it’s a burst of flavors you didn’t know you were missing. Juicy grapes, tender chicken, and a hint of crunch come together in a way that’s both unexpected and utterly comforting. Whether you’re savoring it on a crisp fall afternoon or reminiscing about warmer days, this salad is like hugging a memory.
Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2/3 cup of mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Stir these ingredients together until well blended.
- Add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken to the bowl. Mix in 1/2 cup of halved or quartered red grapes, 1/2 cup of diced celery, 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, and 1/4 cup of finely diced red onion. Stir everything until evenly combined.
- Serve the chicken salad in various ways, such as on toasted bread for sandwiches, in lettuce wraps, or atop a bed of greens for a salad. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste if necessary.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (such as rotisserie)
- 2/3 cup of mayonnaise or sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup of red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup of red grapes, quartered or halved
- 1/2 cup of celery, diced
- 1/4 cup of walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt (adjust based on chicken’s saltiness)
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper (add more if desired)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1752kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 78g | Fat: 150g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 84g | Monounsaturated Fat: 36g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 270mg | Sodium: 2370mg | Potassium: 1188mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 1170IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 126mg | Iron: 6mg
FAQ
- Can I make chicken salad without mayonnaise?
- Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a mayo-free version. This alternative still provides a creamy texture and complements the flavors well.
- What type of chicken should I use for chicken salad?
- You can use any cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even canned chicken. The key is to shred the chicken instead of chopping it to allow the dressing to adhere better.
- How should I shred the chicken for the salad?
- It’s recommended to shred the chicken using two forks. Shredding creates more surface area and nooks for the dressing to cling to, enhancing the texture and preventing it from falling out of sandwiches easily.
- What are some variations I can try with this chicken salad recipe?
- You can add other fruits like apples or dried apricots and substitute walnuts with almonds or pecans. Fresh herbs like mint or dill can replace or complement parsley. Additionally, serving it on lettuce wraps or a bed of greens offers a low-carb option.
- How long can I store the chicken salad in the fridge?
- The chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about three days. Always check for freshness before consuming leftovers.
Tips
- Shred the chicken instead of chopping it. This technique provides more surface area for the dressing to adhere to, helping the salad stay together better, especially when served in a sandwich.
- Consider using sour cream or Greek yogurt as a substitute for mayonnaise if you prefer a lighter, mayo-free version of this chicken salad.
- Mix up the flavor by experimenting with different fruits and nuts. Try adding chopped apples, dried apricots, or strawberries, and substitute walnuts with almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds for varied texture and taste.
- Adjust the salt based on the type of chicken you use. If using a heavily seasoned or store-bought rotisserie chicken, you may need less additional salt. Taste as you go to ensure the right seasoning balance.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker – If you plan to cook your chicken using this method.
- Cast Iron Grill Pan – For grilling chicken if you choose to prepare it this way.
- Large Mixing Bowl – Essential for mixing all the ingredients together.
- Shredding Forks – If you don’t have suitable forks for shredding chicken.
- Chef’s Knife – For chopping ingredients like onions, celery, and walnuts if you don’t have a quality knife.
- equipped kitchen.
