Chicken salad is a versatile and delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for lunch, picnics, or just a light dinner. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something to impress your guests, chicken salad is a fantastic choice.
Why Make This Recipe
This chicken salad recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it’s also packed with flavor and texture. Using rotisserie chicken makes it easy and saves time, while ingredients like pecans and cranberries add a unique twist. Plus, you can serve it in various ways—on a croissant, with crackers, or alongside fresh veggies. It’s a great way to use leftover chicken and create a tasty meal.
How to Make Chicken Salad
Making chicken salad is easy and enjoyable. Just follow these simple steps to create a delicious dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken (diced)
- 1/2 cup pecans (coarsely chopped, see note 1)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2 stalks celery (thinly sliced, 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (light works!)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
- 1-1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Croissants (or other sandwich rolls; add some lettuce for a sandwich)
- Thinly sliced apples
- Celery
- Crackers (like Wheat Thins!)
Directions:
- Optional: Place pecans in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast until fragrant, stirring occasionally (keep an eye on them—they can burn fast). Set aside to cool and then finely chop.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients listed under “Salad.” Season to taste. Start with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Stir gently until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Dish it up with your choice of sides. This salad is great on a croissant with lettuce or served with apples, celery sticks, and crackers. Enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Salad
You can serve chicken salad in many ways. The classic option is to scoop it onto a croissant, adding some fresh lettuce for crunch. You can also enjoy it with sliced apples, celery sticks, and crackers like Wheat Thins. It’s a great dish for gatherings, parties, or a simple family meal.
How to Store Chicken Salad
To store chicken salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. If you plan to serve it later, it’s best to wait to add any crunchy ingredients like crackers until serving time to keep them fresh.
Tips to Make Chicken Salad
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy meal.
- Toast the pecans for extra flavor and crunch.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; add more honey for sweetness or more mustard for a tangy kick.
- Experiment with different nuts or fruits based on your preferences.
Variation
You can easily modify this chicken salad recipe by adding ingredients like grapes, apples, or different nuts. If you want a healthier version, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayo. You can also swap out the Dijon mustard for a different kind, depending on your taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can cook fresh chicken and then dice it to use in the salad. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients.
2. How long can I keep chicken salad in the fridge?
Chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Always check for freshness before consuming.
3. Can I freeze chicken salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze chicken salad, as the mayo and sour cream can change texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Chicken Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken (diced) Use leftover chicken for convenience.
- ½ cup pecans (coarsely chopped) Can be toasted for extra flavor.
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- 2 stalks celery (thinly sliced) About 1/2 cup.
- ¼ cup mayo Use light mayo for a healthier option.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream Light works well.
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1.5 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
- 1.5 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- to taste Salt and pepper Start with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
For Serving
- Croissants (or other sandwich rolls) Add some lettuce for crunch.
- Thinly sliced apples
- Celery sticks
- Crackers (like Wheat Thins!)
Instructions
Preparation
- Optional: Toast pecans in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool and then finely chop.
- In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir gently until well coated.
- Dish up the salad and serve with your choice of sides.
