Allyson Cook'S Party Chicken Salad
A vibrant chicken salad featuring tender diced chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and toasted almonds, all coated in a creamy mayonnaise dressing—perfect for light gatherings or picnics.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken with lemon juice, lemon-pepper seasoning, and salt.
- Chill the chicken several hours.
- Add celery, grapes or cherries, chopped eggs, mayonnaise, and almonds; toss lightly.
- Season the salad with salt to taste.
- Serve in a lettuce-lined bowl.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise. If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for half of the mayonnaise. To enhance flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of apple cider vinegar. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also elevate this salad. Make sure to chill the chicken thoroughly for best results.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken salad is best served chilled and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it on a bed of lettuce for a refreshing lunch, or use it as a filling for sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with Mother'S Broccoli And Rice or a simple fruit salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside warm rolls or crackers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you find the salad has thickened after chilling, you can add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice to loosen it up before serving. It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the ingredients may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Allyson Cook'S Party Chicken Salad contains roughly 835 calories, with 16g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2249mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just ensure that the chicken is coarsely diced and that you adjust the seasoning accordingly, as rotisserie chicken can be salty.
What can I substitute for the grapes or cherries?
If you don't have grapes or cherries on hand, diced apples or dried cranberries make excellent substitutes. They add a nice sweetness and crunch that complements the chicken. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to balance the flavors.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the chicken salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or brown rice to the mix. These grains will add texture and bulk, making it a heartier meal. Alternatively, serving it in a pita pocket can also enhance its substance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).