Arlene'S Chicken Salad
A creamy, flavorful chicken salad loaded with crunchy celery, sweet relish, grapes, pineapple, and pecans, perfect for a light lunch or picnic with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the chicken until cooked through.
- Allow the chicken to cool and then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken with celery, sweet relish, crushed pineapple, grapes, and pecans.
- Add ranch dressing or Miracle Whip and mix well until evenly combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the chicken while boiling with herbs like thyme or bay leaves. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute the ranch dressing with Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. For crunch, try adding diced apples or shredded carrots.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Arlene's Chicken Salad on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread or crackers for added texture. This salad is also excellent in a sandwich or wrap. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a bowl of Clam And Corn Chowder.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave, but be cautious not to overheat as it can dry out the chicken. This salad can also be enjoyed cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arlene'S Chicken Salad contains roughly 572 calories, with 5g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2540mg per serving (110% 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 make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Arlene's Chicken Salad can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This makes it a great option for gatherings or meal prep.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you're not a fan of pecans or have allergies, you can easily substitute them with walnuts or sliced almonds. These alternatives will still provide a nice crunch and complement the salad well. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size for even distribution.
Is it possible to make this salad without grapes?
Yes, you can omit the grapes if you prefer or substitute them with diced apples or dried cranberries for a different sweetness. Adjusting the fruit in the recipe allows for personal taste preferences while maintaining the overall texture of the salad.
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).