Aunt Pauline'S Chicken Salad
A hearty chicken salad featuring crisp bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner that can be prepared ahead.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix mayonnaise and sugar together in a bowl.
- Layer the head lettuce, chicken breasts, parmesan cheese, crisp bacon, cauliflower, and red onion in a bowl.
- Spread the mayonnaise and sugar mixture over to the sides of the bowl to seal well.
- Cover and chill the salad.
- It is better if made the night before to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the mayonnaise and sugar mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of freshly cooked chicken breasts for convenience. Adding chopped celery or grapes can provide extra crunch and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Pauline's Chicken Salad on a bed of fresh greens or in a sandwich for a delightful lunch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of fruit, making it a versatile dish for picnics or potlucks. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside recipes like Chicken Casserole or Velveeta Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the freshness of the lettuce, consider keeping the dressing separate until ready to serve. If you need to reheat the chicken, do so in a microwave, but avoid heating the entire salad; enjoy it chilled for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Pauline'S Chicken Salad contains roughly 375 calories, with 18g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 496mg per serving (22% 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?
Yes, it's actually recommended to make this chicken salad the night before to allow the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator, and consider keeping the lettuce separate until serving for optimal freshness.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you're looking for a substitute for bacon, try using crispy chickpeas or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. For a vegetarian option, you can add smoked paprika to give a hint of smokiness without the meat.
Is there a way to make this salad healthier?
To make Aunt Pauline's Chicken Salad healthier, you can reduce the amount of mayonnaise by substituting half with Greek yogurt. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers will increase the nutritional value while maintaining great flavor.
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).