Aunt Yvonne'S Chicken Crabmeat Salad
A flavorful and elegant chicken and crabmeat salad combining tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy walnuts, and fresh celery, all coated in a curry-spiced mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, brunch, or appetizer, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and bold flavors that impress guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toss chicken pieces, crabmeat, grapes, walnuts, and celery together in a large bowl.
- Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder in a small bowl.
- Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken mixture.
- Toss again to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you prefer a different nut, try pecans as a substitute for walnuts. You can also add diced apples for a sweet crunch or swap out the grapes for dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. Adjust the curry powder to taste if you're unsure about the spice level.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Yvonne's Chicken Crabmeat Salad on a bed of lettuce for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with Oven White Rice for a complete dinner. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or in a sandwich for a casual lunch option. You can also garnish with additional walnuts or a sprinkle of curry powder for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain freshness, avoid mixing the salad with all the dressing at once; instead, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Yvonne'S Chicken Crabmeat Salad contains roughly 611 calories, with 24g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 20g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe. Just make sure it's cooked, deboned, and chopped coarsely before adding it to the salad. This is a fantastic way to use up extra chicken from other meals, like Lemon Asparagus Chicken.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken crabmeat salad a day in advance. Just keep it stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it taste even better when served the next day.
What can I substitute for crabmeat if I have allergies?
If you have a shellfish allergy or prefer not to use crabmeat, you can substitute it with additional cooked chicken or even shredded tofu for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that the texture and flavors balance well with the other ingredients in 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).