Cardinal Chicken Salad
A refreshing chicken salad with crisp apples, sweet grapes, and creamy dressing, perfect for picnics, parties, or light lunches, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle lemon juice over sliced apples.
- Add chopped chicken, celery, grapes, and 3/4 cup mayonnaise.
- Mix lightly to combine.
- Press the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart bowl.
- Chill for several hours.
- Unmold onto a serving platter before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending the cream cheese with the mayonnaise before adding it to the salad mixture. You can substitute the green seedless grapes with halved red grapes or diced pears for a different flavor. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. If you're looking for a crunchier texture, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, similar to those found in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cardinal Chicken Salad as a refreshing lunch or a light dinner option. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad, like Pear And Celery Salad, for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it in lettuce cups for a unique presentation at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow to come to room temperature, as this dish is best served chilled. If the salad appears too dry after chilling, mix in a little extra mayonnaise before serving to restore moisture and creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cardinal Chicken Salad contains roughly 15 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 501mg 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 use leftover rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds wonderful flavor to the salad. Just make sure to shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise if I want a healthier option?
You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to make the salad lighter and add a creamy texture. Alternatively, a mix of plain yogurt and a bit of mustard can also work well, giving a tangy flavor without the extra calories.
How long does the salad need to chill before serving?
It’s best to chill the Cardinal Chicken Salad for at least 2-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. For optimal taste, preparing it the night before serving is ideal, as this gives the salad enough time to develop a deeper 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).