Celestial Chicken Salad - Mom'S
A creamy, flavorful chicken salad with crunchy pecans, crisp celery, and smoky bacon, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a satisfying light lunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cooked chicken, chopped celery, chopped mushrooms (if using), roasted pecans, and crumbled bacon together and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine salad dressing, sour cream, salt, and lemon juice and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the chicken and vegetable mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill well before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the dressing mixture. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great substitute for cooked chicken. Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added color and crunch. Adjust the salt to taste, especially if using salted pecans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Celestial Chicken Salad on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing meal. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or crackers as a side. For a more substantial dish, consider serving it with Potato Salad or Corn on the Cob. This salad is also great for picnics or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the texture of the salad, it's best not to freeze this dish. If reheating, do so gently in the microwave or let it sit at room temperature for a short time before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Celestial Chicken Salad - Mom'S contains roughly 644 calories, with 15g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (33% of the Daily Value), protein (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2076mg per serving (90% 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 different nuts in this chicken salad?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor. Just make sure to roast them for added crunch and depth. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the nuts altogether and still enjoy a delicious salad.
How can I make this salad more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding herbs like dill or parsley to the dressing. A dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of paprika can also add a nice kick. Incorporating a bit of garlic powder could elevate the overall taste without overpowering the dish.
Is it okay to make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's recommended to make this salad a few hours in advance, or even the day before, as it allows the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
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).