Chicken Almond Salad
A creamy chicken salad combined with almonds and grapes, molded into individual servings for an elegant, flavorful dish perfect for light lunches or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soften gelatin in cold water; then dissolve it over hot water.
- Cool slightly and combine the dissolved gelatin with mayonnaise, whipped cream, and salt.
- Fold in the diced cooked chicken, chopped toasted almonds, and grape halves.
- Pour the mixture into individual molds and chill until firm.
- Unmold the salads onto crisp lettuce leaves before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Chicken Almond Salad, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley. If you're short on time, you can substitute the heavy cream with a store-bought whipped topping. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. If you're not a fan of almonds, walnuts or pecans can work as a great alternative, maintaining the crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Almond Salad on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing presentation. It pairs well with a light vinaigrette or a side of fresh fruit. This dish is perfect for picnics or potlucks, and it complements other American recipes like a hearty potato salad or macaroni chicken salad beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It's best served chilled, so there's no need to reheat. If the salad becomes too firm after chilling, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Almond Salad contains roughly 333 calories, with 13g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 955mg per serving (42% 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 chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it's diced into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the salad. This can save time and add extra flavor, especially if your chicken is seasoned well.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of the Chicken Almond Salad, simply replace the chicken with diced tofu or chickpeas for a protein boost. You can also add additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or cucumbers to enhance the texture and flavor.
Is it possible to prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Almond Salad a day ahead of time. Just follow the instructions, pour it into molds, and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or meal prep.
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).