Chicken Salad Deluxe
A creamy, flavorful chicken salad featuring grapes, almonds, celery, and water chestnuts, perfect for light lunches or picnics, appealing to those who enjoy savory-sweet combinations.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups prepared buttermilk salad dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons half and half ⓘ
- 1 3/4 teaspoons Beau Monde seasoning ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 5 whole chicken breasts (about 2 lb.), boneless and skinless, cubed after cooking
- 10 ounces uncooked 100% semolina medium shell macaroni ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon curry powder (optional) ⓘ
- 3 cups diced celery
- 2 1/2 cups seedless green or red flame grapes, halved lengthwise ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) package slivered almonds ⓘ
- 2 (2.25 oz. each) cans sliced water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- Lettuce leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine salad dressing, mayonnaise, half and half, Beau Monde seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Blend well until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking. To make the dish lighter, replace half of the buttermilk dressing with plain yogurt. Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially if using a different brand of Beau Monde seasoning, as flavor profiles can vary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Salad Deluxe on a bed of lettuce leaves for a refreshing presentation. It pairs beautifully with a side of Cauliflower Or Broccoli Casserole for a hearty meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread or in a sandwich for a delicious lunch option, making it perfect for picnics or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Salad Deluxe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, consume it within 24 hours. If the salad becomes too thick, stir in a little more buttermilk dressing or half and half before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture will change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad Deluxe contains roughly 296 calories, with 9g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (51% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 764mg per serving (33% 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 prepare this chicken salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Salad Deluxe a day ahead. Just make sure to refrigerate it overnight to let the flavors meld together. For the best taste, add the grapes and almonds just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness.
What can I substitute for the slivered almonds?
If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make great substitutes. For a different flavor and crunch, consider using crispy chickpeas or even crushed tortilla chips to add a unique twist to the salad.
Is the curry powder necessary?
The curry powder is optional and adds a mild spice to the salad. If you prefer a more traditional flavor, feel free to omit it. Alternatively, you can experiment with other spices like paprika or cumin for a different taste profile.
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).