Chicken Salad Log
A creamy chicken salad log with colorful bell pepper strips, green onions, olives, and pimento, perfect for parties or light lunches, offering savory, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cream cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 4 drops red pepper sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions ⓘ
- 3 green bell pepper rings ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sesame seed ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chopped green onion or bell pepper ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. ripe olives ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. pimento, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, ginger, pepper, and red pepper sauce until smooth.
- Stir in cooked, chopped chicken, chopped eggs, and 1/4 cup sliced green onions.
- Shape the mixture into an 8x2-inch log.
- Wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours.
- Cut green bell peppers into strips to make rings.
- Place the strips diagonally across the log, dividing it into 4 sections.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds on one section.
- Divide remaining sections by placing green onions, olives, and pimento on each, sprinkling on top.
- Serve with assorted crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. If you want to reduce calories, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also substitute cooked turkey for the chicken for a variation. Adding herbs like dill or parsley could enhance the flavor profile. For added crunch, mix in some chopped celery.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Salad Log makes a delightful appetizer and pairs beautifully with assorted crackers or fresh vegetable sticks. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a light salad or some fresh fruit. You can also enjoy it in sandwiches or wraps for a quick lunch option. Explore more American recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve again, you can enjoy it cold or let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid reheating as it is typically served chilled, maintaining its fresh flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad Log contains roughly 1095 calories, with 19g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 107g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and protein (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2643mg per serving (115% 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 Log in advance?
Yes, this dish can be made a day ahead. Just ensure it is wrapped tightly and stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier when served.
What can I substitute for the green bell pepper?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, which are sweeter. Alternatively, diced cucumbers or shredded carrots can provide a nice crunch without the pepper taste.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and substitute it with additional vegetables like diced cucumbers, celery, or chickpeas for protein. You can also add nuts or seeds for extra texture.
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).