Chicken Salad Tarts
Creamy chicken salad nestled in flaky tart shells, featuring toasted almonds and a hint of curry, perfect for brunch, lunch, or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1/4 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 to 2/3 cup milk
- 4 cups finely chopped cooked chicken
- 2 stalks celery finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds toasted ⓘ
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons steak sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Cut in shortening and margarine with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle milk, one tablespoon at a time, evenly over the mixture.
- Stir with a fork just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flaky crust, ensure your shortening and margarine are cold before cutting them into the flour. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. For added flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the chicken mixture. If you're short on time, pre-made tart shells can be used instead of making your own.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken salad tarts warm or at room temperature for a delightful appetizer or light lunch. They pair beautifully with a fresh side salad or a bowl of Spring Garden Soup for a complete meal. For added crunch, consider serving with raw veggies or toasted bread on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken salad tarts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad Tarts contains roughly 909 calories, with 5g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value) and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 561mg per serving (24% 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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tart dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for easier handling when you're ready to assemble the tarts.
What other ingredients can I add to the chicken salad?
Feel free to customize your chicken salad by adding ingredients like diced apples for sweetness, grapes for a pop of flavor, or even chopped herbs like parsley or dill for freshness. These additions can enhance the overall taste and texture of the dish.
Can I freeze the chicken salad tarts?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled tarts before baking. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This is a great way to have a quick meal ready for busy days.
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).