Chicken Salad Veronique
A delightful chicken salad with fresh grapes, crunchy almonds, and a creamy dressing, perfect for light lunches or elegant gatherings with a touch of sophistication.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cubed ⓘ
- 1 cup seedless green grapes, halved ⓘ
- 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt ⓘ
- 1/3 cup cholesterol-free mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/3 cup lemon yogurt ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon prepared mustard ⓘ
- 7 eggs, separated ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fine bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, seedless green grapes, toasted slivered almonds, chopped celery, chopped onion, and coarsely chopped walnuts.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cholesterol-free mayonnaise, lemon yogurt, dry white wine, prepared mustard, and salt to taste.
- Gently fold the dressing into the chicken mixture until well coated.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold into the salad for added lightness.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the green grapes with dried cranberries or mixed berries. To lighten the salad further, you could replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor, so don't skip this step. If you're short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! This Chicken Salad Veronique pairs beautifully with a side of fresh greens.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Salad Veronique chilled on a bed of crisp lettuce or in a sandwich for a delightful lunch. It makes a fantastic filling for pita bread or croissants. Pair it with a light soup like Cauliflower Au Gratin Soup for a well-rounded meal. For a more substantial dinner, consider serving it alongside Easy Bake Chicken Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Chicken Salad Veronique in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain its texture, avoid freezing the salad as the mayonnaise and yogurt may separate upon thawing. When ready to eat, give it a gentle stir; you may want to add a little extra yogurt or mayonnaise if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad Veronique contains roughly 538 calories, with 15g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1596mg per serving (69% 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 other nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! You can substitute the toasted slivered almonds with pecans or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they are toasted to enhance their taste and crunchiness. This flexibility allows you to customize the recipe to your preference while still keeping it delicious.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Chicken Salad Veronique, simply omit the chicken and replace it with chickpeas or diced tofu for protein. You can also add diced bell peppers or additional vegetables for more texture and flavor. The dressing will still work beautifully with these substitutions.
What can I serve with this salad for a complete meal?
This salad pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light pasta dish. For a heartier option, try it with a side of roasted vegetables or a quinoa salad. These options will complement the flavors and make for a satisfying meal.
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).