Chicken Salad With Vegetables
A flavorful chicken salad packed with vegetables, cheese, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or picnic, this dish combines tender chicken, crunchy celery, sweet peas, and tangy pimento, all folded into a luscious dressing. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing option for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except eggs and peas in a large bowl.
- Carefully fold in chopped eggs and well-drained peas.
- Serve on crisp lettuce leaves with quartered tomatoes arranged around.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of salad dressing. You can also substitute the American cheese with sharp cheddar or a dairy-free option if desired. To add some crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds. Make sure to chop the vegetables finely for an even texture throughout the salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken salad on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing meal, and garnish with quartered tomatoes for extra color and flavor. It pairs well with crusty bread or crackers on the side. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a bowl of Broccoli Or Cauliflower Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken salad in a pan over low heat, but avoid overheating to prevent the eggs from becoming rubbery. Alternatively, serve it cold for a refreshing meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad With Vegetables contains roughly 535 calories, with 14g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1473mg per serving (64% 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 rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to the salad. Just make sure to remove the skin and bones, and chop the meat into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the salad.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make a vegan version of this chicken salad, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use a vegan cheese alternative instead of American cheese and substitute vegan mayonnaise for the salad dressing. This way, you can enjoy a plant-based take on this classic dish.
What can I add to make it spicier?
For some heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the salad dressing. You could also mix in some chopped green chilies or serve it with a side of spicy mustard. This will elevate the flavors and add a nice kick to the dish.
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).