Chicken Salad(Very Good)
A creamy chicken salad with tender chicken, crunchy celery, and sweet grapes, perfect for light lunches or picnics, combining savory and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken or turkey, cut into pieces ⓘ
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
- 4 hard-boiled eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 chicken bouillon cube, dissolved in 1 cup boiling hot water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
- Pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 pound seedless white grapes or 1 can grapes ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak the unflavored gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes.
- Dissolve the gelatin in the hot chicken bouillon and let it cool.
- Stir the cooled gelatin mixture slowly into the mayonnaise.
- Add cooked chicken, chopped celery, chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise mixture, salt, pepper, and grapes to the bowl.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Mold the salad into a serving dish or mold.
- Decorate the center with carrot curls and olives. Alternatively, cut into squares and serve on lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you're looking for a lighter option, replace half the mayonnaise with plain yogurt. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor. For a crunchier texture, add chopped nuts or sunflower seeds. This chicken salad can also be served in lettuce wraps for a refreshing twist, similar to ideas in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks. Serve it on a bed of greens or in a sandwich for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a light soup, such as White Bean Bacon Soup. For a festive touch, garnish with carrot curls and olives before serving to make it visually appealing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad becomes too dry, stir in a bit more mayonnaise or yogurt before serving. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the texture of the ingredients. Always ensure it is well covered to maintain freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad(Very Good) contains roughly 206 calories, with 5g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2013mg per serving (88% 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?
Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice for this salad. It adds great flavor and saves time in preparing the dish. Just ensure to remove the skin and bones before chopping the chicken into pieces.
What can I substitute for grapes in this salad?
If you prefer not to use grapes, diced apples or dried cranberries work well as alternatives. Both options will add a nice sweetness and texture to the salad, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Is there a vegetarian version of this chicken salad?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by replacing the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch. Adjust the seasoning to taste, making it a delightful option for vegetarians.
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).