Chicken Seashell Salad
A savory chicken salad with tender pasta, crunchy celery, almonds, and fresh parsley, perfect for make-ahead lunches or light dinners with a delightful creamy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the medium shell pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken breasts, chopped celery, minced onion, dried parsley, and slivered almonds.
- Add the cooked pasta to the mixture.
- Stir in mayonnaise and salt until all ingredients are well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. For added flavor, you can toss in some diced apples or grapes for a sweet contrast. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken makes a great substitute for the cooked chicken breasts. You can also add some chopped bell peppers for extra crunch and color to your Chicken Seashell Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Seashell Salad as a refreshing main dish or as a side at picnics and barbecues. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light green salad, making it perfect for warm weather. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Lynn'S Ham And Broccoli Casserole for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a little extra mayonnaise or yogurt to freshen it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Seashell Salad contains roughly 728 calories, with 55g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (110% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1273mg per serving (55% 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 salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making the Chicken Seashell Salad a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
What can I substitute for slivered almonds?
If you're looking for a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or toasted pumpkin seeds can be great alternatives. For those who enjoy nuts, chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delicious crunch as well.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with cubed tofu or chickpeas for a protein-packed vegetarian option. Additionally, using a vegan mayonnaise will keep the dish entirely plant-based while still retaining its creamy 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).