Cold Chicken Salad
A refreshing cold chicken salad with grapes, celery, and almonds, perfect for hot days or light gatherings, offering a delightful mix of creamy, tangy, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle lemon juice and salt over cooked chicken; toss to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for several hours to chill and allow flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, add sliced celery, seedless grapes, chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and toasted slivered almonds to the chicken.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve on a large lettuce leaf and sprinkle lightly with paprika.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. If you prefer a sweeter touch, try adding diced apples or a touch of honey to the mix. Chilling the chicken salad for several hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead dish. For a crunchier texture, feel free to use walnuts instead of almonds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cold chicken salad on a large lettuce leaf for an elegant presentation. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal. For a complete spread, consider serving alongside sides like roasted vegetables or a refreshing fruit salad, making it a great addition to summer gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the mayonnaise can separate over time, give it a gentle stir before serving. For best results, avoid freezing as the texture may change when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Chicken Salad contains roughly 813 calories, with 5g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is a good source of potassium (14% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2788mg per serving (121% 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 depth of flavor. Just make sure to remove the skin and bones before cubing the meat. This method works particularly well for quick weeknight meals or lunch prep.
Is it possible to make this chicken salad dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this chicken salad dairy-free by substituting the mayonnaise with a dairy-free version or using mashed avocado for creaminess. This adjustment keeps the salad light and fresh, while still being delicious and satisfying.
What can I add to make it more filling?
To make the chicken salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or brown rice for a hearty touch. You could also mix in some beans, such as chickpeas, for extra protein and fiber. These ingredients will enhance the nutritional value while keeping the flavor intact.
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).