Crab Or Chicken Salad
A versatile and creamy salad featuring crab or chicken, crunchy celery, almonds, and chow mein noodles, perfect for light lunches or served on lettuce or pita pockets.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the chopped celery, chopped onion, drained sliced chestnuts, cooked and cubed chicken or crab, and slivered almonds in a bowl.
- Thin the mayonnaise with a little milk and mix into the salad mixture.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Fold in the chow mein noodles just before serving.
- Serve on a lettuce leaf or in a pita pocket.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise. If you prefer a crunchier texture, add diced apples or grapes. This salad can also be made with shrimp for a seafood twist. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash of lemon juice to enhance the flavors. You can also prepare this salad a day in advance for the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
This Crab or Chicken Salad is delightful served on a lettuce leaf or in a pita pocket for a light lunch. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a crisp green salad. For a more filling meal, serve it alongside a warm bowl of soup, like Rosemary Butternut Bisque, for a comforting lunch or dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the chow mein noodles become soggy, consider serving them separately to maintain their crunch. To refresh the salad, mix in a little extra mayonnaise or yogurt before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Or Chicken Salad contains roughly 1282 calories, with 23g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 730mg per serving (32% 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 canned crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, canned crab meat is a convenient option and works well in this salad. Just make sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid excess liquid. Fresh crab can also be used if available, which adds a richer flavor.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance or even the night before. Just be sure to add the chow mein noodles right before serving to keep them crispy.
What can I substitute for slivered almonds?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different texture, you can substitute slivered almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These alternatives will give you a similar crunch while keeping the flavor profile interesting.
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).