Dijon Chicken Salad
A vibrant and flavorful chicken salad featuring sweet grapes, dried apricots, crunchy almonds, and a tangy Dijon mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for light lunches or picnics, this dish combines a delightful mix of textures and flavors that appeal to all ages and can be served on a bed of crisp lettuce.
Ingredients
- 4 c. cooked cubed chicken ⓘ
- 1 c. seedless green grape halves
- 1 c. chopped dried apricots ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced green onions ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced almonds ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 c. seedless red grape halves ⓘ
- 3/4 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- lettuce leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the cooked cubed chicken, chopped dried apricots, sliced green onions, sliced celery, seedless green grape halves, and seedless red grape halves.
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stir the dressing into the chicken mixture until evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate until chilled and ready to serve.
- Serve on a plate lined with lettuce leaves.
- Sprinkle the top with sliced almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill. For a twist, substitute the dried apricots with cranberries or raisins. If you're short on time, use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. This salad can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, just like other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Dijon Chicken Salad pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light soup, such as Creamy Rice And Broccoli Soup. You can also serve it in a sandwich or wrap for a delightful lunch option. Garnish with additional sliced almonds for an extra crunch and visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a little extra mayonnaise before serving. It’s best enjoyed cold, so no need to reheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dijon Chicken Salad contains roughly 843 calories, with 19g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 941mg per serving (41% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, it's best to add the sliced almonds right before serving to maintain their crunch.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be substituted for mayonnaise in this recipe. It will give a creamy texture while adding protein and tanginess. You can also try a mix of yogurt and mayonnaise for a balanced flavor.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Divide the salad into individual containers and store in the refrigerator. Just be sure to keep the lettuce separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.
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).