Donna'S Chicken Salad
Donna's Chicken Salad is a crunchy, savory dish featuring diced chicken, fresh vegetables, grapes, and almonds, perfect for light lunches or picnics with a creamy dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together and mix well.
- Chill the mixture.
- Serve open face on a leaf of lettuce over a sliced croissant roll.
- Garnish with tomato slice, dill pickle, and chips.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or even some Greek yogurt as a substitute. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you prefer a crunchier salad, substitute the sliced almonds with walnuts or pecans. Feel free to add fruits like diced apples or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness, which pairs beautifully with other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken salad open-faced on a crisp lettuce leaf atop a sliced croissant roll for a delightful meal. For sides, consider pairing it with a light soup like Colonial Peanut And Chestnut Soup or a fresh fruit salad. Chips or a pickle on the side can add a nice crunch and contrast to the creamy salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the lettuce crisp, store it separately from the salad mixture. If you want to reheat the chicken before serving, do so gently in a microwave, but it's best enjoyed cold or at room temperature for optimal flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Donna'S Chicken Salad contains roughly 835 calories, with 18g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1328mg per serving (58% 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 chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly for this recipe. It's a fantastic way to repurpose your leftovers, ensuring nothing goes to waste while creating a delicious meal.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt or avocado can make excellent substitutes for mayonnaise. They provide a creamy texture while adding unique flavors that enhance the overall dish.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this chicken salad can be made a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. Allowing it to chill overnight helps meld the flavors together for a tastier dish.
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).