Elsie'S Chicken Salad
A creamy, nutty chicken salad with sweet pickles and a hint of Worcestershire and hot sauce, perfect for picnics, sandwiches, or light lunches with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chicken in boiling salted water until done, about 15 minutes.
- Cool chicken, then remove meat from bones and chop or cut into pieces.
- Boil eggs, peel, and chop them.
- Mix chopped chicken, boiled eggs, celery, chopped sweet pickles, and chopped pecans in a bowl.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to salad dressing, then pour over the mixture.
- Combine all ingredients thoroughly and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting Greek yogurt for salad dressing. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, which adds flavor and saves time. If you're looking for a crunch, try adding diced apples or grapes. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of hot sauce. This chicken salad is versatile and can be served on a bed of greens or as a filling for a sandwich, similar to P.T.A. Chicken Salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken salad on a bed of leafy greens, in a sandwich, or in a wrap for a delightful meal. It pairs well with fresh fruit or crunchy vegetables on the side. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light soup or browse more American recipes for additional side ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken mixture in a microwave, but be cautious not to overheat, as it may dry out. This salad can also be enjoyed cold directly from the fridge, making it a great option for quick lunches.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elsie'S Chicken Salad contains roughly 963 calories, with 19g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1074mg per serving (47% 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 cooked chicken from a store?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe, saving you time and adding extra flavor. Just ensure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing with the other ingredients.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're looking for a nut-free option, consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. You can also substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To increase the heat, add more drops of hot sauce or incorporate diced jalapeños. You could also mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier variety of salad dressing to elevate the flavor.
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).