Gingered Chicken Salad
Gingered chicken salad combines tender chicken, crisp apples, green onions, walnuts, and raisins in a creamy ginger-flavored dressing, perfect for light lunches or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, boiled and cubed ⓘ
- 2 or 3 Granny Smith apples, into small bite-sized cubes (with skin) ⓘ
- 1 bunch chopped green onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 3/4 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1-2 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. fresh finely grated ginger ⓘ
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 1/4-1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Stir in mayonnaise mixture to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
- Serve with sliced sourdough bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using roasted walnuts instead of raw, as they provide a richer taste. If you want a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese and sour cream. You can also mix in other fruits like grapes or pears for variety. Adjust the garlic and ginger to your taste preference, as these can be potent flavors in the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This Gingered Chicken Salad pairs beautifully with sliced sourdough bread, making it a perfect light meal or lunch option. For a heartier side, consider pairing it with Hearty Vegetable Soup(12 Quart Pot) or a simple green salad. For a festive touch, serve alongside a fruit platter to complement the salad's flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days. If you need to reheat, avoid microwaving directly, as it can alter the texture; instead, let it come to room temperature before serving it cold again or serve it as a sandwich on toasted sourdough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gingered Chicken Salad contains roughly 774 calories, with 23g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (54% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value), and protein (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1344mg 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 roasted or grilled chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure it's properly shredded or cubed before mixing it with the other ingredients. This is a great way to use up leftovers and adds a delicious flavor.
What variations can I make to this salad?
You can customize this salad by adding ingredients like diced celery for crunch or swapping out walnuts for pecans or almonds. Additionally, try incorporating dried cranberries or apricots for a different sweetness, or adjust the spices for a more distinct flavor profile.
How can I make this chicken salad spicier?
To give your Gingered Chicken Salad a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also include finely chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, depending on your heat preference. Just be sure to balance the flavors with the creaminess of the dressing.
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).