Jacques' Chicken Salad
A creamy chicken salad with green beans, celery, and a tangy dressing, perfect for a light lunch or picnic, appealing to those who enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cooked and drained French-style green beans with Italian salad dressing and chill for several hours, stirring occasionally.
- Cut 3 thin slices from each cooked and chilled chicken breast and set aside.
- Cube the remaining chicken breasts.
- Fold whipped cream with mayonnaise until well combined.
- Mix cubed chicken, diced celery, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a dash of pepper into the mayonnaise mixture.
- Chill the salad well before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute. To add an extra crunch, toss in some chopped nuts or seeds. Ensure the green beans are fully drained to prevent the salad from becoming watery. This dish is a wonderful accompaniment to any summer meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jacques' Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce cups for an elegant presentation. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or crackers for a light lunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a chilled soup, such as Chilled Creamy Cucumber Soup. This salad can also be a great filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, avoid adding the lettuce cups until serving. If you need to reheat the salad, do so gently in the microwave, but it's best enjoyed cold. Serve it over fresh lettuce for a crisp texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jacques' Chicken Salad contains roughly 2241 calories, with 22g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 229g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (125% of the Daily Value) and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1898mg per serving (83% 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 fresh green beans instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh green beans can be used for a more vibrant flavor. Simply blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process before proceeding with the recipe.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken salad a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, it's best to wait until serving time to add the lettuce and any additional toppings to maintain their freshness.
What can I substitute for capers?
If you don't have capers, you can use chopped olives for a similar briny flavor. Alternatively, a splash of pickle juice can also provide a nice tang. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
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).