Luncheon Chicken Salad
Luncheon Chicken Salad is a creamy, savory dish combining tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, crunchy water chestnuts, and fresh mint, all blended in a tangy mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or picnic, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that appeal to a variety of tastes.
Ingredients
- 1/4 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 1 can celery soup ⓘ
- 1/2 c. mayonnaise ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 4 tsp. brown spicy mustard ⓘ
- 1 sprig mint, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar (optional) ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 5 c. chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can sliced water chestnuts, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute sliced mushrooms in margarine until tender in a saucepan over medium heat; set aside.
- Combine celery soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, chopped mint, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Stir in the sautéed mushrooms, chopped cooked chicken, and drained sliced water chestnuts.
- Chill the mixture several hours or overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also swap the mushrooms for diced celery or bell peppers for added crunch. If you prefer a different protein, shredded turkey works well too. To enhance the flavor, add a touch of garlic powder or fresh herbs. This chicken salad is versatile and can easily be customized to fit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Luncheon Chicken Salad chilled on a bed of greens or in a sandwich for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a light pasta salad, making it an ideal choice for picnics or brunch. For an added crunch, consider serving it with crackers or in lettuce cups for a refreshing appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the flavors fresh, avoid adding the salad to bread or wraps until ready to serve. If you need to reheat it, consider warming it gently in the microwave, but be mindful not to overheat as it can dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Luncheon Chicken Salad contains roughly 107 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 855mg per serving (37% 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 chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, this chicken salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve as they meld together. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent any absorption of other odors in the fridge.
What can I substitute for the water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can use diced apples or chopped nuts for added texture. They won't have the same crunch, but will still complement the other flavors in the salad.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or diced tofu for a vegetarian version. Just ensure you adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors of your chosen protein.
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).