Mama'S Chicken Salad
A creamy, savory chicken salad with crunchy celery, sweet pickles, and a touch of sweetness, perfect for a light lunch or picnic, appealing to those who enjoy classic comfort foods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chicken until tender and starting to fall off the bone.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Remove bones and gristle from the chicken.
- Cut the meat into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Mix the chicken with chopped celery, chopped eggs, and sweet pickles; add salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix mayonnaise and salad dressing together very well.
- Combine the mayonnaise mixture with the chicken mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- If desired, add 1/2 cup finely chopped mellow apples for extra sweetness.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or a dollop of Greek yogurt. If you want to reduce calories, opt for a lighter mayonnaise or use avocado as a substitute. You can also swap the sweet pickles for dill pickles for a tangier flavor. For added crunch, try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. This chicken salad is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mama's Chicken Salad on a bed of lettuce for a light meal, or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a light pasta salad. This dish also complements various sides, such as crispy chips or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Chive Potato And Chicken Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, avoid adding any apples until you are ready to serve. If you need to reheat the chicken, do so gently in a skillet over low heat to prevent it from drying out. Enjoy it cold or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Chicken Salad contains roughly 19 calories, with 0g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 528mg per serving (23% 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 rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just ensure it's well-shredded and cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients. This is a great way to utilize leftover chicken recipes and make a quick, delicious meal.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version. Simply mash or cube the chickpeas/tofu and mix them with the same ingredients for a satisfying salad. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and protein-rich alternative without losing flavor.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
To elevate the flavor profile, consider adding herbs like dill or parsley, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness. You could also mix in some finely chopped onions or garlic for an extra kick. Adjust the seasonings to your preference, and don’t shy away from experimenting with different ingredients to find your perfect blend.
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).