Mom'S Chicken Salad
A creamy, flavorful chicken salad with crunchy celery, sweet pickle, and eggs, perfect for a quick lunch or picnic, appealing to those who enjoy classic comfort foods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine diced cooked chicken, chopped celery, salt, powdered mustard, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Gently stir in Miracle Whip, lemon juice, chopped pickle, and chopped hard-boiled eggs.
- Cover and refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting half of the Miracle Whip with Greek yogurt. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor profile. If you want a crunchier texture, add chopped apples or grapes. If you have leftover chicken from another meal, such as Cooking Bag Chicken, it works perfectly in this salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken salad on a bed of lettuce or with whole grain crackers for a light lunch. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a side of potato salad. For a heartier meal, consider making a sandwich using whole grain bread or a wrap. This dish is also great for potlucks or picnics.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a little more Miracle Whip or yogurt to refresh it. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the ingredients may change, especially the celery and eggs.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Chicken Salad contains roughly 203 calories, with 4g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2320mg per serving (101% 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 rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save you time and add a delicious flavor. Just make sure to remove the skin and any bones before dicing the chicken. This is a great shortcut that will still yield a tasty Mom's Chicken Salad.
How can I make this salad healthier?
To make this chicken salad healthier, consider using plain Greek yogurt in place of Miracle Whip. You can also reduce the amount of mayonnaise or use a lighter version. Adding more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers increases the nutrition without compromising flavor.
What can I substitute for the hard-boiled eggs?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use mashed avocado for creaminess or omit them altogether. Alternatively, consider adding shredded cheese for a different texture and flavor. Just be mindful of the overall balance of flavors in the salad.
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).