Mom'S Regal Chicken Salad
A creamy chicken salad with sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and walnuts, perfect for light lunches or picnics, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine diced cooked chicken, sliced grapes, chopped celery, and chopped walnuts; season with salt to taste.
- Fold whipped heavy cream into mayonnaise until smooth.
- Toss the chicken mixture with the mayonnaise mixture and chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. To add some zest, consider incorporating a teaspoon of lemon juice or a pinch of curry powder into the chicken mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well in place of homemade diced chicken. This recipe can also be adapted using diced apples for sweetness or dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken salad is perfect for a light lunch or picnic. Serve it on a bed of mixed greens or in a sandwich with crusty bread. It pairs beautifully with Fresh Country Peas or a bowl of Cauliflower Blend Soup for a complete meal. For an elegant touch, consider serving it in lettuce cups for a refreshing appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken salad in a skillet over low heat, but be cautious not to overheat it, as the creamy texture may break down. It can also be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Regal Chicken Salad contains roughly 1108 calories, with 14g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 115g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (74% of the Daily Value) and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 576mg per serving (25% 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 different nuts in this salad?
Absolutely! While walnuts add a lovely crunch, you can easily substitute them with pecans or sliced almonds, depending on your preference. Just be mindful of any nut allergies when serving.
How can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
You can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served the next day.
Is this chicken salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this chicken salad is great for meal prep! Divide it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Just be sure to keep it chilled and consume within three days for optimal freshness.
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).