Mrs. Edith'S Festive Chicken Salad
Mrs. Edith's Festive Chicken Salad combines tender chicken with crunchy celery, sweet pickles, and creamy dressing, perfect for light lunches or holiday gatherings with a flavorful twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken until tender.
- Cool in broth.
- Remove chicken from bones and cut into small chunks.
- Cut celery, pickles, and eggs into very small pieces.
- Slice stuffed olives.
- Mash pimento into smaller pieces using a fork.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Add garlic powder and Accent.
- Add Miracle Whip to moisten, usually 2 or 3 heaping tablespoonfuls.
- Salt to taste and mix well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for Miracle Whip. If you prefer a little spice, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add flavor. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also enhance the salad's freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this festive chicken salad on a bed of greens or in a sandwich for a delightful lunch. It pairs excellently with Aunt Edna'S Potatoes for a complete meal. For a lighter option, consider serving it with crackers or pita chips. Garnish with fresh herbs for an attractive presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing the salad, as it may turn watery upon thawing. When ready to serve, give it a good stir, and if needed, add a little more Miracle Whip to refresh it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Edith'S Festive Chicken Salad contains roughly 393 calories, with 9g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), iron (18% of the Daily Value), and potassium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2607mg per serving (113% 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 roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it is shredded or chopped into small chunks to blend well with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for stuffed olives?
If you don't have stuffed olives, green olives or even capers can be a great alternative. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to taste, as capers can be saltier than olives.
Is this chicken salad gluten-free?
Yes, Mrs. Edith's Festive Chicken Salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Miracle Whip or a similar dressing. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they are gluten-free.
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).