Ninth Street House California Chicken Salad
A creamy, fruity chicken salad with grapes, almonds, and aromatic spices, perfect for light lunches or entertaining guests with its delightful flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a bowl, stir together the melted butter, mayonnaise, minced parsley, curry powder, marjoram, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, seedless grapes, and toasted slivered almonds.
- Arrange the chicken mixture on lettuce leaves on a serving platter.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture.
- Sprinkle paprika on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dressing, consider using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. You can also substitute walnuts for almonds if desired. Ensure your chicken is thoroughly shredded for even mixing. Adding diced apples or celery can provide a nice crunch and sweetness. If you prefer a spicier kick, include a dash of cayenne pepper in the dressing. This salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in a wrap or on its own.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this California chicken salad on a bed of crisp lettuce or in sandwich wraps for a delightful lunch. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh fruit or a light vegetable soup for a complete meal. For a picnic or potluck, consider serving it alongside Dorian'S Stuff Your Face Stuffing as a hearty side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days to maintain freshness. If the salad seems dry upon reheating, consider adding a splash of mayonnaise or yogurt to restore moisture. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the mayonnaise and grapes may not hold up well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ninth Street House California Chicken Salad contains roughly 882 calories, with 43g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (448% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 652mg per serving (28% 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! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option that adds great flavor to your salad. Just make sure to shred the chicken before mixing it with the other ingredients. It's a time-saver and works well with the dressing.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can substitute shredded jackfruit or chickpeas for the chicken and use a vegan mayonnaise alternative. Additionally, replace the butter with a plant-based option or omit it altogether for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
How can I make this salad more tangy?
To add a tangy flavor, mix in a tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar into the dressing. You can also incorporate diced pickles or relish, which will enhance the taste and give it a delightful zest that complements the sweetness of the grapes.
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).