Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad
Creamy and flavorful, this classic chicken salad combines tender diced chicken, crisp celery, and tangy pickles, perfect for a light lunch or picnic. Ideal for entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drizzle the diced chicken with French dressing and refrigerate for several hours.
- Just before serving, add chilled mayonnaise, diced sweet pickles, and finely diced celery to the chicken mixture.
- Arrange the mixture on crisp greens on salad plates.
- Serve with hard-cooked eggs cut in halves or quarters on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you want to add a bit of crunch, throw in some chopped walnuts or almonds. You can also substitute the French dressing with a tangy vinaigrette for a different flavor profile. If you have leftover chicken from another dish, like Crock-Pot Chicken In Mushroom Gravy, it works wonderfully in this salad.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken salad is delightful served on a bed of crisp greens and pairs nicely with a side of fresh fruit or a light soup like Moonlight Mushroom Soup. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside crusty bread or crackers. It also makes an excellent filling for sandwiches.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the freshness, avoid adding the mayonnaise until just before serving. If you need to reheat, gently warm the chicken in a microwave, but be cautious not to overheat, as it can dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad contains roughly 829 calories, with 6g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1526mg per serving (66% 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 canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, canned chicken can be used as a convenient substitute for fresh chicken. Just make sure to drain and rinse it well to reduce sodium content. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious in the salad.
How can I make this chicken salad healthier?
You can make this chicken salad healthier by using low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables such as diced bell peppers or carrots can boost the nutritional value while adding color and crunch.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe. You can also poach chicken breasts for a fresher option. The key is to ensure the chicken is well-seasoned for the best flavor in your 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).