Peanutty Chicken Salad
A creamy, flavorful chicken salad with peanut butter and raisins, perfect for a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing side, balancing sweetness, spice, and crunch.
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. plain yogurt ⓘ
- 1/3 c. peanut butter ⓘ
- 1/4 c. milk ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- dash of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1/4 c. raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 c. peanuts ⓘ
- 6 c. torn greens
- 1 tart apple or bunch of grapes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. thinly sliced green onion ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together yogurt, peanut butter, milk, vinegar, oil, soy sauce, sugar, and spices in a small bowl.
- Combine diced cooked chicken, raisins, peanuts, torn greens, chopped apple or grapes, and sliced green onion in a large bowl.
- Add the dressing to the salad ingredients and toss to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, increase the yogurt or peanut butter slightly. If you're out of plain yogurt, Greek yogurt works well too. You can substitute honey for sugar for a natural sweetness. Consider adding a splash of lime juice for some zest. For extra crunch, try adding celery or bell peppers to the salad. This dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken, similar to Mom'S Homemade Chicken Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Peanutty Chicken Salad on a bed of greens for a light lunch or dinner. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, try it alongside roasted vegetables or with a side of Pork Chops And Broccoli. This salad is also great for picnics and potlucks, providing a flavorful and nutritious option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together, making it even tastier the next day. If the salad becomes too dry after storage, add a splash of milk or yogurt to moisten it before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the greens and dressing may suffer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanutty Chicken Salad contains roughly 706 calories, with 14g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1439mg per serving (63% 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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components of the salad in advance. Store the dressing separately to keep the greens fresh. Combine the salad ingredients and dressing just before serving to maintain the crispness of the greens.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative that mimics the creaminess of peanut butter without the allergens. You can also use tahini for a different flavor profile, though it will change the overall taste of the dressing.
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a protein boost. Make sure to use a vegan yogurt and adjust the dressing ingredients accordingly, ensuring it remains delicious and satisfying without the meat.
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).