Phyllis'S Chicken Salad
A creamy chicken salad packed with pecans and crunchy celery, perfect for casual gatherings or sandwiches, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the celery in a food processor and remove.
- Chop the pecans in a food processor and remove.
- Chop the chicken breasts in a food processor.
- Mix the chopped chicken, pecans, celery, mayonnaise, garlic powder, garlic salt, parsley, and Accent together.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a touch of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mayonnaise. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try substituting walnuts for pecans. Adjust the garlic powder and salt according to your taste. This salad can be served on a bed of greens or as a filling for sandwiches. For a refreshing twist, add diced apples or grapes for sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Phyllis's Chicken Salad on a bed of crisp lettuce or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. It pairs beautifully with Broccoli And Wild Rice for a well-rounded meal. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or vegetable sticks for a complete picnic spread. For added flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a microwave while keeping the salad chilled until ready to serve, as the mayonnaise does not hold up well to heat. Always check for freshness before consuming leftovers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Phyllis'S Chicken Salad contains roughly 928 calories, with 18g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and potassium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 802mg per serving (35% 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 cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time and reduce waste. Just ensure the chicken is shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will give the salad a perfectly blended flavor.
How can I make this chicken salad healthier?
To make this chicken salad healthier, consider using a light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of full-fat mayonnaise. You can also add more vegetables like diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and nutrients. Reducing the amount of pecans will lower the calorie count as well.
Can I freeze chicken salad for later?
It's not recommended to freeze chicken salad due to the mayonnaise, which can separate and become watery upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately and then prepare the salad fresh when you're ready to enjoy it. This ensures the best texture and flavor.
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).