Shirley'S Chicken Salad
A flavorful chicken salad featuring tender diced chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, pimento, and crunchy almonds, perfect for light lunches or picnics with a tangy dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Marinate the diced cooked chicken, diced celery, and chopped red onion overnight in vinegar and oil.
- Add the chopped pimento, seedless grapes, and slivered almonds to the marinated ingredients.
- Mix in a little mayonnaise to moisten the salad.
- Serve on sliced melon.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for a healthier dressing. You can substitute the grapes with diced apples or dried cranberries for a different texture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe. For a crunchier texture, toast the slivered almonds before adding them to the salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens or inside a freshly halved avocado for a light lunch. It pairs beautifully with sliced melon, making for a refreshing summer dish. Consider serving it alongside whole grain crackers or as a filling for a sandwich. For a complete meal, serve with a side of Rice-A-Roni Artichoke Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you find the salad gets too dry over time, stir in a little extra mayonnaise before serving. This chicken salad is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat; simply serve straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shirley'S Chicken Salad contains roughly 48 calories, with 4g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% 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 works in a pinch. Just be sure to drain and rinse it well to reduce sodium. The texture may be slightly different than freshly cooked chicken, but it will still be flavorful after marinating with the other ingredients.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or couscous as a base. This adds bulk and enhances the nutritional value. You could also toss in some chickpeas for extra protein, making it perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Is this chicken salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This chicken salad is perfect for meal prep. Prepare it ahead of time and portion it into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Just be sure to keep any greens or additional toppings separate until you're ready to serve to maintain freshness.
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).