Sunday Chicken Salad
A creamy, savory chicken salad with ham, avocado, and crisp celery, perfect for light lunches or picnics, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice cooked chicken and ham into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix ham and chicken pieces, celery, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, pepper, and salt.
- Peel the avocado and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Gently stir the avocado into the chicken mixture.
- Serve on lettuce leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or sour cream. You can substitute the chicken with rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you want more crunch, add chopped nuts like walnuts or slivered almonds. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also enhance the flavor. This salad pairs beautifully with Sunday Night Skillet Supper for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken salad on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves or in a sandwich made with whole grain bread. It also pairs well with a side of fresh fruit or a light soup for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Hamburger Hash Brown Hot Dish for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the avocado's freshness, add a bit of lemon juice before refrigerating. When ready to eat, you can enjoy it cold or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to take off the chill.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sunday Chicken Salad contains roughly 377 calories, with 10g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (315% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2143mg per serving (93% 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 chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works perfectly in this salad. Just ensure it's well-cooked and diced into bite-sized pieces. This is a great way to use up any leftover roast chicken you might have.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier option or even avocado for a creamier texture. Both alternatives will provide a similar consistency and taste while reducing the calorie count.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and ham mixture a day in advance. However, it's best to add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Store the salad in an airtight container and keep the avocado separate until ready to serve.
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).