Tabasco Chicken Salad
A spicy, creamy chicken salad with a hint of curry and tangy pineapple, perfect for light lunches or gatherings, appealing to those who enjoy bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons grated onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon capers (optional) ⓘ
- 3 cups diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1 small can crushed pineapple, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup roasted almonds, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Blend together mayonnaise, sour cream, Tabasco, curry powder, salt, lime juice, grated onion, and capers.
- Combine diced cooked chicken, diced celery, sliced roasted almonds, and drained crushed pineapple in a large bowl.
- Add the dressing to the bowl and toss lightly to combine.
- Refrigerate for several hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more mayonnaise or sour cream. If you want a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Tabasco. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier option. This salad can be versatile; try adding diced apples or grapes for a sweet twist, or use leftover chicken from other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tabasco Chicken Salad on a bed of greens or as a filling in a sandwich. It pairs beautifully with a side of Cool As A Cucumber Soup for a refreshing meal. You can also serve it with crackers or in lettuce wraps for a light lunch or picnic option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, simply give it a gentle stir. Avoid reheating the salad, as it is best enjoyed cold. If you prepare it a day in advance, the flavors will meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tabasco Chicken Salad contains roughly 457 calories, with 17g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2224mg per serving (97% 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 a different type of chicken?
Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or even grilled chicken for a smoky flavor. Just ensure it's cooked and diced evenly to blend well with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day ahead. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to develop more fully, making it even more delicious when served.
Can I omit the nuts if there are allergies?
Yes, you can easily omit the roasted almonds if there are nut allergies. You can replace them with sunflower seeds or simply leave them out for a nut-free version while still enjoying the salad's creamy texture.
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).