Umm! Good Chicken Salad
A creamy, crunchy chicken salad bursting with fresh fruit and nuts, perfect for light lunches or picnics, appealing to those who enjoy fresh, savory, and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend mayonnaise, sour cream, and salt until smooth.
- Dice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut grapes in half.
- Thinly slice the celery.
- Cut apples into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop pecans.
- Combine chicken, grapes, apples, celery, and pecans in a large bowl.
- Add the mayonnaise mixture and gently mix until well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight before serving.
- Serve on a bed of lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you prefer a sweeter touch, add a tablespoon of honey to the mayonnaise mixture. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired. This chicken salad is perfect for meal prep; just ensure the apples are coated in the dressing to prevent browning.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken salad is delicious served on a bed of lettuce or inside a sandwich. Pair it with fresh fruit or crispy crackers for a light lunch. It also goes well with sides like coleslaw or potato salad, making it a great addition to picnics or potlucks, especially alongside American recipes like Fried Chicken With Cream Gravy.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the salad fresh, avoid adding lettuce until you're ready to serve. For a quick refresh, you can gently mix in a bit more mayonnaise or sour cream before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Umm! Good Chicken Salad contains roughly 729 calories, with 9g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2455mg per serving (107% 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 rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor to your salad. Just make sure to remove the skin and shred the meat before combining it with the other ingredients.
How can I make this chicken salad healthier?
To make a lighter version, consider using low-fat mayonnaise and sour cream. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch while reducing the amount of pecans.
Can I prepare this chicken salad in advance?
Yes, this chicken salad can be made a day ahead of time. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even tastier when served the next day.
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).