why make this recipe
Chicken salad is a delightful and versatile dish that allows you to enjoy leftover rotisserie chicken in a fresh and flavorful way. It brings together crunchy vegetables, sweet dried fruits, and creamy dressing, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic. This recipe is quick to make and can be customized to suit your taste, helping you to enjoy a wholesome meal in just a few minutes.
how to make Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken (diced)
- 1/2 cup pecans (coarsely chopped, see note 1)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2 stalks celery (thinly sliced, 1/2 cup)
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (light works!)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
- 1-1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Croissants (or other sandwich rolls; add some lettuce for a sandwich)
- Thinly sliced apples
- Celery
- Crackers (like Wheat Thins!)
Directions
- Optional: Place pecans in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast until fragrant, stirring occasionally (keep an eye on them—they can burn fast). Set aside to cool then finely chop.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients listed under “Salad.” Season to taste. Start with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
- Stir gently until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Dish it up with your choice of sides—great on a croissant with lettuce or served with apples, celery sticks, and crackers. Enjoy!
how to serve Chicken Salad
Serve Chicken Salad in a croissant for a delicious sandwich. You can also serve it in a bowl with crisp veggies like celery sticks and thinly sliced apples on the side. For a light snack, you can pair it with your favorite crackers.
how to store Chicken Salad
To store Chicken Salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to stir it well before serving again to mix everything back together.
tips to make Chicken Salad
- Toasting the pecans adds a great flavor and crunch. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if you like it sweeter.
- Use leftover chicken or even turkey for this recipe.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or red onion for more crunch and flavor.
variation
You can replace the pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. For a healthier option, try Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, canned chicken works well in this recipe. Just drain it well before mixing.
2. Is there a gluten-free option for serving?
Absolutely! Serve the chicken salad on gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps instead of croissants.
3. Can I freeze Chicken Salad?
It is not recommended to freeze Chicken Salad, as the texture may change after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
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Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken (diced)
- 1/2 cup pecans (coarsely chopped)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2 stalks celery (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream (light)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tsp Dijon-style mustard
- 1 1/2 tsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Serving Options
- croissants or other sandwich rolls (add lettuce if desired)
- thinly sliced apples
- celery sticks
- crackers (like Wheat Thins)
Instructions
- Optional: Place pecans in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast until fragrant, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool then finely chop.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients listed under ‘Salad.’ Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Stir gently until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve on croissants with lettuce, or with apples, celery sticks, and crackers on the side.
