Description
Grandma’s secret ingredient chicken salad recipe brings nostalgic comfort with each delightful bite. Family memories and fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a memorable dish you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 3 cups (680 grams) cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup (120 grams) chopped pecans
Fresh Produce:
- 1 cup (150 grams) diced celery
- 1 cup (150 grams) diced apples or grapes
Creamy Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) olive oil mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
- 4 ounces (113 grams) Cool Whip, thawed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine diced chicken, celery, apples or grapes, and pecans in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant flavor foundation. Gently mix ingredients to distribute evenly.
- Craft the creamy dressing by incorporating olive oil mayonnaise, sour cream, and Cool Whip. Stir until the mixture achieves a smooth, cohesive consistency, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated.
- Enhance the flavor profile with strategic seasoning. Sprinkle salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve a perfectly balanced taste that highlights the salad’s diverse ingredients.
- Refrigerate the prepared salad for 1-2 hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify. This resting period helps develop a more complex and integrated taste experience.
- Serve the chilled chicken salad as a versatile dish. Present atop crisp lettuce leaves, alongside crunchy crackers, or nestled within a soft croissant for a delightful and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Customize the chicken salad by swapping out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, protein-packed version that’s perfect for health-conscious eaters.
- Make the recipe gluten-free by serving on gluten-free crackers or lettuce wraps, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
- Prep the chicken salad in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, making it an ideal make-ahead lunch or quick meal option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg