Chicken Salad

Every time I think of a delightful summer picnic, I can’t help but crave a fresh and satisfying Chicken Salad. This dish transports me back to sunny days spent outdoors, enjoying laughter and great company. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a staple in my kitchen year-round. When I discovered this easy recipe for Chicken Salad, it quickly became a family favorite. With just six simple ingredients, it’s amazing how something so uncomplicated can taste so delicious. Whether I’m hosting a backyard barbecue or simply enjoying a quiet lunch at home, this Chicken Salad never disappoints. The combination of tender chicken, sweet pineapple, and creamy mayonnaise creates a harmonious balance that leaves everyone wanting more.

Chicken Salad Ingredients

When it comes to creating a fantastic Chicken Salad, the ingredients are key. Each component brings something special to the table, contributing to the overall flavor and texture. The natural sweetness of the pineapple balances the savory chicken, while the almonds add a satisfying crunch. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious blend that makes this dish a family favorite.

• 1 1/2 pounds cooked chicken breast, finely shredded: The star of the show! Make sure it’s cooked through and tender for the best flavor.
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained: Adds a lovely sweetness that brightens the dish and complements the chicken.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Provides a creamy texture that binds the ingredients together beautifully.
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds: These bring a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor to the salad.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: A little pepper adds depth to the flavor profile.

Directions for Chicken Salad

Preparing your Chicken Salad is as simple as it gets! You’ll find that the steps are straightforward, and soon enough, you’ll be enjoying this delightful dish. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this incredible salad.

1. Start by taking your cooked chicken breast and finely shredding it. I find using two forks makes this process much easier. Aim for bite-sized pieces that will mix well with the other ingredients.
2. Next, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and add the shredded chicken. You’ll want to ensure there’s enough space for all the ingredients to combine without making a mess.
3. Then, add the crushed pineapple into the bowl. Make sure to drain it well to prevent any excess moisture from watering down your salad.
4. Now, it’s time to introduce the mayonnaise. This is what gives your Chicken Salad that creamy texture we all love. Stir it in gently until everything is well coated.
5. Next, sprinkle in the slivered almonds. These not only add a lovely crunch but also a nutty flavor that complements the chicken and pineapple.
6. Season with the salt and ground black pepper. These simple spices enhance the flavors without overpowering the dish.
7. Once everything is added, stir the mixture until it’s well combined. You want to achieve a uniform consistency where all ingredients are equally distributed.
8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the salad to chill for at least one hour. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully!
9. When you’re ready to serve, give the Chicken Salad a final stir to ensure everything remains mixed. You can serve it cold or at room temperature based on your preference.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Whether you want to mix things up or have special dietary needs, there are plenty of ways to adapt this Chicken Salad recipe. Here are some ideas:

• Storage: Store your Chicken Salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 2 to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken salad, but do not mix in the mayonnaise until you’re ready to eat. This keeps the texture intact.
• Variations: Mix in chopped celery or grapes for added crunch and sweetness. Both complement the existing flavors beautifully.
• Serving Style: Serve your Chicken Salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers for a fun twist.
• Seasonal Add-Ins: In the summer, consider adding diced cucumber for a refreshing touch.

Serving This Chicken Salad

Serving your Chicken Salad can be as versatile as the recipe itself. Here are some ideas to make the most of this delicious dish:

• Casual Lunch: Serve the Chicken Salad on a crusty roll or in a sandwich for a quick lunch that’s packed with flavor.
• Picnics and Gatherings: This salad is an excellent choice for outdoor gatherings. Serve it in a large bowl with a scoop for guests to fill their plates.
• As a Side Dish: Pair it with fresh vegetables or a garden salad for a light meal. It complements many dishes beautifully.
• Special Occasions: For a more elegant presentation, stuff the Chicken Salad into cream puff shells or avocado halves.
• Seasonal Pairings: This salad is great year-round, but it shines in warmer months when fresh produce is in abundance.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Chicken Salad recipe stands out due to its simplicity and deliciousness. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, making it a go-to for lunches and gatherings alike. I encourage you to try making this dish, as it’s bound to become a favorite in your home as it is in mine.

Chicken Salad

The ultimate comfort food, this easy Chicken Salad is a creamy and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. With a delightful balance of flavors and textures, it offers a satisfying meal that your entire family will love. Make it tonight for a light lunch or dinner!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Salads

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 290 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 pounds cooked chicken breast finely shredded
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple drained
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• Start by taking your cooked chicken breast and finely shredding it. I find using two forks makes this process much easier. Aim for bite-sized pieces that will mix well with the other ingredients.
• Next, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and add the shredded chicken. You'll want to ensure there’s enough space for all the ingredients to combine without making a mess.
• Then, add the crushed pineapple into the bowl. Make sure to drain it well to prevent any excess moisture from watering down your salad.
• Now, it’s time to introduce the mayonnaise. This is what gives your Chicken Salad that creamy texture we all love. Stir it in gently until everything is well coated.
• Next, sprinkle in the slivered almonds. These not only add a lovely crunch but also a nutty flavor that complements the chicken and pineapple.
• Season with the salt and ground black pepper. These simple spices enhance the flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Once everything is added, stir the mixture until it’s well combined. You want to achieve a uniform consistency where all ingredients are equally distributed.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the salad to chill for at least one hour. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully!
• When you’re ready to serve, give the Chicken Salad a final stir to ensure everything remains mixed. You can serve it cold or at room temperature based on your preference.

Notes

• Tip 1: If you do not want to drain your pineapple you don’t need to, but you will need to reduce the amount of mayonnaise by at least a tablespoon.
• Tip 2: Store the chicken salad in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It will last for about 2-3 days.
• Tip 3: If you are going to freeze the chicken salad, do not mix in the mayo until you are ready to eat.
• Tip 4: Chicken salad can be served hot or cold. This recipe is cold but you can use warm chicken for the salad.
• Tip 5: You can serve this chicken salad alone, with crackers, on a sandwich, or you could get fancy and stuff it inside of cream puff shells for a party.

Keyword Chicken Salad Recipe, Easy Chicken Salad, quick chicken salad, summer chicken salad

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Meet Penny Porter

I bring the energy to our cooking sessions. I don’t have a “specialty” because I love it all I’m just as happy kneading dough as I am stirring a spicy curry. My favorite part of being on this team is the variety. One day we’re making pasta from scratch, and the next we’re grilling outdoors. I love the fast-paced creative process and am always the first one to grab an apron when a new idea pops up.