Loaded Chicken Salad

As I sat in my kitchen one sunny afternoon, craving something light yet fulfilling, I stumbled upon the idea of making a Loaded Chicken Salad. I wanted something that could be versatile and satisfying, yet easy enough to whip up without too much fuss. The thought of tender, juicy chicken mingling with sweet grapes, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy dressing was more than enough to make my mouth water. Whether it was piled high on a bed of crisp lettuce, stuffed into a sandwich, or served as delightful celery sticks, this dish felt like a wonderful way to embrace the lighter side of dining while still indulging in fantastic flavors. 

Recipe Ingredients for Loaded Chicken Salad

The ingredients for the Loaded Chicken Salad work harmoniously to create a delightful dish that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. The key players include tender chicken, sweet grapes, and creamy mayonnaise, combined with crunchy walnuts and zesty onions. Together, they create a delicious balance of textures and tastes.

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced – The star of the show, providing protein and a robust flavor base.
• 1/4 cup red grapes, sliced – Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.
• 1/4 cup royal raisins, roughly chopped – Brings in an extra layer of sweetness that complements the chicken.
• 1/4 cup walnuts or another nut of choice – Offers a satisfying crunch and enhances the nutty flavors.
• 1/4 cup scallions, thinly sliced – Provides a mild onion flavor that brightens the salad.
• 1/2 red onion, diced – Adds a robust flavor and vibrant color.
• 1/3 cup good quality mayonnaise – The creamy element that binds all the ingredients together.
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, more to taste – Adds a tangy kick that enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste – Essential for balancing the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, more to taste – Adds a touch of heat and depth.
• Optional: 1/4 cup bacon, roughly chopped – For those who enjoy a savory crunch.
• 12 celery ribs, cleaned and sliced in half or thirds – Perfect for serving the salad as a fresh, crunchy snack.
• 1 avocado, sliced – A creamy addition that pairs wonderfully with the salad.
• 1/2 red onion, sliced – For layering in sandwiches or wraps for extra flavor.
• 1 steak tomato, sliced – Adds juiciness and freshness.
• 1 head of lettuce, leaves removed – Ideal for making lettuce wraps.
• 1 tomato – To add freshness and vibrant color to your salad.
• 1/2 red onion, sliced – To layer in salads or sandwiches for flavor.
• 1 avocado, sliced – To enhance the creaminess of the salad.
• Celery, sliced – Adds extra crunch to the salad.

Putting Together Loaded Chicken Salad

Making the Loaded Chicken Salad is a breeze, which is what I love most about it. You can whip it up in no time, and the result is so rewarding. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal that can be enjoyed in multiple ways.

1. Start by placing all of the chicken salad ingredients, including the cooked and diced chicken, in a large mixing bowl. It’s important to use freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor and texture.
2. Next, mix everything until well combined. You want the mayonnaise to coat all the ingredients evenly, so give it a good stir. This is where the magic happens—combine all those flavors and textures!
3. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. If you like it creamier, add more mayonnaise or dijon mustard for a zesty kick. Always remember that tasting is key!
4. Now, it’s time to serve your creation. You can enjoy it as celery sticks, which are perfect for dipping. Just scoop a generous amount of the salad into the celery and take a crunchy bite!
5. Alternatively, you can make lettuce wraps. Take a leaf of lettuce, fill it with the chicken salad, and wrap it up for a delicious handheld treat.
6. If you’re feeling like a classic lunch option, serve the salad as a sandwich—layer it between slices of hearty bread with some fresh tomato and lettuce.
7. For a light yet satisfying dinner, pile the chicken salad on top of a bed of mixed greens. This not only looks beautiful but also adds a fresh crunch to the meal.
8. Remember, the Loaded Chicken Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed however you like. Get creative with how you serve it!
9. Lastly, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. This makes it perfect for lunches throughout the week.

Tips for Success

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Loaded Chicken Salad turns out perfect every time. From preparation to serving, these pointers will guide you along the way.

• Storage: Store the Loaded Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the salad for up to a month. Just ensure you store it in a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: Serve your chicken salad with crackers or on a bed of greens for a balanced meal.
• Customization: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, fruits, or even add spices to tailor the salad to your tastes.
• Leftover Love: Use any leftover salad in a wrap or as a topping for baked potatoes for a new dish!
• Presentation: To make your salad visually appealing, use colorful ingredients and arrange them nicely on the plate.

Serving Ideas for Loaded Chicken Salad

When it comes to serving the Loaded Chicken Salad, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas on how to enjoy this delicious dish:

• Lunch Delight: Serve it as a sandwich on whole-grain bread with fresh tomato and lettuce for a wholesome lunch.
• Light Dinner: Place the salad over a bed of mixed greens for a light yet satisfying dinner option.
• Appetizer: Serve small portions in mini cups or lettuce wraps at gatherings as a delightful appetizer.
• Picnic Favorite: Pack it for your next picnic! Just ensure it’s kept cool in a cooler with ice packs.
• Snack Time: Use celery sticks as dippers for a crunchy and healthy snack.
• Seasonal Twist: Mix in seasonal fruits or vegetables to enhance the flavor and freshness according to the time of year.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Loaded Chicken Salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to any meal. It’s not only easy to prepare, but also versatile enough to suit various occasions. I encourage you to try this recipe—you’ll be amazed at how satisfying and delicious it is. Enjoy making it your own and share it with friends and family for a delightful culinary experience!

Loaded Chicken Salad

The ultimate comfort food, Loaded Chicken Salad is a delicious and versatile dish bursting with flavors. Perfect for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, this easy weeknight meal combines tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing. Make it tonight for a satisfying meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Salads

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked and diced
• 1/4 cup red grapes sliced
• 1/4 cup royal raisins roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup walnuts or another nut of choice
• 1/4 cup scallions thinly sliced
• 1/2 red onion diced
• 1/3 cup good quality mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper more to taste
• 1/4 cup bacon optional, roughly chopped
• 12 ribs celery cleaned and sliced in half or thirds depending on size
• 1 avocado sliced
• 1/2 red onion sliced
• 1 steak tomato sliced into thin slices
• 1 head lettuce leaves removed
• 1 tomato
• 1/2 red onion sliced
• 1 avocado sliced
• celery sliced

Instructions

 

• Start by placing all of the chicken salad ingredients, including the cooked and diced chicken, in a large mixing bowl.
• Next, mix everything until well combined. You want the mayonnaise to coat all the ingredients evenly.
• Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
• Now, it’s time to serve your creation. You can enjoy it as celery sticks.
• Alternatively, you can make lettuce wraps. Take a leaf of lettuce, fill it with the chicken salad, and wrap it up.
• If you're feeling like a classic lunch option, serve the salad as a sandwich.
• For a light yet satisfying dinner, pile the chicken salad on top of a bed of mixed greens.
• Remember, the Loaded Chicken Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed however you like.
• Lastly, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.

Notes

• Storage: Store the Loaded Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: While it's best fresh, you can freeze the salad for up to a month.
• Pairing: Serve your chicken salad with crackers or on a bed of greens for a balanced meal.
• Customization: Feel free to experiment with different nuts, fruits, or even add spices to tailor the salad to your tastes.
• Leftover Love: Use any leftover salad in a wrap or as a topping for baked potatoes for a new dish!
• Presentation: To make your salad visually appealing, use colorful ingredients and arrange them nicely on the plate.

Keyword Chicken Salad Recipe, Easy Chicken Salad, healthy chicken salad, Loaded 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.