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!
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.