Glorious Chicken Salad: 350 Calories

Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m Anna, and I’m all about making everyday cooking a joy, especially when it comes to chicken. You know how sometimes you just need a recipe that’s a total winner? Something that tastes amazing, looks pretty, and is ridiculously easy to whip up? Well, that’s exactly what this Chicken Salad is. Forget boring lunches! This isn’t just any chicken salad; it’s the kind that makes people ask for the recipe. I’ve spent ages perfecting simple, flavorful chicken dishes, and this one is a shining star. Get ready for your new favorite way to use up that rotisserie chicken!

Why This Chicken Salad Recipe Is a Must-Try

What makes this Chicken Salad so special? It’s all about the perfect harmony of textures and flavors. We’re talking tender shredded chicken, the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, sweet little bursts from dried cranberries, and just the right amount of crisp celery. Then there’s the dressing – oh, that dressing! It’s creamy, a little tangy, with a hint of honey and Dijon. It’s the kind of flavor combination that just sings. Trust me, this recipe takes simple ingredients and turns them into something truly memorable.

Perfectly Crafted Chicken Salad Ingredients

Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff – what you’ll need to make this amazing Chicken Salad! It’s all about quality ingredients that come together beautifully. You’ll want about 2 cups of diced rotisserie chicken. Using rotisserie chicken is such a lifesaver, isn’t it? Then, grab some coarsely chopped pecans – toasting them first is optional but *so* worth it for that extra nutty flavor. We’re also adding 1/3 cup of sweet dried cranberries, which give these little pops of fruity goodness. Don’t forget about 2 stalks of thinly sliced celery for that perfect crunch. For the dressing, we’ll use 1/4 cup of your favorite mayo (Hellman’s or Best Foods is my go-to!), 2 tablespoons of sour cream for extra creaminess, and a touch of honey for sweetness. A little Dijon mustard and maybe some poppy seeds for fun, plus a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten it all up. Salt and pepper, of course, to make everything taste just right!

Rotisserie Chicken, diced	2 cups
Pecans, coarsely chopped (toasted optional)	1/2 cup
Dried Cranberries	1/3 cup
Celery, thinly sliced	2 stalks (about 1/2 cup)
Mayonnaise (Hellman’s/Best Foods)	1/4 cup
Sour Cream (light works)	2 tablespoons
Honey	1 tablespoon
Dijon-style Mustard	1 1/2 teaspoons
Poppy Seeds (optional)	1 1/2 teaspoons
Lemon Juice	1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper	To taste

Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions for Chicken Salad

A few little notes to make this Chicken Salad even better! For the pecans, if you can’t toast them, no worries, they’ll still be delicious. But if you’re feeling adventurous, just pop them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until they smell amazing – it really makes a difference! If pecans aren’t your thing, sliced almonds, chopped pistachios, or diced walnuts are fantastic substitutes. And for the cranberries, feel free to use regular dried cranberries or go for those fancy cherry-infused ones if you can find them. As for the mayo, I swear by Hellman’s or Best Foods; it just has that perfect tang. Light sour cream works great if you’re looking to lighten things up a bit. The lemon juice is key to balancing all those rich flavors, so don’t skip it!

Simple Steps to Delicious Chicken Salad

Okay, ready to make the best darn Chicken Salad you’ve ever had? It’s honestly so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it from a store! First things first, if you’re toasting those pecans (and I really hope you are!), get them into a dry pan over medium heat. Give them a stir every now and then until they smell wonderfully nutty – it usually takes about 5 minutes. Once they’re toasted, let them cool down a bit, then give them a good chop. You want them coarse, not dusty! Now, grab your biggest mixing bowl. Toss in your diced rotisserie chicken, those lovely toasted pecans, the pop of dried cranberries, and your thinly sliced celery. Give it all a gentle stir to get acquainted.

Next up, the dressing! In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together your mayo, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds (if you’re using them – they add such a fun little texture!), and that splash of lemon juice. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it really makes all the flavors sing. Now, pour that glorious dressing over your chicken and fixings. Gently fold everything together until it’s all nicely coated. You don’t want to mash it all up, just get everything nicely mixed. Give it a taste – this is your chance to tweak! Need a little more tang? Add more lemon juice. Not sweet enough? A tiny bit more honey. Once it tastes perfect to you, you’re pretty much done! Cover it up and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets all those amazing flavors meld together.

Tips for the Ultimate Chicken Salad

Want to take your Chicken Salad from great to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few little tricks! Make sure your chicken is nicely diced, not too big and not too small. And seriously, toast those pecans if you can – it’s a game-changer for flavor! Letting the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving is crucial; it lets all those yummy flavors get to know each other. If you’re making this ahead for a picnic, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, then toss it all together. This keeps everything from getting too soggy. And always, always taste and adjust the seasoning before you dig in!

Enjoying Your Delicious Chicken Salad

Now that you’ve whipped up this incredible Chicken Salad, the fun part is figuring out how to eat it! My absolute favorite way is piled high on soft, buttery croissants – they’re just perfect for a decadent sandwich. But honestly, it’s amazing on almost anything! Serve it up on toasted sourdough, in a wrap, or even just with a fork if you’re feeling extra casual. It’s also a star at any picnic! Pack it up with some of those thinly sliced apples for a sweet crunch, or some celery sticks and your favorite crackers for dipping. You could even serve it in lettuce cups for a lighter option. The possibilities are endless, and every single one leads to pure deliciousness!

Storing and Reheating Your Chicken Salad

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Chicken Salad keeps wonderfully in the fridge. Just pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for about 3 to 5 days. Remember, it’s best served cold, so no need to reheat it! If you find it looks a little separated after a day or two, just give it a good stir before serving. And definitely don’t try to freeze it; the mayo and sour cream just don’t do well in the freezer. So, store it right, and you’ll have delicious chicken salad ready to go!

Storage Method	Airtight container in refrigerator
Shelf Life	3-5 days
Freezer Friendly	No
Best Served	Cold

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Salad

Got some burning questions about this amazing Chicken Salad? I’ve got you covered!

Q1. Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I think it’s even better if you let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours, before serving. This lets all those yummy flavors really meld together. Just store it in an airtight container and give it a good stir before you serve it up.

Q2. What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon here! It’s already cooked and so flavorful, plus it saves you a ton of time. Just dice it up, and you’re golden. If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can boil or bake a couple of chicken breasts until they’re cooked through, then dice or shred them.

Q3. Can I leave out the nuts or cranberries?
Of course! This Chicken Salad is super flexible. If you’re not a fan of nuts, just leave the pecans out. You could also swap them for toasted almonds or walnuts! If cranberries aren’t your jam, you can omit them or add a few chopped grapes for a different kind of sweetness. It’ll still be delicious!

Q4. How long does this chicken salad last in the fridge?
This chicken salad is best enjoyed within 3 to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s one of those things that’s great for lunches throughout the week. Just remember, it doesn’t freeze well because of the mayo and sour cream.

Nutritional Insights for Chicken Salad

Here’s a little look at the estimated nutrition for this delicious Chicken Salad. Keep in mind these are approximate values per serving and can vary based on specific ingredients used!

Serving Size	1 cup
Calories	350
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	15g
Protein	25g
Sodium	450mg

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