Are you craving a delicious and satisfying lunch or light dinner but short on time? Look no further! This recipe recreates the beloved Chicken Salad Sam's Club style, offering a homemade version that's just as tasty, if not better, and far more budget-friendly. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, packed lunches, or a simple yet elegant weekend meal. It's a quick dinner idea that's surprisingly healthy and completely customizable to your taste! Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking at its finest.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 1.5 lbs raw)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (can substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breasts. Baking, grilling, or boiling works perfectly. Once cooked and cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), celery, red onion, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
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Mix Thoroughly: Gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed throughout the chicken salad. Take care not to overmix, as this can make the chicken salad mushy.
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Chill (Optional): For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it significantly enhances the taste.
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Serve & Enjoy: Serve your delicious homemade Chicken Salad Sam's Club style on bread, crackers, croissants, lettuce wraps, or enjoy it as a filling for stuffed avocados or bell peppers for a lighter, healthier meal. Top with extra chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste! Opt for fresh, flavorful chicken and vegetables.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough, less appealing chicken salad. Gentle mixing is key.
- Taste and adjust: Adjust seasonings to your preference. You might want more lemon juice, salt, or pepper depending on your taste.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herby delight: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley for a boost of freshness and flavor.
- Fruity twist: Add some chopped grapes or apples for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Cream Cheese Chicken Salad: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on using mayonnaise and not accounting for bread or other serving additions and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This Chicken Salad Sam's Club recipe is a simple, delicious, and versatile addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can be both quick and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy!