Craving that light, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful chicken salad you get at Jason's Deli? Forget the drive and the price tag! This recipe lets you recreate that deliciousness right in your own kitchen. It's a perfect healthy meal, a quick dinner idea, and a testament to the power of homemade cooking. This easy recipe is packed with flavor and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 1.5 lbs raw)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (choose your favorite brand or make your own!)
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons grapes, halved
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 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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Prep the Chicken: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breast. Grilling, baking, or poaching all work well. Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding. This ensures a better texture in the final salad.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, grapes, parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. If using, add the pecans or walnuts now.
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Mix Gently: Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold all the ingredients together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the chicken salad tough.
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Chill & Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is key for a truly delicious chicken salad! Serve on bread, crackers, croissants, lettuce wraps – the possibilities are endless!
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
- Chicken Quality Matters: Using high-quality, fresh chicken will significantly enhance the taste of your salad.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can result in a gummy texture. Gentle folding is the key to a light and fluffy chicken salad.
- Taste & Adjust: Before chilling, taste the chicken salad and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want more salt, pepper, or Dijon mustard.
- Get Creative with Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other additions like dried cranberries, apples, or different types of nuts.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Curry Chicken Salad: Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder for an exotic twist.
- Greek Chicken Salad: Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a serving size of approximately 1/2 cup and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This easy chicken salad recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. It’s a delicious dish that's perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a simple yet satisfying dinner. Enjoy!