Sandra This Paula Deen Chicken Salad Recipe is a creamy and easy recipe, which is made with seedless red grapes and roasted almonds. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 20 minutes.
Paula Deen Chicken Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 stalk finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 juiced lemon
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 (3 lb) skin removed, meat picked roasted chicken
- 2 cups halved seedless red grapes
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted and salted almonds
- to taste Kosher salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for sandwiches, optional whole wheat bread
- for sandwiches, optional lettuce
- sliced, for sandwiches, optional tomato
How To Make Paula Deen Chicken Salad
- Mix the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Combine the salad: To the bowl with the dressing, gently fold in the picked chicken meat, halved grapes, chopped celery, red onion, and roasted almonds. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
- Taste and serve: Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately on whole wheat bread with lettuce and tomato, or chill until ready to serve.
Recipe Tips
- How do I get the best chicken for chicken salad? Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds a ton of flavor. Make sure to remove all the skin and bones, and chop or shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Can I use different nuts? Absolutely. While roasted almonds provide a great crunch, toasted pecans or walnuts would also be delicious substitutes.
- Why add curry powder? The curry powder is a classic secret ingredient that gives the salad a subtle warmth and depth of flavor. It complements the sweet grapes and creamy mayonnaise perfectly. Don’t skip it!
- How do I keep my chicken salad from getting watery? Make sure your cooked chicken is patted dry and completely cooled before mixing it with the dressing. Also, be careful not to overmix the salad, which can break down the ingredients.
What To Serve With Chicken Salad
This versatile chicken salad is perfect for more than just sandwiches. Try serving it:
- On a flaky croissant
- With a variety of crackers for dipping
- On a bed of mixed greens for a light lunch
- Stuffed inside a hollowed-out avocado or tomato
How To Store Chicken Salad
Refrigerate: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and it’s often even better the next day. Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and the celery will become watery upon thawing.
Chicken Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes, this is a perfect make-ahead dish. You can prepare it a day in advance. Storing it in the refrigerator allows the flavors to blend together beautifully.
Yes, green grapes will work just as well. They will provide a slightly more tart flavor compared to the sweetness of red grapes, which can be a delicious variation.
Red onion provides a milder flavor than yellow onion, which works well in this salad. If you don’t have red onion, you can substitute it with shallots or green onions for a similar mild taste.
Try More Recipes:
- Paula Deen Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Paula Deen Chicken and Pastry Recipe
- Paula Deen Fried Chicken Recipe
Paula Deen Chicken Salad Recipe
Description
A classic, creamy chicken salad packed with sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and roasted almonds, with a hint of savory curry.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, salt, and pepper.
- Gently fold in the chicken, grapes, celery, onion, and almonds until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve chilled, ideally on sandwiches with lettuce and tomato.
Notes
- A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving shortcut for this recipe.
- For the best texture, ensure the chicken is completely cool before mixing it with the dressing.
- The curry powder adds a unique, warm spice that is characteristic of this classic recipe.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
