Ah, the classic chicken salad—a staple that always feels like a warm hug on a plate! Let me take you back to sunny picnics with friends, where this delightful dish graced our tables, making every bite a little celebration. The name "Carol" is whispered in moments of nostalgia, bringing to mind a beloved local deli with the secret recipe I’ve been working to replicate. Guess what? I think I’ve cracked it! This Copycat Classic Carol Chicken Salad has all the creamy, crunchy goodness you remember, but made right at home. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s whip up this gem together!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Why is this chicken salad so special? Well, it strikes an uncanny balance between flavors and textures that makes it irresistible! The tender, shredded chicken pairs beautifully with the silky mayonnaise, while the crunch of celery adds a refreshing snap. And don’t even get me started on those sliced almonds—oh, they’re like confetti at a party, bringing a nutty richness that elevates the whole dish! With just a hint of sweetness from the pickle relish and the zesty kick of Dijon mustard, every ingredient dances together in perfect harmony.
This recipe isn’t just about taste; it’s about nostalgia, convenience, and versatility. Whether you’re prepping a light lunch for yourself, hosting a gathering, or bringing a dish to share at a potluck, this chicken salad fits the bill. Plus, it makes excellent leftovers, just decision-making bliss! If you’re looking for something that evokes ease and flavor in every bite, this is it. Trust me, you’ll be the one everyone seeks for meal inspiration once you introduce them to this dish!
Gather these ingredients
Let’s explore the ingredients that bring our Copycat Classic Carol Chicken Salad to life:
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Cooked Chicken (2 cups): You can use rotisserie chicken for speed or poach your own for a heartfelt touch. Just make sure it’s shredded to create those tender bites that blend well with the other ingredients.
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Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): A classic binding agent. You could swap this for Greek yogurt if you’re looking to lighten things up, or even try an avocado-based mayo for a twist!
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Chopped Celery (1/4 cup): This is where we get that delightful crunch! Fresh celery adds a refreshing element, but feel free to throw in some diced apples for an extra crunch and sweetness.
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Sliced Almonds (1/4 cup): They provide an unexpected crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy elements. No almonds? No problem! Pecans or walnuts work wonderfully too.
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Sweet Pickle Relish (2 tablespoons): This sweet and tangy addition is what sets our salad apart! If you’re not a relish fan, a bit of finely chopped sweet pickle or even chopped pickles can work wonders too.
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Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a little kick—don’t skip this! It rounds out the flavors nicely. Looking for spice? Try a spicy mustard instead.
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Salt and pepper to taste: Essentials in any recipe to elevate every bite.
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Serving Options: I’m all about color and texture, so crispy lettuce, crunchy crackers, or soft bread are all perfect choices to serve it on.
How this recipe comes together
Alright, let’s dive into the how-to!
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Grab a large bowl: You want enough room to mix things freely. Go for a big one (the bigger the bowl, the less mess!).
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Combine the chicken and mayonnaise: Add the shredded chicken first, followed by the mayonnaise. Mix them together until the chicken is well-coated. It’s like a creamy blanket for those chicken pieces.
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Add in the veggies and extras: Toss in the chopped celery and sliced almonds. Now’s where the magic starts—add that sweet pickle relish and Dijon mustard. Each ingredient makes its delightful entrance; give everything a good fold. This isn’t just mixing; it’s creating a flavor symphony!
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Season it up: Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can adjust the flavors to your liking. Taste and tweak as you go!
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Chill, baby, chill: Cover your bowl with some plastic wrap and let it hang out in the fridge for at least an hour. Oh, this step is key! It allows the flavors to meld, the salad to get to know one another better.
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Serve it up:
When you’re ready to dive in, simply plate your salad on a bed of lettuce, scoop onto crispy crackers, or sandwich between fluffy bread. Whichever way you choose, it’ll be delicious!
Best way to enjoy it
Ah, the serving suggestions! This Chicken Salad is versatile, so let’s get creative. Serve it on a crisp bed of lettuce for a light lunch, or pile it high on a toasted slice of crusty bread for a hearty sandwich that’ll fill you right up! Consider pairing it with some fresh veggies or potato salad on the side for a delightful spread, or present it on a platter with crackers for a fantastic appetizer.
Feeling adventurous? Try a wrap! Spread the chicken salad on a tortilla, add some greens, maybe a slice of avocado, roll it up, and you’ve got an on-the-go meal. And let’s not forget about those chip lovers… a scoop of this salad over a bed of crunchy tortilla chips will take your nacho game to new heights!
Storage and reheating tips
Now, we all love leftovers, don’t we? Proper storage is the key to enjoying this chicken salad for days to come. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, I’d recommend leaving out the nuts before doing so, as their texture can change. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the fridge, and before serving, add freshly sliced almonds for that necessary crunch!
Pro tip: Always make sure you’re using clean utensils to scoop out portions. It keeps everything fresh!
Extra tips and advice
Let’s talk about making your chicken salad a success!
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Master your chicken: If you want to boost flavors, consider braising your own chicken with herbs and spices before shredding. It elevates the chicken taste and makes it sing!
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Textural balance is key: Mix up those textures! Want to get creative? Add some grapes for a pop of sweetness or diced bell peppers for extra crunch.
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Tweak the dressing: If you’re feeling spicy, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. It gives your chicken salad a little kick that takes it up a notch!
Recipe variations
There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen!
- Tropical Twist: How about adding some pineapple chunks and cashews for a tropical flair?
- Herbed Delight: Toss in some fresh dill or parsley to brighten the flavors.
- Mediterranean Style: Replace almonds with feta cheese and toss in some olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean vibe.
Get your culinary creativity flowing, and don’t hesitate to mix it up!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce, crackers, or bread for serving
Directions to follow
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and mayonnaise.
- Add the chopped celery, sliced almonds, sweet pickle relish, and Dijon mustard.
- Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
- Serve on lettuce, crackers, or bread.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does it take to prepare?
A: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 15 minutes of active prep time, plus an hour to chill.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! It’s a fantastic shortcut that still delivers great flavor.
Q: Is this recipe good for meal prep?
A: Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches.
Q: What dietary adjustments can I make?
A: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo, or swap in a vegan mayo for a plant-based version.
Q: Can I freeze this chicken salad?
A: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you do freeze it, remember to leave out the nuts. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Savoring a bowl of Copycat Classic Carol Chicken Salad is like reminiscing about those sun-soaked picnics with a touch of modern flair. You’ve got all the tools and tricks to make it your own now! Experiment a little, maybe even create your signature twist on this classic. I can assure you, the moment you take that first bite, you’ll be transported to a happy little moment in time. Can’t wait for you to try it—let me know how yours turns out!
Copycat Classic Carol Chicken Salad
Description
Enjoy a creamy and crunchy classic chicken salad that's perfect for picnics or light lunches. This Copycat Classic Carol Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of tender chicken, refreshing celery, and nutty almonds, all dressed in a flavorful sauce.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
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Mix Chicken and Mayonnaise
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and mayonnaise.Ensure chicken is well-coated. -
Add Veggies and Nuts
Toss in the chopped celery, sliced almonds, sweet pickle relish, and Dijon mustard.Fold until evenly coated. -
Season
Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.Adjust flavors to preference. -
Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.This step helps meld the flavors. -
Serve
Serve on a bed of lettuce, with crackers, or in a sandwich.Enjoy your Chicken Salad!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24g37%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 85mg29%
- Sodium 350mg15%
- Potassium 420mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 8g3%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 250 IU
- Vitamin C 1 mg
- Calcium 50 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 2 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 10 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 10 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 180 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 15 mg
- Zinc 1 mg
- Selenium 25 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.1 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
