There’s something about a good chicken salad that just hits the right note, and let me tell you, this Homemade Costco Chicken Salad recipe is the answer to so many cravings! I first discovered this gem during one of my weekend grocery runs when I bit into a fluffy sandwich loaded with fresh chicken salad. It felt indulgent yet light, and I knew I had to recreate that experience at home. Let’s dive into this delightful dish together, shall we?
Why you’ll love this recipe
Imagine a creamy, tangy concoction swooping in to rescue your lunch plans. This chicken salad is a total crowd-pleaser; whether it’s tucked within a sandwich, stuffed in a wrap, or simply served on a bed of greens, it shines in myriad forms. With only a handful of ingredients, it’s easy to whip up—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute weekend picnic.
Not to mention, the use of rotisserie-style chicken means your prep is practically halved. This salad is not just about taste; it’s also a way to turn mundane meals into extraordinary delights with minimal effort. Plus, the combination of creamy mayo and tangy sour cream creates a flavor explosion that’s irresistibly fresh.
And here’s my little secret: letting it chill in the fridge for an hour (or even overnight) is key. Patience pays off when it comes to flavor melding!
Gather these ingredients
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3-pound cooked rotisserie-style chicken (shredded): The foundation of this salad. Grab a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket to save time. If you’ve got leftover roast chicken, that works beautifully too!
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1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess. You can use your favorite mayo. For a healthier twist, opt for Greek yogurt or even avocado-based mayo!
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1/2 cup sour cream: This adds a smooth rich taste. No worries if you’re dairy-free—there are many plant-based sour cream alternatives.
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2 tablespoons white wine vinegar: A splash of acidity to balance the creaminess. You could substitute with apple cider vinegar, but the flavor profile changes subtly.
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1/2 lemon (juiced, about 1 tablespoon): Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish. Don’t skip it; it’s like sunshine in a bowl!
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1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors. You can adjust this to your taste preference.
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2 teaspoons sugar (optional for sugar-free diets): Just a hint mellows any acidity. If you’re following a sugar-free diet, skip it without worry!
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6 celery ribs (finely diced): Crème de la crème for crunch! It freshens up the salad and adds that satisfying bite.
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1/2 white onion (finely diced): Sweetness and texture come from this guy; make sure to dice it finely to blend well.
Preparing Homemade Costco Chicken Salad Recipe
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Shred the chicken: Start by shredding your rotisserie chicken. If you’re feeling fancy and have a food processor handy, pulse the chicken pieces in small batches for a finely shredded texture. Otherwise, just grab two forks and go to town! Set aside in a large bowl.
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Make the dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, and the lemon juice until smooth. Sprinkle in the sea salt and sugar, mixing well. This creamy dressing is where the magic happens, so don’t rush this step!
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Combine everything: Pour that luscious dressing over your shredded chicken, and add the diced celery and onion. Mix gently but thoroughly—every piece of chicken should feel loved with the dressing!
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Chill out: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour. This is when the flavors dance together and become one beautiful symphony. Trust me—it tastes even better the day after!
Best way to enjoy it
The versatility of this chicken salad is where it truly shines! Serve it cold on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing meal, or spread it between slices of crusty bread for the ultimate sandwich. For a fun twist, consider serving it in lettuce cups for a low-carb option! Pair it with some crunchy pickles or fresh fruit for a delightful balance. But really, you can’t go wrong.
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, trust me), store the chicken salad in an airtight container. It should stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, and if it seems a bit dry, add a dollop of mayo to rejuvenate it.
Extra tips and advice
Pro-tip: If you’re in the mood for a little kick, consider tossing in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist. And don’t be afraid to get creative! You could replace the celery with chopped apples for sweetness or add nuts like pecans for added crunch!
Creative Twists
Why not take it up a notch? Consider swapping in different herbs like dill or tarragon for a fresh take. You could also experiment with different mustards in the dressing to give it a tangy burst of flavor. If you have other veggies around, such as bell peppers or carrots, feel free to fold them in.
3-pound cooked rotisserie-style chicken (shredded)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream (use dairy-free if needed)
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/2 lemon (juiced, about 1 tablespoon)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons sugar (optional for sugar-free diets)
6 celery ribs (finely diced)
1/2 white onion (finely diced)
Step-by-step instructions
- Shred the cooked chicken; place in a large bowl.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, and lemon juice. Stir in the sea salt and sugar until smooth.
- Pour dressing over shredded chicken. Add diced celery and onion. Mix until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Enjoy chilled!
Your questions answered
- How long does prep take? About 15 minutes! Such a quick fix for deliciousness.
- Can I freeze it? While it’s best fresh, you can freeze it—just keep in mind the texture may change a bit.
- Is this recipe healthy? Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a great option most days!
- Can I make it ahead of time? Absolutely! It’s even better the next day.
- What can I serve it with? Try it with chips, fresh fruit, or crispy crackers!
This chicken salad is a delightful way to elevate your meal game with minimal fuss. It’s creamy, tangy, and refreshingly crunchy, perfect for any occasion! So, roll up those sleeves, grab those ingredients, and dive into this culinary adventure. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Experiment, tweak, and make it your own. Welcome to the world of delicious cooking!
Homemade Costco Chicken Salad Recipe
Description
This Homemade Costco Chicken Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, combining shredded rotisserie chicken with a creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables. It's perfect for a light meal or as a filling in sandwiches or wraps.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation Steps
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Shred the chicken
Start by shredding your rotisserie chicken and placing it in a large bowl. -
Make the dressing
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, and lemon juice until smooth. Add sea salt and sugar, mixing well. -
Combine everything
Pour the dressing over the shredded chicken and add diced celery and onion. Mix gently but thoroughly. -
Chill the salad
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.Letting it chill enhances the flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 27g42%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 500mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 2 IU
- Vitamin C 4 mg
- Calcium 2 mg
- Iron 4 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 2 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0 mg
- Niacin 15 mg
- Vitamin B6 5 mg
- Folate 2 mcg
- Vitamin B12 3 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 2 mg
- Phosphorus 25 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 2 mg
- Zinc 3 mg
- Selenium 20 mcg
- Copper 1 mg
- Manganese 0 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.
