Summer Chicken Salad
I know I’ve literally been typing this for weeks, so I’ll just go ahead & say it again….so we are finally finding ourselves at the tail-end of summer – and personally, ((PLEASE LAWD I’m so damn tired of sweating)) – I mean, its September 2nd soooo technically it’s definitely fall? I personally believe that Labor Day itself = the beginning of fall. Others follow the calendar of when the first PSL of the year is released to call it “fall”. Whatever. But, I have a last few family recipes that I make every summer and they are amazing – but so damn laborious. This one I’m about to share is one of the more time-consuming ones. I promise it worth it!
everybody makes chicken salad….
A delicious & healthy twist on Chicken Salad – I know I’ve preached about my Southern-isms and swaps for over a year now ((if you’ve even been reading my blog for a year)) because I truly believe these swaps can make such a big, noticeable difference in old classic recipes.
Ok seriously though, I have a love-hate relationship with Mayonnaise. I love it as long as it’s not the main thing I taste – you feel me? I LOVE a good mayo & ‘mater sandwich….but I need to LOAD UP with tomatoes cause too much mayo just feels slick & ick….ugh.
the nerve.
AAAANYWAY – swapping out the full amount of mayo with ½ Greek Yogurt will change your life – Greek Yogurt is creamy, it’s got a different kind of tang to it – not to mention it’s healthier & packed with protein, so, you’re welcome. TA-DAAAA!
My husband does not like grapes in his chicken salad (eyerollllll) so I usually make him a small Tupperware without. Apparently, this is up for debate. I’ve seen many recipes over the years with craisins, raisins, apples, grapes, etc. but since I make this in the summer & grapes are in season, I put the damn grapes in.
nobody’s gonna know
My Summer Chicken Salad is so refreshing with the addition of lemon juice & herbs – you’ll keep coming back for more! It’s perfect on Kings Hawaiian mini rolls, Trader Joe’s Fig & Olive crisps, toasted croissants, or the ever-faithful : plain white bread.
The real treat is the hidden crunch of the slivered almonds – they are small enough that they won’t be noticeable, but SO delectable when you bite in & get one!
Let me know if you taste a difference without ALL the mayo – I also think this puts a super sneaky & fresh spin on the whole idea of chicken salad & gives a nod to the health conscious.
Probably one of the more classic southern favorites that you’ve most definitely heard of, right? Can’t imagine a Derby Party, backyard BBQ, or summer picnic without it! Lets get to it –
Ingredients
((my secret ingredients are swapping out all-mayo for ½ Greek yogurt, fresh dill, fresh oregano & fresh thyme, and the juice of 1 whole lemon))
· 1 whole Rotisserie chicken – chilled, skin off, carefully deboned, torn in pieces.
· 1 lemon, juiced
· Finely chopped Fresh Herbs – dill, oregano, thyme, rosemary (however much of each you want to use!) but my rule of thumb is at least ¼ cup total of all chopped herbs.
· S+P to taste
· ½ cup light Mayo (use Duke’s, honey)
· ½ cup Greek Yogurt (plain, nonfat)
· ¼ cup smooth Dijon mustard
· 4 celery ribs (diced reeeeal fineee)
· 4 green onions (whites & all!) finely diced
· 3/4 cup, sliced, ANY type seedless grapes (or omit altogether)
· ¼ cup slivered almonds
Instructions, 1
Firstly, pull the skin off & be sure to debone your Rotisserie chicken thoroughly – as you probably know, Rotisserie chickens are great for meals like this, but theres soooo many hidden lil bones throughout, so pick your chicken carefully.
You can choose to have your chicken in bite-sized chunks or you can rip your chicken into shreds – there is no wrong decision for how you choose to have your chicken texture.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together : mayo, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, chopped herbs, S+P.
The “dressing” makes a creamy base that makes mixing in all the other ingredients SO much easier – plus it gives you a chance to slice & dice all your ingredients so you can actually see whats going in!
Next, stir in the celery, green onions & grapes – that’s it! It comes together quickly but the Mis En Place (thanks, Anne Burrell) is truly what takes forever.
Finally, fold in the delicious Rotisserie chicken that you just painstakingly picked apart.
Give everything a few good stirs & scrape down the sides of your bowl – you want to ensure the chicken gets coated with the “dressing” and the herbs aren’t left behind on the sides of the bowl.
Instructions, 2
The slivered almonds can also be stirred in if you are choosing to serve your chicken salad right away.
Otherwise, let your chicken salad chill in the fridge for a few hours. The herbs & lemon juice will go to work making the chicken more tender & the salad super flavorful!
If you are choosing to serve your chicken salad later, you may sprinkle the almond slivers in & serve directly on top, or stir them in for a more incorporated *CRUNCH* that will be a delicious surprise for anyone who gets to eat it!
Your chicken salad can be stored in the fridge & will stay good for about 5 days. I truly believe it tastes better over time. Ritz crackers are also a delicious vehicle for my Summer Chicken Salad – and I mean really, who doesn’t always have Ritz Crackers on hand? *wink*
I’ve also been known to use Cotton Candy grapes in my chicken salad for that extra sweet factor. I discovered these at Fresh Market a few years ago – if you haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing Cotton Candy grapes then RUN and get you some!
Mix this up for someone you love – it is truly a perfect staple for spring & summer, even though I definitely make more of it during the summer when all my favorite things are in season! Summer Chicken Salad is perfect for Happy Hour, a cold plate, or even a protein-packed snack! Enjoy & happy (end) of summer!
feels good & good for ya.
This is one of those recipes that keeps coming around because it has always been SO delicious & pleases SO many people. I love to serve it on mini Kings Hawaiian sandwich rolls or on a bed of lettuce for a Chicken Salad, Salad. Fresh, Creamy, Bright & a welcome lemony hit makes this chicken salad different than the regular idea that comes to mind for most chicken salad = mostly bland and white in color, overly creamy & clumpy. GROSS. Who TF wants to eat that after reading that description?! NOBODY. That’s why I knew I needed to transform the classic. I suppose my take on Summer Chicken Salad could be compared to Waldorf Chicken salad but without the candied nuts or the apple chunks….which is fine with me because that kind of chicken salad is delicious as well – but it *almost* has TOO MUCH going on….don’t you think so too? I’m also excited because I’m working on a Curry Chicken Salad to release for next summer, so if you remember to keep your eyes peeled & your memory sharp, you won’t regret that either!
Thanks for stopping by!
I appreciate you stopping by! If you loved it, I’d love to hear from you.
If you hated it, then same.
Have a great day & look for my next entry!
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