The key ingredient in the best chicken salads is, of course, chicken.
However, you can make this classic recipe uniquely yours by adding whatever ingredients you choose.
Chicken Salad with a Deli Twist
This recipe is perfect for those times when you want to make deli chicken salad but don’t want to leave your house.
Learn how to make a quick and easy chicken salad that everyone will love!
In your opinion, what better summery dish than chicken salad for a picnic? It happens to everyone I know every summer.
I think I’ve been drinking it since I was a kid! It’s that commonplace.
I believe that every single American has a soft spot in their heart for chicken salad.
Fifty grammes of diced, boneless chicken breast is required per the recipe.
Weighing 300 grams, diced, skinless chicken thighs.
1.5 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil.
half a teaspoon of sea salt each.
Quarter of a teaspoon of black pepper.
powdered onion, 1/4 teaspoon.
1.5 cups of mayo.
The celery should be diced into thirds.
Peppered and sprinkled with sea salt.
Chicken Salad Recipe Inspired by Deli Style Initial Stage:
To get the chicken breasts and thighs ready, lightly coat them with oil.
Add some flavor by adding granulated onion, crushed black pepper, and sea salt.
What Comes Next:
Spread out in a baking dish and covering it loosely with aluminum foil is a good idea.
After 25 to 30 minutes in a 350°F oven, or when a thermometer inserted into the thickest section of the breast reads 165°, take it out.
The Next Stage:
Before placing the chicken in the refrigerator for an hour, let it ten minutes to cool down.
Divide the chicken into quarter-inch-long by half-inch-wide pieces when it has cooled.
Do the same with the thighs and breasts.
Combine the chopped chicken, celery, and mayonnaise in a big bowl and stir to combine.
The Next Stage:
Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, or perhaps overnight, after stirring to allow flavors to develop.
After the flavors in the chicken salad have had time to combine, it tastes even better the next day.
Stage Five:
When you’re ready to season it to your liking, add more salt and pepper.
Here are some variations and tips for making Chicken Salad with a Deli Twist:
Variations:
Meat Add-ins: Add deli meats like smoked turkey, ham, or pastrami for a deli-inspired flavor boost.
Cheese: Mix in shredded cheddar, Swiss, or crumbled blue cheese for an extra savory touch.
Crunchy Vegetables: Add diced celery, red onions, cucumbers, or bell peppers for extra crunch and freshness.
Pickles & Olives: Stir in chopped dill pickles, sweet relish, or green olives for a tangy deli-style flavor.
Herbs & Spices: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives can enhance the flavor, while spices like garlic powder, paprika, or mustard powder add depth.
Fruit Twist: Add sweetness with dried cranberries, grapes, or apple chunks, which complement the savory deli meats.
Nutty Texture: Toss in toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added crunch and texture.
Dressing Variations: Swap the usual mayo for Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a mix of mustard and vinegar for a tangy, lighter option.
Spicy Kick: Add a bit of sriracha, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños for a spicy version of chicken salad.
Tips:
Prepping Chicken: For maximum flavor, use roasted or grilled chicken, or even smoked chicken for a deli-style flavor. Leftover rotisserie chicken works great.
Chilling Time: Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Custom Texture: For a chunkier chicken salad, chop the chicken coarsely. For a creamier texture, shred the chicken or pulse it in a food processor.
Seasoning: Taste and season the salad well with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
Serving Options: Serve the salad on a bed of greens, as a sandwich filling, in a wrap, or with crackers for a fun twist.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may separate slightly.
These variations and tips will help you create a delicious and unique Chicken Salad with a Deli Twist, perfect for lunches or casual dinners!
Here’s how to properly store Chicken Salad with a Deli Twist:
Refrigerator Storage:
Shelf Life: Chicken salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Container: Use an airtight container to prevent the salad from absorbing odors or drying out.
Separation: If you’re using crunchy ingredients like nuts or croutons, store them separately and add just before serving to keep them crisp.
Freezer Storage:
Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze chicken salad with a mayo-based dressing, as the texture can change upon thawing.
If your dressing is yogurt-based or vinegar-based (without mayo), freezing is possible.
Freezing Method: For freeze-friendly versions, place the salad in a freezer-safe, airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month.
Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving.
Tips for Storing:
Mix Before Serving: If the dressing separates or becomes watery, give the salad a good stir before serving.
Serving: Chicken salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to let it soften a bit.
Proper storage will keep your Chicken Salad with a Deli Twist fresh and delicious!
Here is the approximate nutritional information for a typical serving (about 1 cup) of Chicken Salad with a Deli Twist:
Calories: 300-400 kcal
Protein: 20-25g
Fat: 20-30g
Saturated Fat: 3-6g
Carbohydrates: 5-10g
Sugars: 2-4g
Fiber: 1-2g
Cholesterol: 70-100mg
Sodium: 600-800mg (can vary based on deli meats and seasoning)
Key Nutritional Points:
Calories: Can vary depending on the type of deli meats, dressing (mayo, yogurt, etc.), and added ingredients like cheese or nuts.
Protein: Mostly comes from the chicken and deli meats, making this a high-protein dish.
Fat: Primarily from the dressing (mayonnaise or yogurt) and any cheese or nuts. For a lower-fat version, use Greek yogurt or light mayo.
Carbohydrates: Low in carbs unless fruit (grapes, apples) or sweeteners are added.
Sodium: The sodium content is influenced by deli meats and pickles. Opt for low-sodium meats and ingredients to reduce this.
This breakdown can change based on the specific ingredients and quantities used in the recipe.