Chicken Salad For Weddings: A Simple, Delicious Recipe

Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course and is perfect for potlucks, picnics, lunches, or light dinners. It is typically made with cooked chicken, mayonnaise, and various add-ins such as celery, grapes, nuts, and herbs. The chicken can be poached, baked, rotisserie, or leftover, and the salad can be served in a variety of ways, such as on bread, in a lettuce wrap, or over mixed greens. The key to a good chicken salad is the combination of flavours and textures, with the option to customise it to one's preferences.

Chicken salad ingredients

Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course and is perfect for a potluck, bridal shower, or a light meal. Here are the ingredients you'll need to make a delicious and flavourful chicken salad:

Chicken

The star of the dish! You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or bake/poach chicken breasts specifically for the salad. Dark meat or a combination of white and dark meat also works well.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is the classic binder for chicken salad, providing a creamy texture. You can use store-bought or make your own at home. Alternatively, you can use Greek yoghurt or sour cream for a lighter option.

Dijon Mustard

A little Dijon mustard goes a long way in adding depth of flavour and a touch of spice to your chicken salad.

Fruits and Vegetables

Grapes, celery, and green onions are common additions to chicken salad. Grapes provide a burst of sweetness and moisture, while celery and green onions add a nice crunch and flavour. You can also include carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.

Nuts

Toasted almonds are a popular choice for chicken salad, providing a nutty flavour and extra crunch. Other options include pecans, walnuts, or cashews. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the salad enhances their flavour.

Herbs

Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, tarragon, or chives can take your chicken salad to the next level. They add a burst of flavour and a touch of elegance to the dish.

Seasonings

Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the flavours of your chicken salad. You can also include other seasonings like lemon juice, garlic powder, or curry powder to give it a unique twist.

With these ingredients and your preferred cooking method for the chicken, you can create a delicious and memorable chicken salad that's perfect for any occasion.

Chicken salad dressing

The dressing is a key component of any chicken salad. It brings all the ingredients together and adds flavour to the dish. Here are some tips and variations for making the perfect chicken salad dressing.

Ingredients

Mayonnaise is the classic base for chicken salad dressing. It acts as a creamy binder that brings together all the ingredients. You can use store-bought mayonnaise or make your own at home. If you want to reduce the amount of mayonnaise, you can replace half of it with Greek yoghurt. This will make the dressing lighter and healthier.

You can also experiment with other bases like sour cream or Miracle Whip. If you use Miracle Whip, add two teaspoons of granulated sugar to the mix to sweeten it.

Add lemon juice to the mayonnaise to enhance the flavour. The lemon juice adds brightness to the dressing. Make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice, not the kind that comes in a bottle or from concentrate.

For extra flavour, add some Dijon mustard to the mix. It adds depth and a little spice to the dressing.

Finally, season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

You can experiment with different herbs and spices to create a unique flavour profile for your chicken salad. Here are some options:

• Fresh dill is a great addition to the dressing. It adds a unique flavour and is very fragrant.
• Tarragon is a secret ingredient that gives the salad a wow factor. It pairs beautifully with chicken.
• Chives, basil, or parsley can also be added for extra flavour.
• Curry powder can be added for a spicy kick.
• Poppy seeds can be used for extra crunch.

You can also try different types of nuts in the dressing. Toasted almonds are a popular choice, but you can also use pecans, walnuts, or cashews. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the dressing brings out their nutty flavour.

For a sweeter dressing, you can add grapes, apples, or pears. The fruit adds a refreshing touch to the salad and makes it more colourful.

Finally, you can experiment with different types of onions. Red onions add a mild flavour, while green onions have a more pungent taste. You can also use sweet Vidalia onions or chives for a unique flavour profile.

Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to create your own unique chicken salad dressing!

Chicken salad substitutions

Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be customised in numerous ways to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Here are some ideas for substitutions in a chicken salad:

Chicken

The chicken in a chicken salad can be substituted with chickpeas, tofu, jackfruit, soy curls, cauliflower, or tempeh. These alternatives provide a similar texture and serve as a protein source while accommodating vegan and vegetarian diets.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a key ingredient in chicken salad, but it can be substituted with Greek yoghurt, sour cream, or vegan mayonnaise for those who prefer a plant-based option or want to reduce the fat content.

Vegetables and Fruits

Chicken salad often includes vegetables and fruits such as celery, carrots, onions, apples, grapes, and pickles. These can be customised based on preference. For example, fennel can replace celery, green onions or shallots can be used instead of red onions, and pomegranate seeds or cranberries can be substituted for grapes to add a unique twist of flavour and colour.

Nuts

Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans are commonly added to chicken salad for crunch and flavour. However, these can be substituted or omitted for those with allergies or dietary restrictions. Sunflower seeds or peanuts are potential alternatives, providing a similar texture and nutty flavour.

Herbs and Seasonings

Herbs like dill, parsley, chives, and tarragon add freshness and flavour to chicken salad. If you don't have access to fresh herbs, dried herbs can be used instead. Additionally, seasonings like poultry seasoning, curry powder, poppy seeds, and Dijon mustard can enhance the flavour profile of the salad.

How to make chicken salad

Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course and is perfect for a potluck, bridal shower, or a light meal. It is typically made with diced or shredded chicken, a creamy dressing, and a variety of mix-ins for added flavor and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious and flavorful chicken salad.

Ingredients:

For the chicken salad, you will need cooked chicken, mayonnaise, add-ins such as celery and green onions, and seasonings to taste. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or bake/poach chicken breasts specifically for the salad.

For the dressing, you will need mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can also add other ingredients such as Greek yogurt, sour cream, Dijon mustard, or fresh herbs like dill or tarragon to enhance the flavor.

Optional mix-ins include grapes, apples, nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), and chopped onions. These ingredients add sweetness, crunch, and savory flavors to the salad.

Instructions:

• Prepare the chicken by shredding or chopping it into bite-sized pieces. If you are cooking the chicken specifically for the salad, you can poach, bake, or sauté it. For poaching, place the chicken in a pot with cold water, bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F to 165°F. Let the chicken rest and chill in the fridge before using.
• Toast the nuts (if using) in a pan on the stove over medium-high heat until fragrant and golden. Let them cool completely before adding them to the salad.
• Chop the add-ins and mix-ins: dice the celery and onions into small pieces, and quarter or halve the grapes. If using apples, chop them into small pieces as well.
• Make the dressing by combining mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. You can adjust the amounts to taste and even add other ingredients like Greek yogurt or Dijon mustard for extra flavor.
• In a large bowl, add the chicken, chopped add-ins, and mix-ins. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is well combined.
• Season the chicken salad with salt and pepper, and adjust any other seasonings to taste.
• Refrigerate the chicken salad for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Chicken salad is best served cold.

Serving Suggestions:

Chicken salad is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• In croissants or on toasted bread
• As a filling for lettuce wraps or pita bread
• On a bed of mixed greens or pasta
• Scooped into avocado halves or large tomato halves

Storage:

Chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. It is not recommended to freeze chicken salad as the mayonnaise may separate when thawed.

How to serve chicken salad

Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, making it perfect for a wedding. Here are some ideas on how to serve chicken salad:

As a Sandwich

You can serve chicken salad as a sandwich by spreading it between slices of bread, such as toasted thick cuts of whole wheat bread or croissants. This is a classic and convenient way to enjoy chicken salad, making it easy to eat on the go.

In Lettuce Cups

For a low-carb option, you can serve chicken salad in lettuce cups or wraps. Simply use large romaine or butter lettuce leaves to wrap around the chicken salad, providing a crisp and refreshing contrast to the creamy filling.

Over Mixed Greens

Chicken salad can also be served as a more substantial salad by placing it over mixed greens such as arugula or salad greens. This option allows guests to customize their plates and adds a healthy touch to the meal.

In Croissants or Pita Bread

For a more indulgent option, chicken salad can be served in croissants or pita bread. Cutting the croissant in half and filling it with chicken salad creates a bakery-quality sandwich that is sure to impress. Stuffing pita bread with chicken salad is another simple yet delicious way to serve it.

As a Scoop

Chicken salad can be served as a scoop on its own or alongside other dishes. You can also get creative and scoop it into avocado halves, large tomato centres, or cooked artichoke hearts for a unique presentation.

As a Side Dish or Main Course

Chicken salad is versatile and can be served as a side dish or main course. It pairs well with various other dishes and can be a tasty addition to a buffet-style wedding meal.

Frequently asked questions