Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1
In a large salad bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, grated hard-boiled eggs, salt, and pepper.
Mix well using a whisk or fork until fully incorporated. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings by adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
Step 2
Once the dressing is ready, add all salad ingredients on top, including the chopped chicken, celery, green onions, apple, cranberries, and pecans.
Gently stir everything together until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
Step 3
Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve your chicken salad with croissants, challah, or rolls, or wrap it in tortillas, or even place it on fresh lettuce leaves for a delightful presentation.
Bon Appetit!
Servings
Serve up your chicken salad in a beautiful way that will make your guests excited! Pair it with flaky croissants or warm rolls for a comforting meal. If you're feeling adventurous, wrap it in tortillas and create delicious chicken salad wraps that are perfect for lunch on-the-go.
For a fresh twist, try placing the salad on crisp lettuce leaves, creating an elegant presentation perfect for parties. Don't forget to drizzle a bit more dressing on top for an added kick of flavor. 🍽️✨
Equipment
Choose a large one to mix all the ingredients thoroughly without spillage. A glass bowl not only looks beautiful but allows you to see the vibrant colors of your salad.
A good mixing spoon is essential for stirring everything together. Wooden or silicone spoons work best to prevent scratching your bowl.
You'll need this to prepare the hard-boiled eggs. A fine grater will give you the perfect texture to mix into the dressing.
Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Grater for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
$28.97
$39.99
View details
Prime
KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Stainless Steel Box Grater for Fine, Medium and Coarse Grate, and Slicing, Detachable 3 Cup Storage Container and Measurment Markings, Dishwasher Safe, 10 inches tall, Black
$18.99
$24.99
View details
Precision is key! Use these to ensure you get the right amount of each ingredient for a balanced flavor.
Spring Chef Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons Set of 14 with Leveler, Nesting Kitchen Metal Measuring Cups and Spoons Set for Dry and Liquid Ingredients, Perfect for Cooking & Baking
$21.99
View details
Prime
Simply Gourmet Measuring Cups and Spoons Set of 12, 304 Premium Stainless Steel, Stackable Cups Long Handle Spoons Fits Narrow Jars, Kitchen Gadgets for Liquid & Dry Ingredients Cooking Baking
$32.98
$45.99
View details
Prime
Stainless Steel Measuring Cups And Measuring Spoons 10-Piece Set, 5 Cups And 5 Spoons
$13.95
$17.98
View details
Variations
If you're looking for some twists on this delightful dish, consider a few substitutions! For a **gluten-free** option, simply ensure that the mayonnaise and any other ingredients are certified gluten-free. You can also swap the pecans for sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture that suits everyone. 🥗
For a **vegan** version, replace the chicken with chickpeas or grilled tofu, and use vegan mayo instead of regular mayo. You’ll still get all that creamy goodness without the eggs! Get creative with your mix-ins too—try adding in some diced vegan cheese for an extra savory punch. 🥙💚
Faq
- What kind of chicken should I use?
You can use any cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken. Just ensure it's finely chopped to blend well with the other ingredients.
- How long can I store the chicken salad?
This chicken salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it covered to maintain freshness!
- Can I add more ingredients to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your salad with additional veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers, or even fruits like grapes for a refreshing twist!
- What can I do if the dressing is too thick?
If your dressing turns out too thick, simply stir in a little water or additional lemon juice to achieve your desired consistency.
- How do I make the chicken more flavorful?
You can marinate the chicken with your favorite spices or herbs before cooking it to infuse more flavor. Seasoning while cooking also makes a big difference!
- What can I pair this salad with for hosting events?
This chicken salad pairs wonderfully with various sides like fresh fruit platters, a selection of cheeses, or crispy baguette slices. It also works great as a filling on sandwiches!
