Imagine a chicken salad that's not just a meal, but an experience - welcome to the world of Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad! This isn't your ordinary, run-of-the-mill chicken salad. It's a symphony of flavors that dances between sweet and savory, crunchy and creamy, creating a dish that will make your taste buds sing with joy. Perfect for those looking to elevate their lunch game or impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken, shredded
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Celery, diced
- Grapes, halved
- Almonds, sliced
- Salt
- Pepper
- Romaine lettuce
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. You will need cooked, shredded chicken, mayonnaise, mustard, diced celery, halved grapes, sliced almonds, salt, pepper, and romaine lettuce.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, and mustard. Start with about 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of mustard, adjusting to your taste preferences.
- Add the diced celery to the bowl. This will add a nice crunch to your salad. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with the mayonnaise and mustard.
- Next, fold in the halved grapes. These will add a sweet contrast to the savory chicken and creamy dressing. Mix gently to avoid crushing the grapes.
- Sprinkle in the sliced almonds for an added crunch. You can toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes if you prefer a nuttier flavor.
- Season the chicken salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust as needed, keeping in mind the saltiness of the mayonnaise.
- Once all ingredients are combined, taste the salad and adjust the seasonings or add more mayonnaise or mustard if desired.
- To serve, wash and dry the romaine lettuce leaves. You can either serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce or scoop it into the lettuce leaves for a more elegant presentation.
- Optionally, garnish the salad with additional sliced almonds or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for added flavor and color.
- Enjoy your Fancy Nancy Chicken Salad as a light lunch or a delightful dinner option!
Tips
- Use high-quality, freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor - rotisserie chicken works wonderfully!
- Toast your almonds before adding them to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
- Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- For a lighter version, substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Choose ripe, sweet grapes to balance the savory chicken and creamy dressing.
- Don't overdress the salad - start with less mayonnaise and add more as needed.
- For a beautiful presentation, serve in crisp romaine lettuce cups or on a bed of fresh greens.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
