Description
Southern charm meets creamy delight in Paula Deen’s classic chicken salad. Shredded chicken mingles with crisp celery, tangy mayo, and secret seasonings, creating a nostalgic taste that welcomes you to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 (3 lb / 1.36 kg) roasted chicken, skin removed, meat picked
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 2 cups halved seedless red grapes
- 1 stalk finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- ½ lemon, juiced
- Optional: lettuce
- Optional: tomato, sliced
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- ½ cup chopped roasted and salted almonds
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Serving:
- Whole wheat bread
Instructions
- Craft the vibrant curry-infused dressing by whisking mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, aromatic curry powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and thoroughly integrated.
- Incorporate diced cooked chicken, halved sweet red grapes, finely chopped crisp celery, minced red onion, and sliced toasted almonds into the dressing, gently folding the ingredients to ensure even distribution and prevent crushing delicate components.
- Conduct a flavor assessment by sampling the chicken salad, carefully adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile, ensuring a balanced and harmonious blend of flavors.
- Present the curried chicken salad as a versatile dish: layer between slices of toasted whole wheat bread with fresh crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices for a classic sandwich, or serve chilled atop a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option.
- For optimal enjoyment, refrigerate the salad for 30 to 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify, or serve immediately if preferred, maintaining a cool temperature to preserve freshness and texture.
Notes
- Maximize flavor development by allowing the chicken curry salad to rest in the refrigerator, letting ingredients blend and intensify their taste profile.
- Seek out crisp, plump seedless grapes that provide a juicy burst without compromising the salad’s overall texture and consistency.
- Select premium roasted almonds with a robust crunch, ensuring they enhance the dish’s nutty undertones and provide satisfying textural contrast.
- Customize curry powder intensity by gradually adding and tasting, creating a personalized spice level that suits your palate perfectly.
- Prioritize high-quality, freshly cooked chicken as the foundational protein, guaranteeing a succulent and flavorful base for your culinary creation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 354 kcal
- Sugar: 2.4 g
- Sodium: 1,037 mg
- Fat: 28.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 3.7 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 19.1 g
- Cholesterol: 201 mg