Paula Deen Chicken Salad Recipe

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Have you ever tried Paula Deen’s chicken salad recipe? If not, I highly recommend it. This recipe is sure to hit all the right notes, as it is both healthy and delicious.

What intrigued me the most was that Paula Deen used a few unique ingredients, like almonds and seedless grapes, to make the salad healthier. Therefore, I instantly decided to try her recipe.

Honestly, I am glad that I gave it a shot, as it was so delicious. This salad is packed with different flavors that pop in the mouth with every bite. I especially love the addition of curry powder, which complements the sweetness of grapes really well. Also, you cannot miss the crunchy texture of this salad, which comes from celery and almonds.

Hence, this salad is so great that it can be enjoyed on its own or in a sandwich to make a wholesome meal. This chicken salad has become my go-to salad for satiating those instant hunger pangs.

So, let me get to the recipe so you can make this delicious chicken salad at home.

What's In The Post

Equipment Required

Large Bowl: I use a large bowl to mix all the ingredients for the salad.
Salad Spoons: Salad spoons comprise of a wooden spoon and a spoon fork. They make it easier for me to fold the ingredients gently. However, you can also use the wooden spoon alone or any spoon of your choice.
Small Bowl and Teaspoons: I always organize my ingredients before starting any recipe. Therefore, I use small bowls and measuring spoons to keep everything ready to go.
Knife: I use a sharp knife to chop the vegetables for the salad.
Chopping Board: I use a wooden chopping board to chop the vegetables.
Serving Bowls: You will need a serving bowl to serve the chicken salad.

Paula Deen Chicken Salad Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: The ingredients used in this recipe will help you make 6 servings. However, you can adjust the quantity of the ingredients as per your requirements.

1 Cup Mayonnaise: Sour cream or Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe.
1 Stalk Finely Chopped Celery: I sometimes add cucumber instead of celery, and it tastes good too. You can also replace it with radish or green bell peppers.
2 Tablespoons Finely Chopped Red Onion: While this recipe calls for red onions, you can also use yellow or white onions.
½ Juiced Lemon: I sometimes add orange juice to this salad for the sweet tangy flavor. However, you can also add lime juice instead.
2 Teaspoons Curry Powder: Curry powder is a combination of ground cumin and chili powder. You can use these two, or just ground cumin powder can be substituted.
1 (3 lb) Skin Removed, Meat-Picked Roasted Chicken: You can also use rotisserie, grilled, or poached chicken as an alternative in this recipe.
2 Cups Halved Seedless Red Grapes: When I cannot find red grapes, I use pomegranate seeds in this salad.You can also use cherries or blueberries to sweeten it.
½ Cup Chopped Roasted And Salted Almonds: Many nuts go well in chicken salad. While I love incorporating roasted pistachios and hazelnuts, you can also use Brazil nuts or pecans.
Kosher Salt to taste: I generally use table salt in this salad. However, you can also use Himalayan pink salt or black salt.
Black Pepper to taste: You can also use white pepper in this salad.

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Total Time
5 Minutes	6 Minutes

How To Make Paula Deen Chicken Salad At Home

Step 1

Place the roasted and shredded chicken in a large bowl.

Step 2

Add onions to the shredded chicken.

Step 3

Add 1 cup mayonnaise to the bowl and gently fold it with chicken and onions.

Step 4

Then, add 2 cups of seedless grapes to the mixture.

Step 5

Next, add finely chopped celery to the salad mixture.

Step 6

Add lemon juice and combine all the ingredients gently.

Step 7

Season the salad to taste with salt, freshly ground pepper, and curry powder.

Step 8

Then add roasted and salted almonds to the salad mixture and mix it gently.

Step 9

The salad is ready, but let it sit in the fridge for a few hours before eating it. You can also use it as a filling for your sandwiches.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

I usually marinate the chicken before roasting and shredding it for the salad. This makes the chicken flavorful and does not taste bland.
I always use boneless, skinless chicken breasts to make this chicken salad. They tend to yield the best texture.
I let the chicken salad sit overnight in the refrigerator before consuming it. This step ensures that all the flavors are completely blended.
I find that adding a pinch of brown sugar perfectly balances the flavors. You can also experiment with different sweeteners in the salad, like honey or maple syrup.

FAQs About Paula Deen Chicken Salad

Why is the chicken salad tasting bland?

The chicken salad requires good seasoning. So, make sure to season the salad with salt and pepper to your taste. Also, don’t forget to add lemon juice, vinegar, lime, or orange juice to the salad for that citrusy punch to your liking and taste.

Why is the chicken in the salad tough?

Using overcooked chicken can make it tough to chew.

How can chicken salad prevent it from getting soggy?

To prevent your chicken salad from becoming soggy, thoroughly dry all the vegetables before mixing them in. Additionally, use an appropriate amount of mayonnaise.

How do you fix a dry chicken salad?

You can add more mayonnaise to the salad to avoid the dry texture of the salad.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

While chicken salad is rich in lean protein and is a decent source of iron, adding ingredients like mayonnaise makes it rich in fat and calories. Therefore, it is preferable to have this salad in moderation.

For your reference, I have also mentioned the nutritional values of this recipe in the table below:

Calories	702 Kcal
Fat	47 g
Monounsaturated Fat	17 g
Trans Fat	0.1 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	22 g
Cholesterol	16 mg
Sodium	653 mg
Total Carbohydrates	39 g
Dietary Fiber	7 g
Total Sugar	25 g
Protein	15 g
Vitamin A	421 IU
Vitamin C	61 mg
Calcium	217 mg
Iron	3mg
Potassium	731 mg

This chicken salad recipe is suitable for people following a gluten-free, dairy-free, or keto-friendly diet. All the ingredients mentioned in the recipe are suitable for these diets.

People who follow a sodium-free diet can replace the salt in this recipe with bio-nutri heart salt to make it suitable for a low-sodium diet.

How To Make Paula Deen Chicken Salad At Home

Storing This Recipe

Refrigerator: I store the leftovers of my chicken salad in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. This way, it stays fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer—If I want the salad to last longer than usual, I prefer freezing it. I transfer the contents to an airtight container and label the container. The salad can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

What To Serve With This Recipe

I usually prefer having my chicken salad as a filling in sandwiches, wraps, burgers, etc. You can serve it alongside grilled asparagus spears, Butternut Squash Soup, Tomato Soup, Tacos, or with Simple Fries. However, this dish can also be enjoyed on its own.

Printable Version

More Paula Deen Recipes You May Like

Crab Cakes Served With Lemon — Paula Deen Crab Cakes

Take A Bite Of Pineapple Casserole — Paula Deen Crab Cakes

Conclusion

Paula Deen’s chicken salad is my all-time favorite. Her recipe is simple and easy to follow, and packed with flavors and nutrients. The best part is that its versatility allows you to experiment.

The mom in me is always looking for recipes where health and taste go hand in hand. So, try out this recipe and let us know in the comment section below about your experience and tweaks to the salad. Happy Cooking.

Paula Deen Chicken Salad Recipe

Equipment Required

Paula Deen Chicken Salad Ingredients & Substitutions

Preparation And Cooking Time