Deli-Style Chicken Salad

Deli-Style Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

If you’re a fan of fresh, creamy, and flavorful chicken salads from your local deli, this Deli-Style Chicken Salad recipe is the perfect way to recreate that delicious deli experience at home! With tender, shredded chicken, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing made with mayo, mustard, and a touch of tanginess, this chicken salad is both hearty and satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as a sandwich, served over a bed of greens, or on crackers, this recipe will quickly become your go-to lunch or picnic dish. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and incredibly versatile!

History of the Dish

Chicken salad has been a beloved dish in American cuisine for over a century. It’s commonly found in delis, diners, and cafes, and its origins date back to the early 1900s. The original versions often included just chicken, mayonnaise, and seasonings, but over time, various ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and vegetables were added to create different versions. Today, deli-style chicken salad has evolved to become a go-to comfort food, enjoyed in sandwiches, wraps, or as a light salad, and often found in delis across the country.

Health Benefits

Chicken salad, when made with lean chicken and healthy ingredients, can be a nutritious option:

• Chicken Breast – A great source of lean protein, chicken breast is low in fat and high in vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, phosphorus, and selenium.
• Greek Yogurt – Using Greek yogurt in place of part of the mayo adds protein and a creamy texture with less fat and fewer calories.
• Celery and Apples – These crunchy vegetables and fruits are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, supporting digestive health and providing a satisfying texture.
• Nuts (optional) – If you decide to add nuts like walnuts or almonds, you’ll get a boost of healthy fats, fiber, and additional vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients

for Deli-Style Chicken Salad:

• For the Chicken Salad:
  • 2 ½ cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 apple (Granny Smith or Gala), diced (optional, for sweetness and crunch)
  • 1/4 cup walnuts or almonds, chopped (optional, for added crunch)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• For the Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (for a tangy kick)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (for freshness)
  • 1 tsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for flavor)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color and mild flavor)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Start by cooking your chicken. You can use cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut, or cook chicken breasts by boiling or pan-searing until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Shred or cube the chicken once it’s cooled down. Crack Chicken Tenders
2. For extra flavor, you can lightly season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Add-ins

1. While the chicken is cooling, chop the celery, red onion, and apple (if using). If you’re adding nuts, chop them as well.
2. Combine the chopped celery, red onion, apple, and nuts (if using) in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and honey. Stir well until all ingredients are smoothly blended.
2. Add salt and pepper to taste, and feel free to add garlic powder and paprika for extra flavor if desired.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken Salad

1. Add the shredded or cubed chicken to the bowl with the vegetables and nuts.
2. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir everything together gently, making sure the chicken and veggies are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and taste for seasoning, adjusting salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the chicken salad on your choice of bread for a sandwich, in a wrap, or over a bed of leafy greens for a light salad. You can also enjoy it with crackers or as a dip. Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor, if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

• On Bread: Serve the chicken salad in a sandwich with your favorite bread, such as whole grain, sourdough, or a croissant.
• In a Wrap: Roll the chicken salad in a whole wheat or spinach wrap for a healthy and portable meal.
• As a Salad: Serve it on top of mixed greens with a drizzle of extra lemon or vinaigrette for a light, refreshing meal.
• With Crackers: For a simple and tasty appetizer, serve the chicken salad with your favorite crackers or pita chips.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Serves 4, with 1/4 of the recipe per serving)

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 400mg (can be reduced by using low-sodium mayo or yogurt)

Tips for Success:

• Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with add-ins like grapes (for sweetness), raisins, or even diced pickles for an extra tang.
• Greek Yogurt: If you want to make the salad a little lighter, you can substitute more Greek yogurt for mayo. This will add protein and a creamy texture without all the fat.
• Make Ahead: This chicken salad stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it a great option for meal prepping or for a quick, grab-and-go lunch.
• Customizing Flavors: If you prefer a spicier version, add a little sriracha or chopped jalapeños to the dressing for a kick.

Conclusion

This Deli-Style Chicken Salad is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet, making it a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and highly versatile. Whether you’re enjoying it as a sandwich, salad, or dip, this homemade version will quickly become a favorite in your household. With fresh ingredients and customizable add-ins, you can make it as simple or as adventurous as you like. Say goodbye to store-bought versions and enjoy this delicious homemade chicken salad any time! Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy