Deli Style Chicken Salad – Savor the taste of an American favorite, with our Deli Style Chicken Salad. This recipe expertly combines chicken, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a delightful mix of nuts and dried fruits. Enhance your enjoyment with this fulfilling dish.
The first time I prepared this Deli Style Chicken Salad I was pleasantly surprised by how my husband and child couldn’t get enough of it. Their faces lit up with each bite making it an instant family favorite. The combination of textures and the perfect balance between sweet and savory left us wanting more. It’s amazing how a simple recipe can create moments around the dining table.
What makes this Deli-style Chicken Salad truly special?
Elevate your lunchtime experience with our Deli-style Chicken Salad—a tantalizing symphony of flavors and textures that sets it apart. Succulent diced chicken harmonizes with the crispness of celery and bell peppers while the unexpected touch of sweetness from dried cranberries, cherries, or grape halves adds a playful twist. The fusion of Miracle Whip and mayonnaise creates a dressing that is like a masterpiece draping over the ingredients resembling a work of art. Toasted pecans not only provide a crunch but also infuse a warm nutty richness, to the dish. The salad becomes a combination of visuals and delicious flavors as it sits, offering more than just a meal but a cherished moment shared with loved ones. Because of its nature, this recipe allows you to unleash your culinary imagination guaranteeing that each preparation is a one-of-a-kind and memorable experience.
What You Need To Make This Deli Style Chicken Salad Recipe?
Chicken: The soul of this dish lies in the chicken. Ensure it’s cooked to perfection—juicy and tender. Whether grilled, baked, or rotisserie, the choice is yours. Cubing the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of flavors.
Nuts: Pecans take center stage, but don’t hesitate to explore other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a personalized touch. Toasting the pecans is crucial; it deepens their nuttiness, adding a delightful contrast to the creamy elements.
Fruits: Dried cranberries, cherries, or grape halves introduce a burst of sweetness that dances alongside the savory notes. Choose your favorite or combine them for a vibrant flavor palette. These fruits not only tantalize taste buds but also add a visually appealing pop of color.
Creamy Harmony: The marriage of Miracle Whip and mayonnaise creates a dressing that envelopes the ingredients in a luscious, tangy embrace. While ratios can be adjusted, this unique blend forms the backbone of the dish’s distinctive flavor profile.
Veggies: Celery, green bell pepper, and green onions contribute a refreshing crunch and earthy undertones. Enhancing both texture and visual appeal, this trio creates a colorful and balanced composition.
Seasoning: Paprika and seasoning salt are the enchanting magicians in this recipe. Paprika introduces subtle smokiness while seasoning salt imparts a balanced salty kick. Start with the recommended quantities and adjust according to your palate.
Black Pepper: A dash of ground black pepper weaves the flavors together with a gentle warmth. Its understated spiciness complements the dressing’s creaminess and the fruit’s sweetness, creating a harmonious ensemble in every spoonful.
Steps To Make Deli-Style Chicken Salad:
Step 1: In a spacious bowl, combine the Miracle Whip, mayonnaise, paprika, and seasoning salt. Give it a thorough mix until the flavors meld seamlessly.
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Step 2: Introduce the star of the show—the cooked and cubed chicken—to the bowl. Followed by the chopped celery, vibrant green pepper, fragrant green onions, toasted pecans, and your choice of dried cranberries, cherries, or grape halves.
Step 3: Gently stir the ensemble, ensuring every component is beautifully coated in the creamy dressing. Season this symphony with a dash of ground black pepper to awaken the taste buds.
Step 4: Here’s the patience part—cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This waiting period isn’t just about anticipation; it’s about allowing the flavors to intertwine and reach their full potential.
Step 5: When the moment arrives, grab a serving, and embrace the medley of flavors and textures that make this salad so special.
Tip:
For an extra layer of flavor depth, marinate the cubed cooked chicken in a small amount of the dressing mixture for about 30 minutes before combining all the ingredients. This not only infuses the chicken with the zesty tang of the dressing but also ensures that every bite of the Deli Style Chicken Salad bursts with a harmonious blend of flavors from the very first mouthful.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use other nuts in this recipe?
Sure! You can definitely try using other types of nuts in this recipe. While pecans offer a crunch feel free to experiment with walnuts or almonds for a twist.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made ahead of time. In fact, its flavors improve over time. So preparing it a day in advance will result in a more indulgent experience.
Can I substitute the Miracle Whip with more mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute Miracle Whip with more mayonnaise if you prefer. However, it’s worth noting that Miracle Whip adds a tanginess that contributes to the salad’s flavor profile.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Deli Style Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- ½ cup Miracle Whip
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 4 cups of cooked chicken cubed
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 2 green onions chopped
- ½ cup green bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup toasted and chopped pecans
- 1 cup dried cranberries dried cherries, or sliced grape halves
- Dash of black pepper to taste
Instructions
- For the dressing start by combining ½ cup of Miracle Whip with ½ cup of mayonnaise in a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon each of paprika and seasoning salt making sure to mix everything
- Next, incorporate 4 cups of cubed cooked chicken into the dressing mixture.
- To add some freshness and crunch stir in ½ cup of chopped celery, 2 chopped onions and ½ cup of chopped green bell pepper.
- For a delightful texture toss in 1 cup of toasted and chopped pecans.
- To give it a sweet twist add 1 cup of dried cranberries, cherries or sliced grape halves.
- Don't forget to sprinkle a dash of pepper to enhance the flavors. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Before serving and savoring this dish. Refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour. This will allow all the flavors to blend together perfectly.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
