Best 2 Whole Foods Classic Chicken Salad Recipes

Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our classic chicken salad, a versatile dish perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you're planning a light lunch, a refreshing summer picnic, or a healthy addition to your weekly meal prep, this timeless recipe offers a burst of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, our chicken salad delivers a satisfying balance of savory chicken, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together. Discover the secrets behind this beloved dish and elevate your culinary skills with our comprehensive guide, featuring variations and tips to customize your chicken salad to perfection. From the classic version to unique twists with different herbs, nuts, and dressings, we'll take you on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's embark on this delightful adventure together.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

WHOLE FOODS CLASSIC CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE - (3.8/5)

Whole Foods Classic Chicken Salad Recipe - (3.8/5) image

Provided by hanley89

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

Dressing for Chicken Salad
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp all purpose flour
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/4 tsp powdered mustard
2 1/2 tbsp cider vinegar
3 tbsp water
1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
2/3 cup mayonnaise
Chicken Salad
5 cups chicken, cubed
3 stalks celery, diced
1/2 red onion, chopped
2/3 cup dressing
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tsp sea salt or to taste
1 tsp white ground pepper or to taste

Steps:

To make Dressing 1.In abowl, whisk sugar, flour, salt, pepper and mustard, set aside.In a small saucepan, bring vinegar and water to a boil. Very slowly and gradually, add the boiled mixture to the egg yolk, stirring constantly, until its warm to touch. If any egg solidifies, pick it out and discard. Gradually add wet mixture to the dry ingredients, whisking constantly to combine 2.Reduce heat to low and pour mixture back into saucepan. Stirring constantly, heat the mixture until thickened ,2-3 minutes. DO NOT ALLOW TO BOIL.Remove from heat, transfer to bowl and cool completely. Mixed boiled dressing with mayonnaise To make chicken Salad 1. Put celery and red onion in food processor--pulse to chop lightly. Return to final serving bowl.Add chicken to serving bowl. Combine chicken ,celery ,red onion, dressing and sour cream. Add additional salt and pepper to taste

CHICKEN SALAD LIKE WHOLE FOODS'

Chicken Salad Like Whole Foods' image

This salad is very similar to the Sonoma Chicken Salad at Whole Foods' Deli. I love it - just not the hefty price tag. I enjoy creamy chicken salads with grapes and hope others will too. This is a combination of some other chicken salads and the ingredient list from Whole Foods. Plan ahead, the dressing should sit overnight in the refrigerator to meld flavors before adding to the other ingredients.

Provided by Garlic Chick

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
3/4 cup chopped celery
3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
2 cups seedless grapes
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
salt and pepper

Steps:

Combine mayonnaise, cider vinegar, honey, poppy seeds and salt and pepper.
Refrigerate overnight for the flavors to meld
Place chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish with 1/4-1/2 cup water.
Cover chicken and bake in a 375F oven until cooked through - about 25-30 minutes.
Cool and cut the chicken breasts into 3/4 inch pieces (or whatever bite size you wish) then chill.
Add the chopped celery, chopped toasted pecans, and grapes.
Pour the dressing mixture over the chicken mixture and combine gently until coated.
Serve on top of a green salad or as a sandwich.

Tips:

Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of your chicken salad. Use fresh, organic chicken, and choose mayonnaise and celery that are also fresh and crisp.
Cook the chicken properly: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough, so be careful not to overcook it. Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through, and then let it cool completely before shredding it.
Shred the chicken by hand: Shredding the chicken by hand will give you a more even and consistent texture than if you use a food processor. Plus, it's a great way to get some extra exercise!
Use a variety of vegetables: Don't just stick to celery and onion. Add some other vegetables to your chicken salad, such as carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers. This will give your salad more flavor and texture.
Use a good quality mayonnaise: The mayonnaise is one of the main ingredients in chicken salad, so it's important to use a good quality mayonnaise. Look for a mayonnaise that is made with real eggs and oil, and avoid mayonnaise that contains a lot of fillers or preservatives.
Season the chicken salad to taste: Once you've added all of the ingredients to your chicken salad, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs until the salad is perfectly seasoned to your liking.

Conclusion:

Chicken salad is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make, and it can be customized to your liking. Whether you like it simple or loaded with vegetables, there's a chicken salad recipe out there for everyone. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give chicken salad a try. You won't be disappointed!