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Close up of a chicken salad trio on a white platter, showing creamy texture, all atop a bed of greens served with a variety of crackers.. The platter is displayed on a picnic blanket.

Caitlin’s Famous Chicken Salad, Three Ways


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  • Author: Caitlin
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 1 pound each
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Three delicious variations to elevate my classic chicken salad base : Apple Walnut, Lemon Cream & Mint, and Pineapple Pecan. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep or entertaining. 


Ingredients

Scale

CHICKEN SALAD BASE

  • 7 – 10 boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
  • 6 – 8 celery stalks (omit if you’d like)
  • 1 egg (if making your own avocado mayo)
  • 1 cup avocado oil (if making your own avocado mayo)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt

APPLE WALNUT CHICKEN SALAD

  • 2 tablespoons Sicilian Lemon balsamic vinegar (optional, but enhances the flavor)
  • 1/2 cup raw walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup granny smith apple, diced
  • pinch (or two) of sea salt

LEMON CREAM & MINT CHICKEN SALAD

  • 2 tablespoons Sicilian Lemon balsamic vinegar (you could also use fresh lemon juice)
  • 2 – 3 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 2 – 3 tablespoons cream cheese (if you like it extra creamy!)
  • pinch (or two) of sea salt

PINEAPPLE PECAN CHICKEN SALAD

  • 2 tablespoons Pineapple balsamic or Coconut balsamic vinegar (optional, but enhances the flavor)
  • 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, diced
  • 1/2 cup raw pecans, roughly chopped
  • pinch (or two) of sea salt

Pro Tip : For fresh ingredients, such as the apple, mint, and pineapple, I recommend tossing into the chicken salad just before serving. This avoids any browning, wilting, or sogginess.


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base Recipe : Reference the base recipe and prepare a batch (or two). 
  2. Add Mix-Ins : Combine the chicken salad base and your desired mix-ins, tossing to combine until everything is well mixed.
  3. Refrigerate and Enjoy : I recommend refrigerating for at least 30 minutes to ensure the chicken salad is chilled through, and your mix-in flavors have a chance to meld. 

Notes

  • Start with my famous base recipe.
  • All variations store well in the fridge for 3 days, just be sure to keep mix-ins separate until ready to serve.
  • Mix-ins can be adjusted depending on your pantry.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Mixed
  • Cuisine: American