Chicken Salad Sandwich

This chicken salad sandwich recipe is all about hearty, healthy ingredients like grapes, celery and walnuts, tossed in a creamy sauce, and packed with flavor from tender pieces of rotisserie chicken.

The best part is, that this chicken salad is so versatile. You can serve it on your choice of bread, rolls, or even lettuce wraps. It’s a great make-ahead option and the flavors only get better as they meld together, making it perfect for meal prep!

If you’re a fan of salads with unique flavors, you should definitely check out my recipe for a ramen noodle salad. It’s a crunchy and refreshing salad that’s always a hit! And for another delicious twist on chicken salad, try my recipe for a curry chicken salad.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Family Favorite: This chicken salad is a hit with both kids and adults. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy celery, and sweet grapes is simply irresistible.
• Flavor-Packed: Despite the simple preparation, this chicken salad is bursting with flavor. The addition of dill relish and a hint of garlic powder takes it to the next level.
• Time-Saving: By using rotisserie chicken, you can have this chicken salad ready in no time. It’s the perfect recipe for a quick and delicious meal.
• Versatile: While this chicken salad is perfect for sandwiches, it’s also great on a bed of lettuce or as a topping for crackers. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways.

Key Ingredients

• Rotisserie Chicken: This will be the star of our chicken salad, providing a savory, juicy flavor and a tender, shredded texture.
• Mayonnaise: It will make our chicken salad creamy and add a rich, tangy flavor.
• Low-Fat Greek Yogurt: We’re using this to lighten up the mayonnaise and add a bit of tanginess.
• Celery: It will give our chicken salad a satisfying crunch and a fresh, vegetal flavor.
• Walnuts: Chopped walnuts will add a delicious crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
• Red Grapes: These will add a pop of sweetness and a juicy burst of flavor to every bite.
• Yellow Onion: It will add a sharp, pungency to our chicken salad, balancing out the sweetness of the grapes.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: This will add a bright, citrusy flavor and also help to keep the chicken salad from turning brown.
• Garlic Powder: It will add a savory depth of flavor to the chicken salad.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These will enhance all the flavors in the chicken salad, making them more robust and delicious.

Equipment

• Large Bowl – You’ll need this to mix the pulled rotisserie chicken with the other ingredients. Make sure it’s big enough to accommodate all the components without spilling.
• Sharp Knife – This is essential for chopping the celery, walnuts, and onions, as well as halving the grapes. It’s important to have even-sized pieces for the best texture in your chicken salad.

How to Make Chicken Salad Sandwich

Preparation

Start by pulling off the white and dark meat from a rotisserie chicken. You’ll need about four cups of chicken for this recipe. Place the pulled chicken into a large bowl.

Step 1 – Combine the Chicken and Ingredients

Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl of chicken. This includes diced celery, chopped red onion, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper.

Step 2 – Mix and Adjust

Mix all the ingredients until they are well combined. Once mixed, take a small amount and give it a try. This will help you determine if you’d like to add more salt to the mixture.

Step 3 – Serve

Once the chicken salad is ready, serve it chilled. You can enjoy it in a sandwich, or with crackers for a lighter option. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a main meal or as a light snack.

Expert Tip

To make sure your chicken salad is extra flavorful, don’t skimp on the seasoning. Give it a good mix and then do a quick tasting to adjust the salt to your liking. This simple step can make a big difference in the final dish.

Recipe Variations

• More Fruity: If you’re a fan of the sweet and savory combination, try adding more fruits like apples or even some dried cranberries to your chicken salad. This will add a nice, fruity twist to the classic recipe.
• Extra Crunchy: For an extra crunch, add more nuts. You can throw in some almonds or pecans in addition to the walnuts for a more diverse texture in your chicken salad.
• Spicier: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper to your chicken salad. This will give it a spicy kick without overpowering the other flavors.

What to Serve With

• For a classic lunch, serve the chicken salad sandwich between two slices of toasted whole wheat bread with a crisp lettuce leaf.
• If you’re hosting a brunch, why not make some chicken salad croissants? Simply slice some croissants in half and fill them with a generous portion of the chicken salad.
• If you’re looking for a low-carbohydrate option, you can serve this chicken salad in a lettuce wrap. Just scoop the salad into a large lettuce leaf, roll it up, and secure it with a toothpick.
• This chicken salad also makes a great snack. Serve it with some whole grain crackers and a few slices of fresh apple for a satisfying mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

Recipe FAQs

Storing and Reheating

• Storing: Once you’ve made this delicious chicken salad sandwich, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for three to five days.
• Freezing: Unfortunately, this chicken salad does not freeze well due to the mayonnaise in the recipe. Freezing may cause the mayonnaise to separate and change the texture of the salad.

Serving Size

• What to Expect: This chicken salad recipe yields a generous amount of filling, enough to make about 12 sandwiches.
• How to Scale: If you’re planning to serve a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe. Just make sure your food processor or mixing bowl is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity of ingredients. Follow the rest of the instructions as directed.