Deli Style Chicken Salad

“Enjoy the classic flavors of a deli-style chicken salad with this easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or atop a bed of greens, this dish combines tender cubed chicken with crunchy celery, sweet dried cranberries, and toasted pecans, all bound together with a creamy blend of Miracle Whip and mayonnaise.

Seasoned with paprika and seasoning salt, this salad is a delightful balance of savory and sweet, enhanced further by the addition of green onions and bell peppers. Refrigerate for optimal flavor infusion before serving, and savor the delicious results of this refreshing chicken salad.”

How to make Deli Style Chicken Salad

Ingredients

½ cup Miracle Whip

½ cup mayonnaise

4 cups of cooked chicken, cubed

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp 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(any of these work great)

Dash of Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

FIRST STEP:

In a large bowl combine the mayonnaise with the Miracle Whip, paprika and the seasoning salt.

Mix well

SECOND STEP:

Add in the chicken, celery, green pepper, pecans, green onions and dried cranberries, dried cherries or the grape halves and stir to blend all together

THIRD STEP:

Season to taste with ground black pepper

Place in a covered bowl in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

FOURTH STEP:

Do not skip the refrigeration portion. This amount of time allows the flavors to blend together.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Creamy Dressing Combination: The combination of Miracle Whip and mayonnaise creates a creamy and tangy base for the chicken salad, enhanced by the flavors of paprika and seasoning salt.

Chicken Preparation: Using cooked chicken, preferably cubed, ensures that the salad is ready to be mixed and seasoned without additional cooking steps.

Texture and Crunch: Chopped celery, green bell pepper, and toasted pecans add texture and crunch to the salad, complementing the tender chicken.

Sweet and Tart Balance: The addition of dried cranberries, cherries, or sliced grapes provides bursts of sweetness and tartness, balancing the savory flavors of the salad.

Seasoning: Ground black pepper is added to taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients.

Refrigeration Time: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving is crucial. This step allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.

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Versatile Serving Options: This chicken salad can be served in various ways, such as in sandwiches, wraps, on crackers, or as a salad on its own.

Make-Ahead Option: It’s a convenient dish to prepare ahead of time for quick meals or gatherings, as the flavors often improve with a bit of resting time.

Adjustable Ingredients: The recipe offers flexibility with the choice of dried fruits (cranberries, cherries, or grapes) based on personal preference or availability.

Enjoyment: The final note emphasizes the enjoyment of this versatile and flavorful chicken salad, which combines creamy textures with a satisfying blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 8 SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use something else instead of Miracle Whip?

Yes, if you prefer, you can use all mayonnaise instead of a combination of Miracle Whip and mayonnaise.

Adjust the quantities to your taste.

What is seasoning salt, and can I substitute it?

Seasoning salt is a seasoned salt blend typically used for its flavor.

You can substitute it with regular salt and additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of paprika for added flavor.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works well and adds extra flavor to the salad.

How long should I toast the pecans for?

Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they are lightly browned and fragrant.

Be careful not to burn them.

Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, this chicken salad benefits from chilling in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

It can also be made a day in advance.

What are good serving suggestions for this chicken salad?

Serve the chicken salad on croissants, bread, wraps, or as a topping for salads.

It’s also delicious served with crackers or as a filling for lettuce wraps.

How long will this chicken salad keep in the refrigerator?

It will keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I add additional vegetables or ingredients to this recipe?

Yes, feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables such as diced red bell pepper, grated carrots, or even some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.

What can I substitute for dried cranberries or cherries?

You can substitute with raisins, chopped apricots, or even diced apples for a slightly different flavor profile.

How can I adjust the seasoning to my taste?

Taste the chicken salad after mixing and adjust the seasoning as needed.

You can add more black pepper, salt, or a dash of lemon juice for brightness.