Easy Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that you can never go wrong with. It’s satisfying, light, and packed with fresh ingredients and a creamy dressing. Over the years, I’ve perfected this Easy Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe, and today, I want to share it with you. Whether you’re making it for a lunch gathering or a tasty snack, the Easy Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe will impress.
Ingredients for The Easy Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup celery (diced)
- 1/2 cup red grapes (halved)
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- A squeeze of lemon juice
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Easy Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prepare the Chicken
Start by shredding 2 cups of cooked chicken. For convenience, you can use fresh rotisserie chicken or cook your chicken breasts. Evenly shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Dressing
Combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/4 cup Greek yogurt for a creamy base in a separate, clean bowl. Add two tablespoons Dijon mustard, one tablespoon honey, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Stir it all together until the dressing is smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the Chicken and Dressing
Pour the dressing over the shredded cooked chicken and toss to coat. Be sure that all the chicken is covered with the creamy mixture.
- Add Fresh Ingredients
Next, dice 1/2 cup celery and halve 1/2 cup red grapes. Add both to the chicken mixture for crunch and a touch of sweetness. Optionally, toss in 1/4 cup toasted pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs
Chop two tablespoons of fresh parsley and stir it into the salad. The parsley adds attractive freshness and a pop of color to the dish. Squeeze some little fresh lemon juice over the salad to balance the richness of the dressing.
- Chill and Serve
Place the Easy Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the attractive flavors to meld and the salad to cool. For a lighter option, serve it as a healthy sandwich, wrap, or on a bed of greens.
Serving and Enjoying the Easy Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe
When serving the Easy Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe, you can ladle it into bowls or wrap it. If you’re serving it in a bowl, add a few extra slices of grapes or a sprinkle of parsley for garnish. The salad is perfect for warm summer days and comforting during cooler months. Each spoonful will be creamy, crunchy, and delicious.
Here are some Chef’s tips to elevate your Easy Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe
- Use Fresh Chicken: For the best flavor, use freshly cooked chicken instead of store-bought rotisserie chicken. Poach or roast chicken breasts with salt and pepper for a juicy, flavorful base.
- Balance the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute some mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream. This adds creaminess without the heaviness and provides a slight tang.
- Add Texture with Crunch: Toasted nuts, like pecans or almonds, can add a layer of crunch and flavor. You can lightly toast them in a skillet for a few minutes to enhance their aroma.
- Customize the Fruit: While grapes are classic in this salad, you can absolutely experiment with some other fruits like apples or cranberries for variety. Apples add a crisp texture and tartness that contrasts nicely with the creamy dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Then let the salad chill in the active refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This generally allows the flavors to blend and makes the salad taste even better.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add diced jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper to the salad. It’s a great way to spice things up without overpowering the dish.
- Season to Taste: Always taste your chicken salad before serving. If it needs a more attractive flavor, add a pinch of salt, a squeeze of some lemon juice, or more mustard to enhance the taste.
- Serving Options: The Easy Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe works wonderfully in wraps, as a sandwich filling, or served on a bed of leafy fresh greens for a low-carb option.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This chicken salad keeps well in the active fridge for 2-3 days, making it an excellent choice for attractive meal prep. Store it in an airtight, clean container for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Garnish for Extra Appeal: Before serving, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and enhances the overall presentation.
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for the Easy Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe. Please note that the values vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes
Estimated Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350–450 kcal
- Protein: 20–25 grams
- Carbohydrates: 12–18 grams
- Fiber: 2–4 grams
- Sugars: 6–8 grams
- Fat: 25–30 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4–6 grams
- Cholesterol: 45–60 mg
- Sodium: 300–400 mg
- Calcium: 30–40 mg
- Iron: 1–2 mg
Notes on the Nutritional Breakdown:
- Calories: The calories come primarily from the chicken, mayo (or dressing), and added nuts or fruits (like grapes).
- Protein: Chicken provides a solid source of lean protein.
- Carbohydrates and Fiber: Carbs come from fruit (like grapes or apples) and any added ingredients, like raisins or celery.
- Fat: The mayo and nuts (like pecans or almonds) contribute to the higher fat content. You can reduce fat by using a lighter mayo or Greek yogurt.
- Sodium: The sodium content varies depending on the salt used and the choice of pre-seasoned chicken or other ingredients.
- Vitamins & Minerals: The dish provides a small amount of essential vitamins and healthy minerals, especially if you add crunchy vegetables like celery or leafy greens for serving.
Remember, the exact nutritional information will vary based on the ingredients and portions you use, so measuring and adjusting ingredients to suit your dietary needs is a good idea.
Here are some related recipe names for the Easy Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe
- Classic Chicken Salad
- Curry Chicken Salad
- Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts
- Mediterranean Chicken Salad
- Chicken Avocado Salad
- Southern Chicken Salad
- Grilled Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Chicken Waldorf Salad
- Spicy Chicken Salad with Jalapenos
These recipes feature similar ingredients or flavor profiles, making them a great addition to a healthy chicken salad menu!
FAQs for the Easy Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe
1. Can I use a different type of chicken?
Ans: You can use grilled or properly baked chicken breast instead of shredded rotisserie chicken.
2. Can I make this Chicken recipe ahead of time?
Ans: Yes, the Easy Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
3. Can I make this recipe healthier?
Ans: You can reduce the mayonnaise and use more Greek yogurt or even a light version of mayonnaise.
4. What can I serve with this chicken salad?
Ans: It goes well with crackers, on a sandwich, or in a lettuce wrap.
5. Can I add other fresh fruits or veggies to this salad?
Ans: Feel free to add diced apples, dried cranberries, or chopped cucumber for variety.
Conclusion
The Easy Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe is a wonderful dish that combines simple, fresh ingredients into a flavorful meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a dinner for a crowd, this chicken salad will please. The creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and sweet grapes create a perfect balance of attractive flavors, and the recipe is so versatile. I hope you enjoy making and sharing the Easy Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe with your family and friends. Happy cooking!