Creamy Ranch Chicken Salad Delight
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Creamy Ranch Chicken Salad Delight! This delightful salad is a refreshing twist on the classic chicken salad, replacing traditional mayonnaise with rich sour cream and a zesty ranch seasoning mix. Loaded with tender chunks of chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and fresh green onions, it's a texture paradise that the whole family will adore. The addition of creamy mozzarella cheese adds a delightful richness, making it perfect as a sandwich filling in flaky mini croissant rolls or served on toasted bread. Whether for a quick lunch, a picnic surprise, or a savory snack, this chicken salad will tantalize the taste buds of mayo enthusiasts and non-mayo lovers alike. Prepare this quick and easy dish to impress your family and friends – they’ll be asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked chicken
2-3 cups (diced, cubed, or shredded)
ranch dressing mix
1 packet (1 ounce) (preferably Hidden Valley Harvest Dill)
sour cream
1 container (16 ounces)
water chestnuts
1 can (4 ounces) (drained and chopped)
green onion tops
1/4 cup (chopped)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup
black pepper
1 teaspoon
celery salt
1/2-1 teaspoon
seasoning salt
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken with seasoning salt, black pepper, and celery salt. Stir until the chicken is well-coated in the seasonings.
2
In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream and ranch dressing mix together until smooth and well blended.
3
Fold the seasoned chicken into the sour cream and ranch mixture, ensuring it is well-coated.
4
Add in the chopped water chestnuts, green onion tops, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Gently mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more seasoning salt or pepper to your preference.
6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7
Serve generously on mini croissant rolls, toast, or your favorite crackers. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in the Creamy Ranch Chicken Salad Delight?
The main ingredient is 2-3 cups of cooked chicken, which can be diced, cubed, or shredded.
What makes this chicken salad different from traditional recipes?
This recipe replaces traditional mayonnaise with a rich 16-ounce container of sour cream and a zesty ranch seasoning mix.
What kind of ranch dressing mix is recommended?
The recipe recommends using one 1-ounce packet of ranch dressing mix, preferably Hidden Valley Harvest Dill.
What adds a crunchy texture to the salad?
A 4-ounce can of drained and chopped water chestnuts provides a delightful crunch.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese to add richness.
How much green onion is needed?
You will need 1/4 cup of chopped green onion tops.
What are the primary seasonings for the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with seasoning salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of celery salt.
How do I prepare the base of the salad?
In a separate bowl, mix the sour cream and ranch dressing mix together until smooth and well blended before adding other ingredients.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the cooked chicken with seasoning salt, black pepper, and celery salt in a large mixing bowl.
Should the chicken be seasoned before mixing with the cream base?
Yes, stir the chicken until it is well-coated in seasonings before folding it into the sour cream and ranch mixture.
How long should the chicken salad be refrigerated?
It should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
What are the best serving suggestions for this salad?
It is delicious served on mini croissant rolls, toasted bread, or your favorite crackers.
Is this recipe suitable for people who do not like mayonnaise?
Yes, it is specifically described as being perfect for both mayo enthusiasts and non-mayo lovers.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper in this recipe?
Yes, the instructions suggest tasting the mixture and adjusting the seasoning salt or pepper to your personal preference.
Is this a good recipe for a picnic?
Absolutely, it is listed as a great picnic surprise and a family-friendly dish.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used in this recipe.
How should the water chestnuts be prepared?
They should be drained from the can and chopped before being added to the salad.
When should the mozzarella and green onions be added?
They should be folded in after the seasoned chicken has been combined with the sour cream and ranch mixture.
What is the texture of this chicken salad?
It is described as a texture paradise due to the combination of tender chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, and creamy cheese.
How much sour cream is used?
The recipe requires one 16-ounce container of sour cream.
Can I use this as a sandwich filling?
Yes, it is highly recommended as a sandwich filling, particularly in flaky mini croissant rolls.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy dish designed to impress family and friends.
What size ranch packet is used?
The recipe uses a standard 1-ounce packet.
What is the suggested prep for the chicken?
The chicken should be pre-cooked and then diced, cubed, or shredded.
What type of pepper is used?
The recipe specifies black pepper.
Is celery salt mandatory?
The recipe calls for 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of celery salt for its specific flavor profile.
Does the recipe include any sugar?
According to the nutrition data provided, the sugar content is listed as null.
Is the salad served warm or cold?
It is served cold after being refrigerated for at least 30 to 60 minutes.
What is the overall flavor profile?
It is vibrant, zesty, and creamy with a savory ranch and onion finish.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the exact serving count is not specified, it uses 2-3 cups of chicken and 16 ounces of sour cream, making it suitable for a family meal.