Grandma's Hearty Baked Chicken or Turkey Salad
This delightful baked chicken or turkey salad is a cherished family recipe passed down from my beloved Grandma. After losing her a year ago, I've embarked on a heartfelt journey to recreate her culinary magic for my family. This dish brings back warm memories, featuring tender diced chicken or turkey, crisp water chestnuts, crunchy slivered almonds, and a creamy dressing, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a wholesome one-dish meal that's perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, encapsulating the love and comfort of home-cooked food.
6
Servings
350
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Diced cooked chicken or turkey
2 cups (Cooked and diced)
Water chestnuts
1 (8 ounce) can (Drained and sliced)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Slivered almonds
1/2 cup (Toasted for extra flavor)
Celery salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Celery
2 stalks (Chopped)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (To taste)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (Best quality recommended)
Grated or finely chopped cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (For topping)
Crushed French-fried onions
1/2 cup (For topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken or turkey, sliced water chestnuts, salt, lemon juice, slivered almonds, celery salt, chopped celery, and pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
3
Fold in the mayonnaise gently until all ingredients are coated.
4
Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
5
Finally, layer crushed French-fried onions on top of the cheese for added crunch.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grandma's Hearty Baked Chicken or Turkey Salad?
It is a cherished family recipe featuring diced chicken or turkey, water chestnuts, almonds, and a creamy dressing, baked into a golden casserole.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated and set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes, the recipe allows for 2 cups of either cooked diced chicken or cooked diced turkey.
How long should the dish be baked?
The salad should be baked for 30 minutes or until it is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of grated or finely chopped cheddar cheese.
What provides the crunchy topping for this casserole?
The crunch comes from a layer of 1/2 cup of crushed French-fried onions.
What are the nutritional values for calories and protein?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories and 25 grams of protein.
How much mayonnaise is needed for the dressing?
The recipe requires 1 cup of best quality mayonnaise.
What kind of nuts are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of slivered almonds, which are best if toasted for extra flavor.
Are there water chestnuts in this dish?
Yes, it includes one 8-ounce can of water chestnuts, drained and sliced.
What seasonings are used?
The seasonings include 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of celery salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
Does the recipe include fresh vegetables?
Yes, it includes 2 stalks of chopped celery.
Is lemon juice required?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice are used in the mixture.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the casserole dish be prepared before adding the mixture?
Yes, the mixture should be transferred to a greased casserole dish.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 11 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome one-dish meal perfect for family gatherings.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How should the mayonnaise be added?
The mayonnaise should be folded in gently until all other ingredients are coated.
When do you add the French-fried onions?
Layer the crushed French-fried onions on top of the cheese just before baking.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional information provided, there is no sugar listed.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include baked chicken salad, turkey salad, casserole, comfort food, and grandma's recipe.
Does the recipe specify a fiber amount?
The fiber content is not specified in the provided data.
What is the origin of this recipe?
It is a cherished family recipe passed down from the author's beloved Grandma.
Are the water chestnuts added whole?
No, they should be drained and sliced before being combined with other ingredients.
What should I look for to know the dish is done?
It is ready when the mixture is bubbly and the top layer has turned golden brown.
How much celery salt is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of celery salt.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This is a baked salad, so it is served hot as a casserole.