Tangy Lemon-Ginger Chicken Salad Delight
This Tangy Lemon-Ginger Chicken Salad Delight is a refreshing and zesty dish that's perfect for any occasion. Combining tender, cubed chicken with crunchy celery and sweet grapes, this salad is brought to life with a creamy dressing that features the zing of fresh lemon and ginger. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own, served in a sandwich, or nestled between crisp lettuce leaves. As a cherished favorite served at my daughters’ baptism parties, this recipe will surely become a beloved staple in your home. Perfect for brunch gatherings, picnics, or light lunches, it’s sure to impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (Please avoid Miracle Whip unless necessary.)
sour cream
1/4 cup ("Light" is acceptable.)
sugar
1 tablespoon
lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon (freshly grated)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (fresh)
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
cooked chicken
2 cups (cubed)
grapes
1 cup (green or red, seedless)
celery
1 cup (sliced)
slivered almonds
1/3 cup (toasted and cooled to room temperature)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2
Add 2 cups of cubed cooked chicken, 1 cup of grapes (green or red), and 1 cup of sliced celery to the bowl. Gently fold the mixture without mashing the ingredients to maintain their texture.
3
Incorporate 1/3 cup slivered almonds that have been toasted and cooled to room temperature into the mixture.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
5
Serve chilled, either on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Lemon-Ginger Chicken Salad Delight?
It is a refreshing and zesty chicken salad featuring a creamy dressing with fresh lemon and ginger, combined with tender chicken, crunchy celery, grapes, and toasted almonds.
What are the main ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing is made from mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, freshly grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, ground ginger, and salt.
Can I use Miracle Whip in this recipe?
The recipe recommends avoiding Miracle Whip unless it is absolutely necessary.
Is light sour cream okay to use?
Yes, 'light' sour cream is perfectly acceptable for this recipe.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cubed cooked chicken.
What kind of grapes work best?
You can use 1 cup of either green or red seedless grapes.
How should the celery be prepared?
The celery should be sliced, totaling 1 cup.
How much lemon zest is required?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest.
Do I need to use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe specifies 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
What form of ginger is used in the recipe?
This recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger.
How should the almonds be prepared?
The 1/3 cup of slivered almonds should be toasted and then cooled to room temperature before being added to the salad.
How do I mix the salad without ruining the texture?
Gently fold the chicken, grapes, and celery into the dressing mixture without mashing the ingredients.
How long does the salad need to be refrigerated?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
How should this chicken salad be served?
It can be served chilled on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or simply on its own.
Is this a good recipe for parties?
Absolutely; it is described as a cherished favorite for baptism parties and is perfect for brunch gatherings and picnics.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is tangy, zesty, and refreshing with a touch of sweetness from the grapes and sugar.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients in this chicken salad recipe.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sugar is mixed into the dressing.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, since it requires at least 2 hours of refrigeration, it is an excellent make-ahead dish.
What gives the salad its crunch?
The crunch comes from the sliced celery and the toasted slivered almonds.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh is specified for the best 'zing', bottled juice can work if fresh is unavailable.
What category of food is this?
It falls under salads, specifically chicken salads or light meals.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be covered with plastic wrap or a lid and kept in the refrigerator.
Is this salad spicy?
No, it is not spicy; the ground ginger adds warmth and flavor rather than heat.
Can I double this recipe for a larger party?
Yes, the measurements can easily be doubled or tripled to accommodate larger groups.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is to combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, lemon zest, juice, ginger, and salt in a large bowl.
Can I leave out the almonds for a nut-free version?
Yes, if you have a nut allergy, you can omit the almonds and still enjoy a delicious salad.
Should the chicken be warm when added to the dressing?
It is best to use cooked chicken that has already cooled so it doesn't thin out the dressing.
Does this recipe use fresh ginger?
No, the recipe specifically calls for ground ginger.