Zesty Almond Chicken Salad
Elevate your lunch experience with our Zesty Almond Chicken Salad, a delightful blend of savory chicken, crunchy almonds, and a zesty dressing that brings everything together. This family favorite is not only simple to prepare but also versatile enough to serve in various ways; spread it generously on your favorite crackers, or layer it between slices of fresh bread with crisp lettuce and juicy tomato. Perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or a light snack, this salad is sure to please everyone's palate. Enjoy a taste of homemade goodness that's easy to whip up and even easier to savor!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Ground Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Chopped Cooked Chicken
2 cups (cooked and chopped)
Blanched Slivered Almonds
1/2 cup (toasted)
Celery
1 stalk (chopped)
Purple Onion
1-2 tablespoons (diced)
Sweet Gherkins
3-6 (finely chopped)
Hard-Boiled Egg
1 (chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by toasting the blanched slivered almonds. Place them in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Shake the pan frequently to ensure even toasting, and keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and ground black pepper. Mix well until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
3
Add the chopped cooked chicken, toasted almonds, chopped celery, diced purple onion, finely chopped sweet gherkins, and the chopped hard-boiled egg to the bowl.
4
Gently fold all the ingredients together with the dressing until evenly coated. Be careful not to mash or break the ingredients.
5
Once everything is well mixed, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld together.
6
Enjoy your Zesty Almond Chicken Salad on crackers, in a sandwich, or as a light snack!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Almond Chicken Salad?
It is a savory blend of cooked chicken, crunchy toasted almonds, and a zesty dressing made with lemon and mayonnaise, perfect for lunches and snacks.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients in this chicken salad?
The main ingredients include cooked chicken, blanched slivered almonds, mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, purple onion, sweet gherkins, and a hard-boiled egg.
How do I toast the almonds for this recipe?
Place the blanched slivered almonds in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Shake the pan frequently and watch closely to ensure they toast evenly without burning.
What kind of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chopped cooked chicken.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerating the salad for an hour before serving allows the flavors to meld together.
What is the best way to serve Zesty Almond Chicken Salad?
You can serve it on crackers, in a sandwich with fresh bread, or as a light snack.
How much mayonnaise is required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
Do I need to use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes chopped celery and diced purple onion.
How many eggs are in the recipe?
One chopped hard-boiled egg is included in the mixture.
What adds the 'zesty' flavor to this salad?
The combination of freshly squeezed lemon juice and ground black pepper in the dressing provides the zesty kick.
How many sweet gherkins should I use?
The recipe suggests using between 3 to 6 finely chopped sweet gherkins.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is tagged as a great picnic food and is easy to transport for outdoor meals.
How do I prepare the celery?
Take one stalk of celery and chop it into small pieces before adding it to the bowl.
What type of almonds are recommended?
Blanched slivered almonds are recommended for this recipe.
How much purple onion is needed?
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of diced purple onion.
Can I use this as a sandwich filling?
Absolutely, it is specifically described as an excellent sandwich filling when paired with lettuce and tomato.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 9 ingredients in this recipe.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to toast the blanched slivered almonds in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
How should I mix the ingredients together?
Gently fold all the ingredients together with the dressing until they are evenly coated, being careful not to mash them.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
The recipe lists ground black pepper but does not specify salt; you should taste and adjust seasonings at the end.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This dish is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a family favorite due to its simple preparation.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, you can serve it immediately, though chilling it for an hour is also recommended.
What can I add to a sandwich using this salad?
The description suggests layering it with crisp lettuce and juicy tomato between slices of fresh bread.
How do I prepare the gherkins?
The sweet gherkins should be finely chopped before being added to the mix.
What bowl should I use for mixing the dressing?
A medium mixing bowl is recommended for combining the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and pepper.
Why is it important to shake the pan while toasting almonds?
Shaking the pan frequently ensures even toasting and prevents the almonds from burning.