Chicken Salad with Celery
Chicken Salad with Celery Recipe from USA
Introduction
Chicken salad with celery is a classic dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. This recipe combines tender chicken, crunchy celery, and a variety of other delicious ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.
History
Chicken salad has been a popular dish for many years, with variations of the recipe appearing in cookbooks dating back to the early 19th century. The addition of celery to the dish adds a crunchy texture and a fresh flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1.75 cup (250 g or 9 oz) cubed cooked chicken
- 1 cup (100 g or 3.5 oz) diagonally sliced celery, or use cooked celery root (celeriac), cut in sticks
- 1 small onion, minced
- juice of 1 lemon
- salt
- 12 pimento-stuffed olives, sliced
- 1 cup (100 g or 3.5 oz) grapes, halved, and seeds removed
- 1 small can mandarin oranges, drained
- mayonnaise
How to prepare
- In a bowl, combine chicken, celery, and onion. Sprinkle lemon juice over the mixture.
- Season to taste and gently toss to mix the ingredients.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 1 hour.
- When ready to serve, add almonds, grapes, and mandarin oranges.
- Gently toss the mixture with enough mayonnaise to moisten the ingredients.
- Serve the salad on crisp greens.
Variations
- Add diced apples or pears for a touch of sweetness.
- Mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for added flavor.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version of the salad.
Notes
- If desired, substitute cooked turkey for chicken, toasted pecans for almonds and thick sour cream or whipped cream for some of the mayonnaise.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before cubing it for the salad.
- For added flavor, try marinating the chicken in a mixture of herbs and spices before cooking.
- To save time, use pre-cooked chicken from a rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken from a previous meal.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken salad with celery is delicious on its own or served on a bed of crisp greens. It can also be enjoyed in a sandwich or wrap for a quick and easy meal.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to chill the salad before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Gently toss the ingredients to avoid crushing the delicate fruits and vegetables.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use turkey or tuna in place of chicken for a different flavor.
- Swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
This chicken salad with celery can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add the mayonnaise right before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Presentation Ideas
Serve this chicken salad with celery on a bed of lettuce or in a decorative bowl for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added color.
Pairing Recommendations
This chicken salad with celery pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea. It also goes well with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers of this chicken salad with celery in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply allow the salad to come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of this chicken salad with celery contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
This chicken salad with celery recipe contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Fats
Each serving of this chicken salad with celery contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
Proteins
This dish is a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 20 grams.
Vitamins and minerals
Chicken is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, niacin, phosphorus, and selenium.
Alergens
This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and mayonnaise, which may contain eggs and soy. Please be mindful of any allergies when preparing this dish.
Summary
This chicken salad with celery is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Summary
Chicken salad with celery is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a mix of tender chicken, crunchy celery, and a variety of other flavorful ingredients, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old recipe book that belonged to my great-grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, I stumbled upon a worn-out piece of paper tucked in between the pages. It was a handwritten recipe for Chicken Salad with Celery.
I could almost smell the faint scent of the ink that had faded over the years as I read through the ingredients and instructions. The recipe was simple yet elegant, and I knew I had to try it out. My great-grandmother had always been a wonderful cook, and I felt a connection to her as I held that piece of paper in my hands.
I remember gathering all the ingredients I needed – a roasted chicken, crisp celery, mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper. I carefully followed the instructions, chopping the celery into small pieces and shredding the chicken into bite-sized chunks. As I mixed everything together, the kitchen was filled with the aroma of fresh ingredients coming together in harmony.
When I took my first bite of the Chicken Salad with Celery, I was transported back to my great-grandmother's kitchen. The flavors were familiar yet new, comforting yet exciting. I could almost hear her laughter and feel her presence as I savored each mouthful.
From that day on, Chicken Salad with Celery became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, picnics, and lazy Sunday lunches. It was a recipe that brought joy and comfort to those who shared it with me.
Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a dash of lemon juice for brightness and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color. But the essence of the recipe remains the same – simple, delicious, and made with love.
My children and grandchildren have grown to love Chicken Salad with Celery just as much as I do. It has become a tradition in our family, a recipe that has been passed down through generations. Whenever I make it, I feel a connection to my great-grandmother and all the women who came before me, who shared their love of cooking and good food.
So, as I sit here, penning down the story of how I learned to make Chicken Salad with Celery, I am filled with gratitude for those who came before me and shared their recipes and traditions. Cooking is more than just following a set of instructions – it is a way to connect with the past, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.
And as I finish writing this story, I can't help but smile, knowing that the recipe for Chicken Salad with Celery will continue to be a part of our family for many years to come.
Categories
| Almond Recipes | American Recipes | American Salads | Celeriac Recipes | Celery Recipes | Chicken Recipes | Grape Recipes | Green Olive Recipes | Mandarin Orange Recipes | Mayonnaise Recipes | Pimento Recipes | Turkey Meat Recipes |