Aunt B’s Chicken Salad
Poultry in Motion
The ingredients may be simple, but the flavor are anything but! Aunt B’s Chicken Salad features succulent rotisserie chicken tossed in a light sour cream sauce along with juicy chunks of Fuji apple and crunchy pecans — a fresh, updated take on an old-fashioned favorite!
(Butcher) Block Party
It seems as though everyone has a preferred version of chicken salad, with some opting for the classic savory, celery and onion only method, and quite a few others paying homage to the 80’s by adding halved grapes and toasted walnuts. The purists use mayonnaise only for the dressing, while some folks like to add yogurt, sour cream, or even a little cream cheese.
But, while I like many versions, this one is my favorite. Sometimes I add additional ingredients if I’m needing to serve a crowd, but I find that the combo of sweet apple and pecan is what really does it for me. If I don’t have any sliced cheddar on hand to eat it with, I also like to throw in a very little bit of crumbled feta or bleu cheese.
I’ve gone ahead and listed a few other complementary optional add-ins on the recipe card. I don’t usually use them, but they’re offered just in case you’re having a party, or just want to play around and find your own favorite combination!
‘Tis the Seasoning…
For my chicken salad recipe, the seasoning that I greatly prefer to use is a blend called “Chip & Dip” seasoning available from Penzeys Spices. It really does make a difference, but if you can’t get your paws on any, just use your favorite seasoning salt, to taste.
Creamy and satisfying, Aunt B’s Chicken Salad is a delightful thing to have made up in a bowl in the fridge, just waiting to be made into lunchtime sandwiches, nibbled on before-dinner crackers, or just eaten by the bowlful whenever a fresh, hearty snack is in order… so go ahead, and get choppin’!
Aunt B’s Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 3 – 4 cups rotisserie chicken chopped
- 1/2 large sweet onion finely chopped
- 3 stalks celery finely chopped
- 1 Fuji apple chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp Penzey's Chip & Dip Seasoning OR your favorite seasoning salt to taste
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, and Chip & Dip Seasoning until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine remaining salad ingredients. Top with mayonnaise mixture and stir well to combine. Salt to taste, if needed.
- For low carb or gluten free: Serve on a lettuce leaf with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled bleu cheese.
- For appetizers: Serve alongside crackers, or on mini bread rounds.
- For a sandwich: Serve 1/2 cup of prepared salad on a split croissant or your favorite bread, with a slice of cheddar cheese, and a side of lettuce & tomato.
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 c. of crumbled feta, halved grapes, dried cranberries, or crumbled bacon. Or all of the above.
