Best 3 Old Fashioned Chicken Salad Recipes

In the annals of classic comfort food, the old-fashioned chicken salad reigns supreme. This venerable dish has graced countless potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings, earning its place as a beloved culinary tradition. Its simple and wholesome ingredients combine to create a symphony of flavors that evokes nostalgia and brings a sense of warmth and familiarity. With its versatility and adaptability, the old-fashioned chicken salad invites personal touches and variations, allowing each cook to put their own unique spin on this timeless recipe. Let's embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of the best old-fashioned chicken salad recipe and explore the culinary magic that has made it an enduring favorite for generations.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

OLD-FASHIONED CHICKEN MACARONI SALAD

Old-Fashioned Chicken Macaroni Salad image

"My sister gave me the recipe for this creamy pasta salad about 25 years ago," Nola Erbe jots from Lodi, Wisconsin. "It's great to make for watching football games on TV. I serve it with potato chips, celery and pickles.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2/3 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/3 cup frozen corn
1 cup cubed cooked chicken
1/4 cup sliced celery
1 hard-boiled large egg, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Cook corn according to package directions; drain and cool. , In a serving bowl, combine the macaroni, corn, chicken, celery, egg, green pepper and onion. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour over salad and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337 calories, Fat 10g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 175mg cholesterol, Sodium 882mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 28g protein.

OLD-FASHIONED CHICKEN SALAD

Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad image

Provided by Horacio Silva

Categories dinner, lunch, appetizer, main course

Time 30m

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken cutlets
1/2 cup butter
2 stalks celery, chopped, plus 1 cup minced
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped, with 1/2 cup minced
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
2 1/2 teaspoons salt or to taste
2 teaspoons black pepper
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon sweet relish

Steps:

To make the chicken: in a large pot, combine the chicken, butter, chopped celery and onion, poultry seasoning, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add enough water to cover generously, cover, and heat to boiling. Reduce to a simmer, cooking the breasts about 10 minutes or the cutlets about 3. Turn off the heat and let the chicken stand in the cooking liquid until cooked through, about 10 minutes for the breasts and about 2 for the cutlets. Remove the chicken to a bowl. Cool and cut into bite-size pieces.
To make the salad: combine the minced celery and the onion, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper and all of the remaining ingredients in a bowl and mix. Add the chicken, tossing it gently until coated. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 368, UnsaturatedFat 17 grams, Carbohydrate 2 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 26 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 396 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams

OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN SALAD IN PUFF PASTRY SHELLS

Old Fashioned Chicken Salad in Puff Pastry Shells image

Easy, good, and elegant. Mom made this chicken salad and served it in mini-pie shells. I like to use the frozen puff pastry, instead. Probably because her pie crust was so much better than mine.... :) I greatly appreciate the photos shared by Kathleen Duffin. So much better than my pictures. THANKS!

Provided by Kathie Carr

Categories Salads

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 pkg (10 ounces) puff pastry shells like pepperidge farm
2 c cooked chicken, cut in bite sized pieces
1 c finely chopped celery
2 Tbsp finely chopped sweet onion
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly grated black pepper
1/2 c mayonnaise
1/2 c halved almonds (plus a few extra for garnish if desired)
parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Prepare pastry shells as directed on package. Set aside. In a large bowl mix remaining ingredients except a few almonds and parsley for garnish. Chill.
2. When ready to serve divide chicken salad equally into the pastry shells. Garnish with almonds and parsley.

Tips:

Choose high-quality chicken: Use fresh, cooked chicken breasts or thighs for the best flavor and texture.
Shred the chicken evenly: This will help to ensure that the chicken salad is evenly mixed and has a consistent texture.
Use a variety of vegetables: Celery, onion, and grapes are classic additions to chicken salad, but you can also add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers.
Don't over-dress the chicken salad: A little mayonnaise goes a long way, so add it sparingly and taste as you go.
Chill the chicken salad before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and make the chicken salad more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Old-fashioned chicken salad is a classic dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious chicken salad that everyone will love.