Straub’s Chicken Salad Recipe

Have you ever wondered how a simple chicken salad can transform your lunchtime from mundane to extraordinary?

Look no further because I’ve crafted the perfect Straub’s chicken salad recipe that does just that.

It’s a tasty dish also good for your health because of the harmonic blending of wholesome ingredients.

This salad, which has a light, creamy dressing, a variety of textures from the nuts and grapes, and lean protein from the chicken, is meant to be a satisfying dinner that doesn’t make you feel heavy.

Whether you need a quick lunch fix, a potluck dish that’s sure to impress, or a simple yet satisfying dinner option, this chicken salad ticks all the boxes.

This meal not only tastes great and nourishes your body, but it’s also quite simple to prepare and provides a good amount of vitamins and minerals from its fresh components.

Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through the ingredients and how to make this salad. Let’s get started.

How To Make Straub’s Chicken Salad Recipe?

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes (if starting with raw chicken)
• Total Time: 35 minutes (plus cooling time if cooking chicken)
• Yield: Serves 4-6
• Calories: Approximately 370 calories per serving (depending on the dressing and chicken used)

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great for convenience)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (for added creaminess, optional)
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional, for a bit of sharpness)
• 1/4 cup grapes, halved (for sweetness and texture)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to brighten the flavors)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for depth)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for color and a hint of sweetness)

Instructions

Prepare The Chicken

If you are not using pre-cooked chicken, boil or bake chicken breasts until fully cooked (about 14-16 minutes for boiling, 20-25 minutes for baking at 375°F or 190°C). Allow to cool, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Mix The Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), chopped celery, red onion, grapes, nuts, and parsley. Stir well to combine.

Season

Add the lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the chicken mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Chill

Cover and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste experience.

Serve

Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, as a sandwich filling, or with crackers as an appetizer.

Cooking Tips

Use Quality Chicken: Opt for rotisserie chicken or poach your chicken breasts for the best flavor and tenderness.

Balance Creaminess: Adjust the mayonnaise and sour cream ratio to achieve your desired creaminess without overpowering the salad.

Add Texture: Include a variety of textures with ingredients like crunchy nuts, crisp celery, and juicy grapes.

Season Well: Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and a hint of lemon juice to enhance the overall flavor of the salad.

Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to meld the flavors together.

Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust the add-ins and seasonings according to your preferences for a personalized touch.

Serving Suggestions 

With Greens: Lay a generous scoop over a bed of mixed greens for a light, healthy meal.

As a Dip: Serve with crackers or sliced baguette for a hearty party dip.

In a Wrap: Roll it up in a whole wheat tortilla with lettuce for a grab-and-go option.

Stuffed Tomatoes: Hollow out tomatoes and fill them with the salad for an elegant appetizer.

With Avocado: Serve in an avocado half for a boost of healthy fats and a unique presentation.

How To Store It?

To properly store the chicken salad and ensure its freshness, transfer the salad into an airtight container and refrigerate it.

This salad can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it a great make-ahead meal option.

Keeping the salad cold is essential to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its best quality. Avoid leaving the chicken salad at room temperature for over two hours.

If you’ve made a large batch and want to extend its shelf life, consider portioning the salad into smaller containers so you only take out what you plan to consume.

However, it’s not recommended to freeze the salad, as the mayonnaise and fresh ingredients may separate and affect the texture once thawed.

Conclusion

Isn’t it wonderful how a dish as simple as chicken salad can become a testament to the joy of eating well and living healthily?

My journey through crafting the perfect Straub’s chicken salad recipe has shown me that with the right ingredients, a meal can be both a delight to the senses and a boon to our well-being.

With its lean proteins, an array of textures, and a balance of flavors, this salad caters to our cravings and supports our nutritional needs.

It’s a testament that eating healthily doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or pleasure.

Whether served on a sunny afternoon as a light lunch, shared at gatherings as a crowd-pleasing side, or enjoyed as a quick yet satisfying dinner, this chicken salad is a versatile and beloved dish.

Remember, the key to the best chicken salad lies in the quality of ingredients, the balance of flavors, and the personal touches you add to make it your own.

Comment and rate your salad-making experience. Enjoy your food!