Grauls Chicken Salad Recipe

The homemade version of Grauls Chicken Salad Recipe is a carefully crafted recipe that combines the savory richness of chicken with the crunchiness of apples and celery.

The sweetness of grapes, and the nutty flavor of walnuts or pecans, are all enveloped in a creamy dressing. 

This recipe not only aims to recreate the gourmet deli experience at home but also offers a nutritious meal that is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.

It’s a versatile dish that suits various meal occasions, from light lunches to hearty snacks, and emphasizes the balance between delightful flavors and health benefits.

Don’t worry if you are new to the kitchen. I will guide you through this salad from start to finish.  Let’s get started.

How To Make Grauls Chicken Salad Recipe?

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes (for chicken, if not using pre-cooked)
• Yield: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 370 calories per serving (varies based on ingredients used)

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (see instructions for cooking chicken breast if you don’t have pre-cooked chicken)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1/2 apple, cored and diced (preferably a sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
• 1/4 cup red grapes, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon of honey or to taste (Optional for added sweetness)

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

Place 2 large chicken breasts in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Remove from water, allow to cool, and then shred the chicken with two forks or chop it into small pieces.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), lemon juice, salt, pepper, and honey (if using). Stir until smooth.

Add the Chicken and Vegetables 

To the bowl, add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, diced apple, halved grapes, and chopped nuts (if using).

Combine Everything

Gently fold all the ingredients together until the chicken and additions are evenly coated with the dressing.

Final Touches

Stir in the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled on a bed of greens, with crackers, or in a sandwich.

Customize And Variations

Customizations and variations for the Graul’s Chicken Salad recipe can include:

➤ Protein Variations: Swap chicken for turkey, canned tuna, or a plant-based protein like chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

➤ Dressing Variations: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version, or add curry powder for a curried chicken salad.

➤ Fruit Variations: Replace apples and grapes with dried cranberries, raisins, or diced pineapple for different sweetness and texture.

➤ Nut Variations: Substitute walnuts or pecans with almonds, cashews, or omit nuts altogether for those with allergies.

➤ Vegetable Add-ins: Incorporate diced red onion, chopped bell peppers, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color.

➤ Herb Flavors: Add dill, tarragon, or chives for a fresh, herbaceous note.

These variations allow for personalization based on dietary preferences, nutritional goals, and available ingredients, making the salad versatile and accommodating to different tastes.

Serving Suggestions

Serving suggestions for the Graul’s Chicken Salad include:

▶ On a Croissant: Serve it as a sandwich filling inside a buttery, flaky croissant.

▶ With Mixed Greens: Lay it atop a bed of mixed greens for a light, healthy salad.

▶ As a Wrap: Roll it up in a whole wheat or spinach tortilla for a quick, on-the-go meal.

▶ With Crackers: Offer it as a dip or spread alongside your favorite crackers for snacking.

▶ In an Avocado Boat: Fill halved avocados with the chicken salad for a nutritious, keto-friendly option.

▶ Stuffed Tomatoes: Hollow out tomatoes and stuff them with the salad for an elegant appetizer or side.

How To Store It?

To store Graul’s Chicken Salad properly, ensure it’s placed in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator. 

The salad should be refrigerated promptly after preparation or serving, and it’s best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety. 

If you’ve used ingredients like apples which might brown, a light squeeze of lemon juice in the salad can help preserve the color. 

Avoid freezing the chicken salad, as the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients may not hold up well to freezing and thawing, potentially affecting the texture and flavor of the salad upon defrosting.

Conclusion

the Graul’s Chicken Salad from scratch has been an immensely rewarding experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the process of making this salad and was particularly impressed with its versatility. 

Whether served on a croissant, atop a bed of greens, or as a wrap, it proved to be a hit in every form. 

The recipe’s adaptability to different dietary needs and preferences makes it a valuable addition to any meal plan. 

I’m confident that anyone trying this salad will appreciate its complex flavors and the joy of creating something so delicious and wholesome from scratch.

If you like this salad recipe then don’t forget to comment below. If you want you can tell me about your salad-making experience. 

If you like this recipe then don’t forget to share it with your friend.