Imagine a classic chicken salad that's about to revolutionize your lunch routine! This Old Fashioned Chicken Salad isn't just another boring recipe - it's a delightful fusion of savory and sweet that will make your taste buds dance. By adding unexpected cantaloupe, we've transformed a traditional dish into a refreshing culinary experience that's perfect for hot summer days, picnics, or a quick and elegant meal that'll impress everyone at the table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cantaloupe, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Ensure that the cooked chicken is shredded into bite-sized pieces. If you haven't already, dice the cantaloupe into small cubes, chop the celery, and roughly chop the walnuts.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced cantaloupe, chopped celery, and chopped walnuts. Gently toss the ingredients together to distribute them evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, add the mayonnaise. You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise based on your preference for creaminess. Season the mayonnaise with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the seasoned mayonnaise over the chicken and cantaloupe mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold the mayonnaise into the salad until all ingredients are well-coated and combined.
- Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
- Once everything is well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- After chilling, give the salad one final gentle stir before serving. You can serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or in a wrap, depending on your preference.
- Garnish with additional chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your Old Fashioned Chicken Salad with Cantaloupe!
Tips
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly grilled chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure your cantaloupe is ripe but firm to maintain the right balance of sweetness and texture.
- Chill your ingredients before mixing to enhance the flavor melding process.
- For extra crunch, toast the walnuts lightly before chopping them.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop.
- For a gourmet touch, try adding fresh herbs like chopped basil or chives as a garnish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 327kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 17g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
