Introduction
Chicken salad is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. It’s fresh, tasty, and perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Among the many versions out there, the Carol Chicken Salad has become a favorite because it’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. It combines tender chicken with crisp celery, grapes, and a smooth dressing that balances sweet and savory in every bite.
The best part? It’s quick and easy to make! You don’t need to be a professional chef or spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a refreshing dish ready to enjoy on its own, as a sandwich filling, or even served on a bed of lettuce. So, let’s dive into how you can make this delicious salad at home.
Ingredients – Carol Chicken Salad
To prepare the Quick Carol Chicken Salad, you’ll need:
- Chicken breast – 2 cups, cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken works too)
- Celery – 1 cup, finely chopped (for crunch)
- Red seedless grapes – 1 cup, halved
- Mayo – 1 cup (use light mayo if you want fewer calories)
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Optional extras: chopped pecans or almonds for added crunch, or a pinch of sugar if you prefer it a little sweeter.
Step by Step Process – Carol Chicken Salad
Here’s how you can make this salad step by step:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start with cooked chicken. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, this is the perfect way to use it. Remove the skin, shred or chop the meat into small bite-sized pieces. If you’re cooking chicken breast from scratch, boil or bake it until fully cooked, then let it cool before shredding.
Step 2: Chop the Veggies and Grapes
Wash the celery and grapes. Cut the celery into small, even pieces so that it blends well into the salad. Slice the grapes in half to release their juice and sweetness.
Step 3: Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, add the mayonnaise. Stir in the salt and black pepper. If you like, you can also add a tiny pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, and grapes into the bowl with the mayo dressing. Gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill the Salad
For the best taste, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together and gives the salad a refreshing, cool taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
You can serve the Carol Chicken Salad in many ways:
- As a sandwich filling in soft bread or croissants
- On top of leafy greens as a light salad
- With crackers for a quick snack
- Or simply enjoy it by itself!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 7 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
| Sodium | 430 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned chicken, but fresh or rotisserie chicken will give the salad a better texture and flavor.
Q2: How long does Carol Chicken Salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q3: Can I freeze chicken salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze chicken salad because mayo doesn’t freeze well. The texture can become watery after thawing.
Q4: Can I make it healthier?
Absolutely! Replace mayo with Greek yogurt, use skinless chicken breast, and add more veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers.
Q5: What’s the best bread to serve this with?
Soft croissants are a classic choice, but you can also use whole wheat bread, pita pockets, or even serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Final Thoughts
The Quick Carol Chicken Salad is proof that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that’s creamy, crunchy, and satisfying. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even something to bring to a picnic, this recipe will always come in handy.
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your taste—swap mayo for yogurt, add nuts for crunch, or toss in apples for sweetness. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll find yourself making again and again because it’s so simple yet so good.
So, next time you’re craving something refreshing and tasty, give this Carol Chicken Salad a try. Your taste buds (and maybe your family too) will thank you!
