Sonoma Chicken Salad Recipe - FoodieJunk (2024)

FAQs

Why is my chicken salad so bland? ›

Lack of Seasoning: One of the most common reasons for bland chicken salad is insufficient seasoning. Make sure to add enough salt, pepper, and other seasonings like herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.

Per serving: about 1 cup, 350 calories (180 from fat), 20g total fat, 3g saturated fat, 70mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 20g carbohydrates (2g dietary fiber, 12g sugar), 25g protein. Note: We've provided special diet and nutritional information for educational purposes.

To prevent your homemade chicken salad from becoming watery, ensure the chicken is fully cooled and consider roasting or grilling instead of boiling to reduce moisture content. Lightly salt watery vegetables like cucumbers and let them sit before adding to the salad to draw out excess water.

serves 4-5.

Citrus juice and zest

Citrus juice does wonders to brighten the flavor of foods — including lackluster chicken salad. The acidity in citrus juice balances out the fat in the mayonnaise dressing while adding a tangy pop of flavor. The extra moisture from the juice can also help to make the salad tastier.

To ensure that your chicken salad tastes the way that it should, you should avoid using overcooked or dry chicken in your recipe. Unfortunately, as we cook chicken, the moisture of the bird slowly evaporates.

Whole Foods Sonoma Chicken Salad (1 serving) contains 5g total carbs, 4g net carbs, 11g fat, 23g protein, and 210 calories.

Chicken Salad (1 cup) contains 2.3g total carbs, 1.6g net carbs, 31.9g fat, 29.4g protein, and 417 calories.

Just one small 1/2-cup (about 4-ounce) serving of chicken salad often contains 400 calories or more.

To offset the creaminess (and potentially wetness) of too much mayo, try adding in more of whatever crunchy element you were using. Celery and red onion are some of the most common ones, but you can also try chopped red peppers, bacon bits, carrots, cabbage, apples, chopped nuts, and more.

Why does chicken salad go bad? ›

We must blame two categories of bad bacteria when things go bad for chicken salad, not mayonnaise or luck. Spoilage bacteria cause food to deteriorate and develop unpleasant odors, tastes, and textures.

It can become too thick if not enough dressing or liquid is added to the chicken salad. To fix it, try adding more mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or other dressing to the chicken salad.

One pound of chicken salad feeds about 3 to 4 people, depending on the portion size and whether it's served as a main dish or a side. It's always a good idea to adjust based on your guests' appetites and the overall menu.

5 pounds of our famous chicken salad flavors presented in serving bowls & served with our delicious crackers. Serves 10-12. [Serves 10 -12 guests] Option to choose either 1 (5 lb) or 2 (2.5 lbs) of our chicken salad presented in serving bowls & served with our delicious crackers.

A standard serving is about half a cup, which is the equivalent of 2 ounces of chicken and 1/8 cup of vegetables. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans lists a simpler chicken salad recipe.

There's a lot you can do with a good basic recipe for chicken salad. Add minced fresh herbs like parsley, chives, basil, or tarragon. Add fresh grapes for juicy little bursts of flavor. Add cooked pasta to stretch the chicken salad into a larger meal.

Herbs, fruits, peppers, change your olive oil or try sesame, hazelnut or other traditional nut oils. Also try our variety of basils: Large Green, lemon-basil, spicy Thai, etc.

Season the greens & vegetables

Your dressing or vinaigrette may be perfectly seasoned but when added to unseasoned or raw vegetables, the overall taste of the salad may turn out bland.