Introduction
If you’re craving a quick, creamy, and flavor-packed chicken salad, this 7-Minute Arlington Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need! Whether you’re making a healthy lunch, a protein-rich meal, or a classic Southern dish, this easy Arlington Chicken Salad recipe is a must-try.
This Arlington Chicken Salad combines shredded chicken, crisp celery, juicy grapes, and a rich, creamy dressing, creating the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it on a sandwich, in a lettuce wrap, or enjoy it straight from the bowl.
⭐️ Why You’ll Love This Arlington Chicken Salad Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 7 minutes
✔ Packed with Flavor – A perfect mix of crunch and creaminess
✔ Versatile – Serve it in wraps, sandwiches, or with crackers
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh and delicious for days
What Makes Arlington Chicken Salad Special?
Unlike other chicken salad recipes, this homemade Arlington Chicken Salad has:
🔥 A perfectly balanced dressing with mayo, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard
🔥 Classic mix-ins like crisp celery, sweet grapes, and crunchy pecans
🔥 Customizable options – Make it low-carb, keto, or dairy-free
Looking for more delicious chicken recipes? Try our Grilled Chicken Thigh Recipe for another quick and protein-packed meal!
🔗 Want more easy recipes? Check out our collection of quick & delicious meals!
PrintChicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This quick and creamy Arlington Chicken Salad Recipe is the perfect high-protein meal for busy days! Made with shredded chicken, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and a tangy dressing, it’s easy, flavorful, and versatile. Serve it as a sandwich, wrap, or salad for a delicious lunch or dinner in just 7 minutes!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great!)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (adds a tangy kick)
- ½ cup chopped celery (for a refreshing crunch)
- ¼ cup sliced red grapes (optional, for a sweet balance)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or almonds (for added texture)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for brightness and freshness)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
✅ Hard-boiled eggs (adds more protein!)
✅ Avocado (for extra creaminess)
✅ Dried cranberries (a sweet & tart combo)
✅ Paprika or cayenne (for a little heat!)
Instructions
Prep the Chicken
- If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and shred the meat with forks.
- If using leftover chicken, chop finely or pulse in a food processor.
2️⃣ Chop & Mix
- Dice celery, grapes, and nuts into small pieces.
- Add all ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Combine & Stir
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until combined.
5️⃣ Chill & Serve
- Let it sit for 10 minutes for flavors to blend.
- Serve cold on sandwiches, wraps, or with crackers.
Notes
- Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Meal Prep Tip: Make a double batch for quick lunches throughout the week!
- Customization: Swap out grapes for apples, or add red onion for a sharper taste.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Nutritional Insights and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the perfect Arlington Chicken Salad Recipe, let’s explore nutrition facts, dietary adaptations, and tasty variations to suit different lifestyles. Whether you want a healthier version, a low-carb twist, or a spicier kick, this section has got you covered!
🍎 Nutritional Breakdown of Arlington Chicken Salad recipe
Eating chicken salad can be both delicious and nutritious. Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins, it’s a smart choice for lunch or dinner.
According to USDA guidelines on poultry nutrition, chicken is an excellent source of protein, B vitamins, and minerals. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving:
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 28g |
Fat | 22g |
Saturated Fat | 4g |
Carbohydrates | 5g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 3g |
Sodium | 480mg |
Cholesterol | 65mg |
Looking for a low-calorie meal? Check out our Healthy Grilled Chicken Thigh Recipe for another high-protein dish!
🥑 Healthy Variations & Dietary Modifications
Want to customize your Arlington Chicken Salad recipe? Try these tasty variations:
🥗 Low-Calorie Version
✅ Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt (lower in fat, higher in protein)
✅ Reduce nuts and add extra celery for crunch
✅ Use skinless grilled chicken breast (fewer calories and saturated fat)
Curious about other low-fat protein sources? Learn more from this guide on lean poultry.
🥓 Keto & Low-Carb Option
✅ Skip the grapes to reduce carbs
✅ Add avocado for extra healthy fats
✅ Replace Dijon mustard with spicy mayo
Pair your low-carb chicken salad with a side of crispy protein-packed snacks like our Homemade Chex Mix!
🌱 Vegetarian & Vegan Adaptation
✅ Use chickpeas or jackfruit instead of chicken
✅ Swap mayo for mashed avocado or vegan yogurt
✅ Add extra nuts & seeds for protein
Want to explore more plant-based meal ideas? Try our Delicious Cottage Cheese Recipes!
🌶️ Spicy Kick Version
✅ Sprinkle in paprika, cayenne, or red pepper flakes
✅ Add diced jalapeños for heat
✅ Use chipotle mayo instead of regular mayo
For more spicy flavor combinations, check out Cajun-Style Crab Balls, perfect as a side dish!
Further Reading & External Resources
For more insights on chicken salad history, check out:
- The History of Chicken Salad – Learn about its origins & evolution
- Health Benefits of Poultry – Nutritional breakdown & best cooking methods
Looking for more quick and tasty meals? Try these reader favorites:
👉 Homemade Chicken Bone Broth – A great base for healthy meals
👉 Creamy Crab Balls Soup – A comforting seafood delight
👉 Barbecue Shrimp Recipe – A savory grilled seafood option
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When preparing Arlington Chicken Salad recipe, many people ask about storage, freezing, ingredient swaps, and the best ways to serve it. Below, you’ll find detailed answers to help you get the best results every time!
❓ 1. How Long Can Arlington Chicken Salad Be Stored?
✔ Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days
✔ Keep at a temperature below 40°F (4°C) to maintain freshness
✔ Do not leave it out for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth
To ensure safe food storage, check out this guide on food storage safety!
❓ 2. Can You Freeze Arlington Chicken Salad?
Freezing is not recommended due to the mayonnaise-based dressing, which can separate and become watery when thawed. Instead, try:
✔ Freezing only the shredded chicken and adding fresh ingredients later
✔ Storing the dressing separately and mixing when ready to serve
✔ Using Greek yogurt instead of mayo, which holds up better in freezing
Need more meal prep ideas? Try this Grilled Chicken Thigh Recipe for another high-protein dish!
❓ 3. What Are the Best Mayonnaise Substitutes for Arlington Chicken Salad?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to mayo, try these options:
✔ Greek yogurt – Higher protein, lower fat
✔ Mashed avocado – Adds creaminess with healthy fats
✔ Hummus – Gives a savory, Mediterranean twist
Want more creamy, high-protein dishes? Check out this Creamy Crab Balls Soup!
❓ 4. Can I Make Arlington Chicken Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This easy chicken salad recipe is perfect for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
✔ Prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store separately
✔ Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve
✔ Add nuts, fruits, or crunchy ingredients last-minute to maintain texture
For best meal-prepping techniques, check out food preservation tips!
❓ 5. How Can I Make Arlington Chicken Salad Healthier?
To make a lighter version of Arlington Chicken Salad, try:
✔ Replace mayo with Greek yogurt – More protein, fewer calories
✔ Use grilled chicken breast instead of rotisserie for lower fat content
✔ Add extra veggies like shredded carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers
Looking for more healthy meals? Try:
✔ Delicious Cottage Cheese Recipes – Packed with protein!
✔ Rockfish Recipe – A light, nutritious seafood dish!
🔗 Final Thoughts & More Recipe Inspiration
This 7-Minute Arlington Chicken Salad Recipe is quick, creamy, and full of flavor! Whether served as a sandwich, wrap, or salad, it’s a perfect blend of protein, crunch, and freshness.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Arlington Chicken Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, creamy, and delicious meal, this Arlington Chicken Salad Recipe is a must-try. With tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and a rich, tangy dressing, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Whether you enjoy it as a classic sandwich, a lettuce wrap, or a protein-packed salad bowl, this easy chicken salad recipe fits any occasion—from meal prepping to hosting a gathering.
⭐️ Final Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
✔ Use high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor
✔ Chill before serving for the best texture
✔ Experiment with add-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or avocado
✔ Store leftovers properly to maintain freshness
For more meal prep ideas, check out these helpful food storage tips on Wikipedia.
🔗 Try More Delicious Recipes from NMRecipes
Looking for more quick and tasty meals? Explore these fan-favorite recipes:
🔥 Homemade Chicken Bone Broth – Perfect for soups & stews!
🔥 Barbecue Shrimp Recipe – A smoky, grilled seafood delight!
🔥 Delicious Cottage Cheese Recipes – Protein-packed & healthy!
What’s Next? Share Your Arlington Chicken Salad Creations!
Did you try this Arlington Chicken Salad Recipe? We’d love to see how you served it!
✅ Leave a comment below with your favorite variations
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This 7-Minute Arlington Chicken Salad is proof that fast meals can be flavorful, nutritious, and absolutely irresistible. Enjoy! 🥗✨