Mcalister’s Chicken Salad Recipe

Mcalister’s chicken salad is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and delicious. It has the perfect balance of creamy mayonnaise, crisp celery, sweet raisins, and crunchy pecans, all mixed together with shredded chicken.

In this recipe guide , I will show you how to make the perfect mcalister’s chicken salad! We’ll start by talking a bit about what it is and what it tastes like.

Then, we’ll discuss how to get all the ingredients ready before giving step-by-step instructions for making it. I’ll also talk about storage tips, nutritional information, and serving suggestions.

So, you’ll be able to make the perfect mcalister’s chicken salad every time with the help of this guide!

What is mcalister’s chicken salad?

Mcalister’s chicken salad is a one of the popular dishes of Mcalister’s Deli which opened its door in 1989. This delicious salad is made from shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, raisins, and pecans. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.

This salad has a mix of creamy, savory, and sweet flavors. The mayonnaise brings creaminess while the celery adds crunch and a hint of bitterness.

The raisins bring a touch of sweetness, and the pecans add a nutty flavor. All these flavors combine to make this classic chicken salad!

How did I first get introduced to the mcalister’s chicken salad?

I first got introduced to McAlister’s chicken salad when I was on a road trip with my family. We stopped at one of the many McAlister’s Deli restaurants located across the country and decided to give it a try.

I remember the moment that I bit into the sandwich; it was like nothing else I had ever tasted before. The combination of the crispy romaine lettuce, juicy chicken, and creamy mayonnaise was absolutely delicious. I knew right then that this was something that I would have to try again.

From that day forward, McAlister’s chicken salad has been one of my favorite meals. Whenever I’m in the mood for something quick and tasty, McAlister’s is the place I turn to first.

However, it was not possible to always go to a restaurant so, I had to try to make this dish at home. After tweaking and experimenting, I was able to get it just right.

Now, I’m sharing my recipe so you can enjoy this delicious dish at home too!

How to make mcalister’s chicken salad?

Making mcalister’s chicken salad is incredibly easy. Just follow the instructions below and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.

Ingredients :

• Shredded rotisserie chicken : This succulent, juicy chicken is packed with flavor and perfect for sandwiches, salads, or other recipes.
• Mayonnaise : A creamy emulsion of oil, eggs, and an acid (usually vinegar or lemon juice). It adds moisture and creaminess to the dish.
• Celery salt : Combines ground celery seeds with regular table salt creating a unique and flavorful seasoning.
• Garlic powder : A fragrant and spicy dried form of garlic that adds a delicious zesty flavor to dishes.
• Salt and pepper : The classic, all-purpose seasoning combination perfect for adding just a hint of flavor to any dish.
• Celery : A crisp vegetable with a mild, earthy taste that adds crunch and texture to salads.
• Craisins : Sweet, tart dried cranberries that add a burst of flavor and color to dishes.
• Pecan pieces : Pieces of roasted pecans for adding a crunchy nutty flavor to salads or other dishes.

Step by step instructions

Step 1

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, celery salt, garlic powder and salt and pepper.

Step 2

Gently fold in the craisins and pecans.

Step 3

Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.

Step 4

Serve over greens or in a sandwich or wrap.

Tips

• If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, use cooked and cooled chicken breasts or thighs.
• To make the salad a bit spicier, add a few tablespoons of diced jalapenos or hot sauce.
• Use light mayonnaise for a lower calorie version.
• For an even more flavorful version, mix in 2 tablespoons of finely diced red onion.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1serving

Calories: 301kcal

Carbohydrates: 12g

Protein: 33g

Fat: 14g

Saturated Fat: 3g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

Monounsaturated Fat: 3g

Cholesterol: 116mg

Sodium: 652mg

Potassium: 52mg

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 9g

Vitamin A: 25IU

Vitamin C: 0.2mg

Calcium: 8mg

Iron: 0.2mg

Note : Nutritional Information is estimated only.

What to serve with mcalister’s chicken salad?

Mcalister’s chicken salad is the perfect meal for lunch or dinner. Serve it over a bed of greens, stuffed in a wrap or sandwich, or paired with crackers and vegetables. You can also serve it as an appetizer alongside other finger foods.

Another option is to make mini mcalister’s chicken salad croissants – just fill individual croissants with the salad and bake in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes. These make the perfect party appetizer!

How to store leftover mcalister’s chicken salad?

Mcalister’s chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan on storing it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the frozen container in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 1 hour.

Can pregnant women eat this ?

Yes, mcalister’s chicken salad is safe for pregnant women to eat as long as it is properly prepared and stored.

Be sure to use pasteurized mayonnaise made with pasteurized eggs and store the leftovers in the refrigerator for no more than 3 days. As always, it’s best to check with your doctor if you have any concerns about eating certain foods during your pregnancy.

Wrapping Up

Mcalister’s chicken salad is the perfect meal for lunch or dinner. You can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so you always have a quick and delicious meal on hand.

Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients like jalapenos, red onion, fresh herbs, nuts or seeds to make it your own. You can also make this recipe vegan, gluten-free or lower in calories by using alternative ingredients.

With all that said, there’s no need to be intimidated by the thought of making mcalister’s chicken salad! Once you have all the ingredients gathered and prepped, this dish comes together quickly and easily.

Hope you have loved this recipe and found it useful. Let us know in the comments section if you have tried different variations and how they turned out!