By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on December 9, 2023 | Last Updated on March 13, 2024
Chicken salad is a classic dish that never goes out of style. It’s versatile, and delicious, and can be served in various ways – from sandwiches to wraps or on its own as a healthy lunch option.
But what makes a good chicken salad? The key is using fresh and flavorful ingredients that complement each other perfectly.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make a mouthwatering chicken salad with a savory twist. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal or something to impress your guests with, this recipe is sure to deliver on both taste and texture. So let’s get started!
What is Newks Chicken Salad?
Newk’s Chicken Salad is a popular menu item at Newk’s Eatery Cafe, a fast-casual restaurant chain with locations across the United States.
This creamy and flavorful chicken salad is made with shredded white chicken, mayonnaise, red onion, red grapes, pecans, celery, lemon juice, and seasonings.
It’s one of their top-selling dishes and is often served in sandwiches, salads, or on its own with crackers. The combination of crunchy pecans, tangy red grapes, and zesty lemon juice makes this chicken salad stand out from the rest.
Newk’s Eatery Cafe prides itself on using fresh ingredients and creating unique flavor combinations in its dishes. Their chicken salad is no exception – it’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that keeps customers coming back for more.
Whether you’ve tried it at the restaurant and want to recreate it at home, or if you’re looking for a new chicken salad recipe to add to your repertoire, this Newk’s Chicken Salad is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Newks Chicken Salad?
There are many reasons to love this Newk’s Chicken Salad recipe, but here are just a few:
- It’s full of fresh and flavorful ingredients – from the tender chicken to the crispy pecans and juicy grapes, each bite is bursting with deliciousness.
- The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors creates a perfect balance that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
- This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also requires minimal ingredients, making it a convenient option for a quick and tasty meal.
- It’s versatile – you can serve this chicken salad in sandwiches, wraps, on top of greens, or on its own as a healthy lunch option.
- Nutritious and filling – this chicken salad is packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a well-balanced meal.
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Ingredients
- Cooked white chicken: This is the main ingredient of the salad and provides a good source of protein. You can use any type of cooked chicken, such as grilled or roasted.
- Mayonnaise: This creamy dressing adds flavor and moisture to the salad. You can use light or regular mayo depending on your preference.
- Red onion: Adds a sharp and tangy taste to balance out the sweetness from the grapes.
- Red grapes: These provide a burst of sweetness and add texture to the salad. You can also use green grapes or even apples for a similar taste.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the salad.
- Seasoned salt: This combination of herbs and spices adds flavor to the salad. If you don’t have seasoned salt, you can use regular salt and add some dried herbs like oregano or basil.
- Sugar: Balances out the tanginess from the lemon juice and red onion.
- Pecans: These provide a crunchy texture to the salad and add a nutty flavor. You can also use other nuts like almonds or walnuts.
- Celery: Adds freshness and crunch to the salad.
- Lemon juice: Adds a tangy and bright flavor to the salad.
- Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the salad.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1
Shred the Cooked Chicken
- If you are using leftover chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- If you need to cook the chicken, you can boil it in water or bake it in the oven until fully cooked. Let it cool before shredding.
Step 2
Prepare the Dress
- In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of mayonnaise, 0.5 teaspoon of seasoned salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
- Stir the ingredients until well combined.
Step 3
Mix in the Ingredients
- Add the shredded chicken to the dressing and mix until fully coated.
- Next, add in 1 tablespoon of diced red onion, 0.5 cup of sliced red grapes, 3/8 cup of chopped pecans, and 3/8 cup of finely diced celery.
- Mix all the ingredients together until well combined, ensuring that the dressing is evenly distributed.
Step 4
Season and Chill
- Add in 1.5 teaspoons of lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, mixing well.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Tips
- For a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
- Add in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor and freshness.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- You can also make a big batch of this chicken salad and use it throughout the week for quick and easy lunches.
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
- If you have any dietary restrictions, feel free to modify the recipe to suit your needs.
Nutrition Information
What other substitute can I use in Newks Chicken Salad?
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand or if you want to switch things up, here are some possible substitutions for this Newk’s Chicken Salad recipe:
- Cooked turkey instead of chicken.
- Dried cranberries instead of red grapes.
- Walnuts instead of pecans.
- Red onions can be replaced with shallots or scallions.
Newks Chicken Salad Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.25 pounds of cooked white chicken: Tender and succulent shreds of poultry provide a hearty base for the salad.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: A creamy emulsion that lends a luscious and velvety texture to bind the ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon diced red onion: Sharp and pungent the diced red onion adds a burst of savory flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile.
- 0.5 cup sliced red grapes: Juicy and sweet the red grapes introduce a refreshing burst, balancing the savory notes with a delightful fruity essence.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: A hint of warmth and depth the ground black pepper elevates the flavor profile with its subtle spiciness.
- 0.5 teaspoon seasoned salt: Infused with a blend of herbs and spices the seasoned salt brings a savory complexity, enriching the taste experience.
- 0.5 teaspoon sugar: A touch of sweetness to complement the savory elements harmonizing the flavors into a well-rounded sensation.
- 3/8 cup chopped pecans: Crunchy and nutty the pecans introduce a delightful texture and a rich, earthy flavor, adding depth to each bite.
- 3/8 cup finely diced celery: Crisp and fresh the finely diced celery contributes a subtle, refreshing crunch, enhancing the overall mouthfeel.
- 1.5 teaspoons lemon juice: Zesty and bright the lemon juice cuts through the richness, providing a citrusy contrast and a burst of freshness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balancing the flavors the salt enhances the natural taste of each ingredient, ensuring a harmonious and well-seasoned dish.
Instructions
- Begin by shredding the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces if using leftovers, or cook the chicken and let it cool before shredding. A rotisserie chicken can also be used for convenience.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise with 0.5 teaspoon of seasoned salt and 0.25 teaspoon of ground black pepper to create the dressing. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add the shredded chicken to the dressing, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Next, mix in 1 tablespoon of diced red onion, 0.5 cups of sliced red grapes, 3/8 cups of chopped pecans, and 3/8 cup of finely diced celery until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the dressing is well incorporated.
- Give the salad a final touch of flavor by adding 1.5 teaspoons of tangy lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well before covering the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerating for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and well-seasoned chicken salad. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a healthier option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
- Add in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor and freshness.
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- You can also make a big batch of this chicken salad and use it throughout the week for quick and easy lunches.
- For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
- If you have any dietary restrictions, feel free to modify the recipe to suit your needs.
FAQs
How to store Newks Chicken Salad?
To store Newk’s Chicken Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it chilled until ready to serve. For best results, do not freeze the salad as the texture may become watery.
Does Newk’s Chicken Salad contain dairy?
This specific recipe does not contain any dairy products. However, if you choose to use Greek yogurt instead of mayo, then it will contain dairy.
How can I make this Newks Chicken Salad spicier?
If you prefer a spicier version of this chicken salad, you can add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dressing mixture.
Can I serve Newks Chicken Salad as a main dish?
Yes, this chicken salad is hearty enough to be served as a main dish. You can pair it with some crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading our guide on how to make Newk’s Chicken Salad. We hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as we do!
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch option or a delicious salad to serve at your next gathering, this chicken salad is sure to be a hit.
Make sure to share this article with your friends and family, and let us know in the comments how your Newk’s Chicken Salad turned out.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
