Do you love News's famous chicken salad and want to enjoy it anytime you crave it? Good news! You don’t need to head to News's to satisfy your cravings anymore.
This easy, homemade version of News's Chicken Salad Recipe offers all the fresh, savory, and slightly sweet flavors you know and love. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for weekday lunches or as a light dinner.
Get ready to whip up a batch of creamy, flavorful chicken salad that rivals the restaurant version!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Fresh Ingredients
We’ll use high-quality, fresh ingredients like tender chicken breast, crisp celery, sweet red onions, and crunchy pecans to recreate this classic dish.
2. Perfect Balance of Flavors
News's Chicken Salad stands out because of its combination of creamy mayonnaise, tangy grapes, and rich pecans. By following this recipe, you’ll replicate that harmony effortlessly.
3. Versatility
Whether you prefer it on a bed of greens, on toasted bread as a sandwich, or with crackers as a dip, this chicken salad adapts to your cravings.
4. Easy and Quick
With minimal prep and a handful of ingredients, this recipe won’t take more than 15 minutes to whip up.
Ingredients for News's Chicken Salad
Before we jump into the recipe, gather these key ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- ¾ cup seedless red grapes, halved
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped (toasting optional for extra flavor)
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (use your favorite brand)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- A squeeze of lemon juice for added zest
Now, let’s recreate News's masterpiece!
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook and Prep the Chicken
If you’re starting with raw chicken, poach 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in simmering water until fully cooked (about 10–12 minutes). Allow them to cool, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces. You can also use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut.
Step 2: Chop Your Fruits and Veggies
While the chicken cools, halve the red grapes and finely chop the celery and red onion. These elements will add crunch and bursts of sweetness to the salad.
Step 3: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. If you’re adding a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness, mix it in here.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the shredded chicken, grapes, celery, red onion, and pecans to the mixing bowl with the mayo mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Serve Your Masterpiece
Enjoy News's Chicken Salad in a variety of ways:
- Serve it as a sandwich filler with toasted sourdough bread or a croissant.
- Place a generous scoop on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing salad.
- Pair it with crackers for an easy snack or appetizer.
Tips to Perfect Your Chicken Salad
- Toast the Pecans: Toasting pecans enhances their nutty, aromatic flavor. Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring often.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, juicy grapes and crisp celery go a long way in making this recipe feel vibrant and well-balanced.
- Adjust Mayo to Taste: Prefer a lighter salad? Reduce the amount of mayo or substitute half with Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.
- Make Ahead: This chicken salad tastes better with time! Prep it a few hours ahead or even the night before to deepen the flavors.
Why This Recipe Tastes Just Like News's
It’s all in the balance of flavors! The sweetness of grapes, the crunch of pecans, and the creaminess of mayo come together seamlessly. Plus, the use of fresh, simple ingredients ensures that each bite is reminiscent of News's signature chicken salad.
Want to get creative? Add your spin to the recipe by including ingredients like dried cranberries, diced apples, or even a dash of hot sauce for some kick!
A Final Word: Elevate Your Salad Game
Now that you have the secret to Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe, you can enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish from the comfort of home. Whether it’s for your next picnic, a family lunch, or meal prep for the week, this chicken salad brings restaurant-quality taste to your kitchen.
Love discovering new recipes? Stay tuned to our blog for more! And if you try this recipe, we’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments below.
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