This Willow Tree Chicken Salad comes together simply: shred 2 cups cooked chicken, fold in 1 cup diced celery, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, and 1/2 cup halved red grapes. Stir in 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Chill 15 minutes, then serve on greens or toast. The lemony mayo keeps every bite bright, and you’ll discover more tips beyond this.
Ingredients and Quantity
Gather just the essentials: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup diced celery for crunch, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts for texture, 1/2 cup red grapes halved for sweetness, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for depth, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
In this section, you’ll see precise measures that empower you to assemble a confident salad. Two-column, three-row table below keeps the quantities crystal clear and quickly accessible, like a recipe compass.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Celery | 1 cup |
| Walnuts | 1/2 cup |
| Grapes | 1/2 cup |
| Mayo | 1/2 cup |
| Seasoning | As listed |
Preparations
As you prep, start by combining the base ingredients in a roomy bowl: shredded chicken, celery for crunch, walnuts for texture, and grapes for a gentle sweetness. Gently fold in mayo, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for balance. Use precise measurements: 2 cups shredded chicken, 1 cup diced celery, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup halved grapes, 1/4 cup mayo, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Employ preparation techniques that keep texture intact—fold, don’t whisk. Ingredient sourcing matters: use fresh, quality chicken and crunchy celery to highlight contrasts. Chill the mixture 15 minutes to meld flavors, then taste and adjust. Serve on greens or toast, ensuring each bite feels bright and liberating.
Kitchen tools or Kitchenware Required
To prep this dish efficiently, you’ll want a few sturdy tools: a roomy mixing bowl (at least 3 quarts) to cradle the chicken and add-ins, a chef’s knife for clean celery and grape halves, a cutting board with a damp cloth to prevent slips, and a large spoon for gentle folding. With the right kitchenware, you move confidently from prep to plating, freeing your creativity.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cutting board | Stable, safe slicing surface |
| Mixing bowl | Holds ingredients and folds evenly |
These essentials keep measurements steady and flavors honest, so you taste freedom in every bite, not fuss. Your cutting board and mixing bowl become your trusted teammates as you craft Willow Tree Chicken Salad.
How to Cook
- Preheat the skillet to a light sizzle.
- Melt a teaspoon of butter and a splash of olive oil in the skillet.
- Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
- Cook the chicken until opaque and just beginning to brown, about 6 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- Chop the rested chicken into bite-size shards.
- In a bowl, whisk together three tablespoons of mayo, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a squeeze of lemon, and a whisper of honey.
- Fold in about two cups of cubed chicken, half a cup of diced celery, a quarter cup of toasted almonds, and green grapes.
- Serve the salad fresh and enjoy.
How to Serve
If you’re serving Willow Tree Chicken Salad, chill the dish briefly to keep the flavors bright, then present it with a simple, inviting setup: a bed of crisp lettuce or bibb atop a platter, a mound of the chicken salad in the center, and optional wedges of lemon on the side. For serving, portion 1 cup of salad per person and 2 cups greens per platter. Drizzle a light lemon-herb dressing around the edge, using 1 tablespoon per plate, to brighten the bite. For presentation ideas, arrange salad in a shallow ring, garnish with chopped celery for crunch, and scatter parsley. Serving suggestions emphasize accessibility and freshness, inviting guests to customize with crackers, baguette slices, or crisp fruit.
Tips
Master this Willow Tree Chicken Salad by keeping a few practical tips in mind. Start with chicken selection: choose plump, cooked chicken breast, shredded to bite-sized pieces, not stringy or dry. If you’re short on time, use rotisserie meat, then dice evenly for uniform texture. For flavor enhancement, balance sweet and tangy elements: a light mayo with a splash of lemon, a whisper of Dijon, and a touch of honey to harmonize acidity. Salt judiciously—taste after mixing, then adjust. Chill the mixture briefly to meld flavors, and fold in crisp celery and chopped apples for brightness. Use cooled ingredients to prevent wilting. Assemble with a gentle hand, so texture stays playful rather than mushy, and savor the clean, confident finish.
Food Value and Benefit
This chicken salad offers a nutritious and satisfying meal rich in essential nutrients.
Food Value of the Prepared Dish:
- Approximately 230–260 calories per serving
- Lean protein from about 4 grilled chicken breast slices (6 oz total)
- Fiber and micronutrients from 1 cup mixed greens
- Healthy fats and added crunch from ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- Light, creamy texture with 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise
- Hydration and vitamins from 1 cup seasonal veggies (cucumber ribbons and cherry tomatoes)
Benefits of Eating This Recipe:
- Supports muscle maintenance and repair with high-quality lean protein
- Promotes digestive health and fullness through dietary fiber
- Provides heart-healthy fats from sunflower seeds
- Supplies antioxidants and boosts immune function with vitamins A and C
- Enhances bone health through minerals like calcium and magnesium
- Helps maintain steady energy levels due to balanced macronutrients
- Encourages hydration and skin health from water-rich vegetables
Key Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin A (from mixed greens and cherry tomatoes)
- Vitamin C (from cherry tomatoes and cucumber)
- Calcium (from Greek yogurt)
- Magnesium (from sunflower seeds)
- Potassium (from vegetables and chicken)
Enjoy this vibrant, nutrient-dense chicken salad as a wholesome meal that supports overall health and wellbeing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Chicken With Turkey or Tofu?
Yes, you can substitute turkey or tofu. For turkey, use equal weight; for tofu, press and crumble. Aim for turkey texture that’s tender, tofu flavor subdued but present, with mayo, celery, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon lemon.
How Long Does It Last in the Fridge?
You’ll get about 3 to 4 days in the fridge, kept airtight at 40°F; check freshness indicators like a bright aroma and crisp celery. Storage tips: label date, store in shallow containers, and avoid overcrowding for maximum freshness.
Can I Make This Ahead for a Party?
Yes, you can; plan for a party by making it the day before, keep chilled, and assemble just before serving. For party planning, aim 4–6 cups salad, 12–16 servings, with clear serving suggestions.
Is There a Dairy-Free Mayo Option?
Yes, you can—opt for vegan mayo, about 1 cup for 4 servings, plus 1–2 tablespoons dairy-free yogurt if you like. Try flavor alternatives: lemon zest, Dijon, and capers for bright, creamy texture and balance.
What Are the Best Cracker Pairings?
You’ll love pairing with crackers varieties like sesame snaps and rustic whole grains; aim for 2–3-inch squares. Try flavor combinations: lemon zest with dill, smoky paprika with chive, or tangy caper and peppercorn for balance.
