Fresh Market Chicken Salad Recipe
Today, I’m excited to share one of my all-time favorites, the Fresh Market Chicken Salad Recipe. This dish holds a special place in my heart, as it brings together the delightful flavors of tender roasted chicken with crisp, fresh vegetables and a creamy dressing. While there are a few ways to prepare this salad, I will show you how to roast your chicken for extra flavor today.
Chicken salad from the Fresh Market can be served as an elegant appetizer with crackers or eaten as a quick and filling lunch between slices of your favorite bread. Your taste buds will be wowed by the way it combines savory and creamy flavors, making you want more.
So, without further ado, let’s head to the kitchen and embark on this culinary journey to create the delicious Fresh Market Chicken Salad!
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How To Make Fresh Market Chicken Salad?
Let me set the scene before we start making Fresh Market Chicken Salad. This classic recipe combines tender roasted chicken, crisp fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing. This salad’s savory-creamy flavor will delight your taste buds whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a light lunch.
Let’s learn how to make this delicious Fresh Market Chicken Salad that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients That You Will Need
Roasted Chicken:
- 1 6-7lb chicken (or use a rotisserie)
- 1 sliced onion
- 2 lemons
- rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic
- Pinch of salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, cayenne, favorite poultry blend
Chicken Salad:
- Chopped Chicken (1 whole chicken, bone skin and cartilage removed)
- 1 cup mayo
- 2 tbsps sweet relish
- 2 tsps dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery and 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsps diced parsley
- Pinch of Old Bay, Chicken Bouillon Powder, All-Purpose Seasoning
- Lemon Zest
Tools and Equipment:
- Kitchen scissors
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Paper towels
- Aluminum foil
- Grater (for lemon zest)
Instructions For Fresh Market Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Spatchcock the chicken
Using kitchen scissors, remove the chicken’s backbone by making cuts down both sides.
Step 2: Flatten the chicken
Flip the chicken over and flatten it by making an incision in the breastbone. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 3: Season the chicken
Season the chicken with your favorite all-purpose seasoning, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and optional cayenne pepper and Peruvian seasoning.
Step 4: Prepare the roasting pan
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lay lemon slices, sliced onion, and fresh herbs on the foil to create a bed for the chicken.
Step 5: Roast the chicken
Place the seasoned chicken on top of the lemon and herb bed. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Roast in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 6: Cool and chop the chicken
Allow the roasted chicken to cool to room temperature. Remove the wings for a quick snack. Break down the chicken, removing skin, bones, and cartilage. Chop the chicken into desired-sized pieces.
Step 7: Prepare the dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, and give them a good mix then add celery, red onion, and freshly chopped parsley then mix it again. Add seasonings like Old Bay, chicken bouillon powder, and All-Purpose Seasoning to taste.
Step 8: Add the chicken
Fold the chopped chicken into the dressing mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 9: Add lemon zest
Optionally, grate some lemon zest into the chicken salad for a burst of citrus flavor. Now it is ready to serve.
Here is the video link:
Tips and Tricks
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. Feel free to alter the seasoning blend to suit your tastes.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience if you prefer not to roast your own.
- Use gloves when mixing the chicken salad for easy handling and clean-up.
- Serve the chicken salad on croissants with lettuce, tomato, and crispy bacon for a delicious sandwich.
Variations
- Customize your chicken salad by adding ingredients like diced apples, grapes, nuts, or cranberries for a unique twist.
- Swap out the bread for crackers or serve the chicken salad in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy your Fresh Market Chicken Salad on croissants for a satisfying sandwich.
- Pair with crackers as a snack or starter.
- Wrap the chicken salad in a low-carb tortilla for a lighter meal option.
Storage and Reheating Process
Storage:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover Fresh Market Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to keep the food fresh and stop it from drying out.
Label and Date: To keep track of freshness, label the container with the date when you prepared the salad.
Use Within 3-4 Days: Consume the chicken salad within 3-4 days of preparation. After this period, the quality may begin to deteriorate.
Reheating:
Fresh Market Chicken Salad is typically served cold and doesn’t require reheating. However, if you’d like to serve it slightly warmer or want to repurpose leftovers, here are a couple of options:
Room Temperature: If you’ve stored the chicken salad in the refrigerator, you can remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This will take the chill off and allow the flavors to become more pronounced.
Warm Sandwich: If you’re using the chicken salad as a sandwich filling and prefer a slightly warmer sandwich, you can follow these steps:
- Take out the desired portion of chicken salad and place it in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on low power (20-30% power) in short intervals (15-20 seconds at a time).
- Stir and check the temperature after each interval until it reaches your desired warmth.
Use this warmed chicken salad as a sandwich filling immediately.
Remember that chicken salad is typically enjoyed cold, so reheating is optional and a matter of personal preference. If you’re reheating a large batch for a gathering, consider using a double boiler on the stove to gently warm it, stirring frequently to avoid overheating and separating the mayonnaise-based dressing.
Conclusion
A delectable Fresh Market Chicken Salad that isn’t limited to just the summer months; it’s a year-round delight. Whether you decide to roast your own chicken, infusing it with those wonderful homemade flavors, or opt for the convenience of a rotisserie chicken, rest assured, this salad will always be a memorable treat.
What truly sets this salad apart is its delightful dressing, which strikes the perfect balance between creamy and tangy, and its customizable ingredients.
So, don’t hesitate any longer. Get everything you need, arrange your work area, and prepare to take your taste buds on an exciting journey. This Fresh Market Chicken Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience waiting to be savored. Share it with loved ones, impress your guests, or simply treat yourself to the deliciousness it promises.
One thing is certain: whatever you decide to do, every bite will be a testament to the pleasure of delicious food and the memories it evokes. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of roasting my own chicken?
Yes, you can use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience. Simply remove the meat from the rotisserie chicken and chop it into pieces to use in the recipe.
Is reheating the chicken salad necessary?
Fresh Market Chicken Salad is typically served cold. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer sandwich, you can gently warm a portion in the microwave using low power, but reheating is optional.
Can I make substitutions or add additional ingredients to the salad?
Yes, you can change the salad up by adding things like cranberries, apples, grapes, nuts, or diced apples. Feel free to get creative with your additions.
What makes the dressing creamy and tangy in this chicken salad?
The creamy and tangy dressing is made with mayonnaise, sweet relish, and Dijon mustard. These ingredients combine to create a deliciously balanced dressing.
Can I make the chicken salad in advance for a gathering?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It’s a great dish for parties and gatherings, and making it ahead of time can save you time on the day of the event.
We always appreciate you taking the time to read this article, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon for more culinary explorations. Stay Connected with celebrateandhavefun. Happy Cooking!
