Copycat Calvin’s Chicken Salad Recipe

by Adel

Growing up in a cozy kitchen wafting with the aroma of herbs and spices, there was always one dish that seemed to capture the essence of family and freshness for me: Calvin’s Chicken Salad. This isn’t just any chicken salad, but a recipe steeped in memories, a blend passed down through generations until it landed in my eager hands, eager to carry on the tradition of simplicity and taste.

How to make Calvin’s Chicken Salad

Calvin’s Chicken Salad is a popular dish known for its fresh and flavorful ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken (You can use leftovers, a rotisserie chicken, or boil/bake chicken breasts.)
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup mayonnaise (Adjust according to your preference)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional ingredients for additional flavor:

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or grapes, halved
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives), finely chopped

Equipment

  • Bowl for mixing
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Knife and chopping board

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If not using pre-cooked chicken, cook your chicken first. Boil, bake, or poach chicken breasts until fully cooked, then let them cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks. For a more mashed consistency, you can further mash the shredded chicken with a potato masher or fork.

Step 2: Finely Chop the Mix-ins

While the chicken cools, finely chop the celery, red onion, and any other vegetables or herbs you want to include. If you’re adding nuts, chop them into smaller pieces. This will ensure a uniform texture throughout the salad.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed chicken, mayonna spread, chopped celery, red onion, and any optional ingredients you’re using.

If opting for lemon juice, mustard, or herbs, add them now. These ingredients will add layers of flavor to the salad.
If using dried cranberries, nuts, or grapes, fold them into the mixture to distribute evenly.

Step 4: Season

Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the flavors will meld and intensify slightly as the salad chills, so it’s better to start with less salt and adjust before serving if needed.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and will improve the overall taste of your salad.
Serve your mashed chicken salad as desired: on a bed of greens, between slices of bread for a sandwich, scooped onto crackers as canapés, or in a wrap.

Tips for Perfection:

  • Chicken: Using a mix of white and dark meat can give the salad more flavor and moisture.
  • Texture: For a smoother salad, consider using a food processor to pulse the chicken and vegetables together. Just be careful not to over-process.
  • Customization: Mashed chicken salad is versatile. Feel free to experiment with additions and seasonings, such as curry powder for a curry chicken salad or replacing mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

what to serve with

Calvin’s Chicken Salad, with its creamy texture and inviting flavors, is a masterpiece on its own. However, pairing it with just the right side dishes can elevate your meal from delightful to unforgettable. Here’s how to create a harmonious meal that complements the nuanced flavors of the chicken salad.

Crusty Bread or Croissants:

Why It Works: The buttery flakiness of a croissant or the crisp exterior of a freshly baked loaf of bread provides a delightful contrast to the creamy richness of the chicken salad.

Serving Tip: Offer a basket of warm, sliced bread or split croissants so guests can make their chicken salad sandwiches or simply enjoy a piece on the side.

Green Salad:

Why It Works: A light, vinaigrette-dressed green salad can cut through the richness of the chicken salad, cleansing your palate with each bite.

Serving Tip: Opt for mixed greens, arugula, or a spring mix. Add elements like cucumber and cherry tomatoes for additional texture and flavor. Dress lightly with olive oil and lemon juice or your favorite vinaigrette.

Soup Pairings:

Why It Works: A warm bowl of soup paired with chicken salad can turn your meal into a comforting feast, suitable for colder days or a light but satisfying dinner.

Serving Tip: To keep the meal balanced, choose lighter broths, such as a classic vegetable or tomato basil broth. Avoid heavy cream-based soups, which could overshadow the Calvin’s Chicken Salad.

Fresh Fruit Salad:

Why It Works: The sweetness and acidity of a fruit salad can complement the savory and creamy notes of the Calvin’s Chicken Salad, offering a refreshing balance.

Serving Tip: Use fruits like berries, kiwi, pineapple, and mango. A splash of lime and a sprinkle of fresh mint can elevate the freshness.

Pasta Salad:

Why It Works: A chilled pasta salad with a zesty vinaigrette and plenty of vegetables can serve as a substantial side that harmonizes well with the chicken salad.

Serving Tip: Choose pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle that can hold onto the dressing well. Incorporate plenty of fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing to complement the creaminess of the chicken salad.

Roasted Vegetables:

Why It Works: Roasted vegetables bring warmth and a comforting texture, making them an excellent pair for the cold chicken salad. Their natural sweetness and earthiness can offset the salad’s richness.

Serving Tip: Opt for a medley of seasonal vegetables. Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes or seasonal selections like asparagus and Brussels sprouts work wonderfully. Drizzle with olive oil, season lightly, and roast until tender.

Sweet Potato Fries or Chips:

Why It Works: The sweet and salty crunch of sweet potato fries or chips adds a delightful texture contrast and a slight sweetness that pairs beautifully with the chicken salad.

Serving Tip: Serve freshly baked sweet potato fries with a sprinkle of sea salt or homemade sweet potato chips as a side or appetizer.

Beverage Pairings:

Why It Works: The right beverage can cleanse and prepare the palate for the next delicious bite.

Serving Tip: Offer a selection of iced herbal teas, crisp white wines, or sparkling water with a citrus twist to refresh the palate.

Ingredients Substitutes

Sometimes, you might not have all the original ingredients for Calvin’s chicken salad on hand, or you may want to tailor the recipe to dietary preferences or restrictions. Here’s a guide to swapping ingredients without compromising on the delicious experience.

Chicken:

  • Vegan/Vegetarian Substitute: Replace chicken with canned chickpeas or a plant-based chicken alternative. Ensure you drain and rinse well if using chickpeas. For more flavor, you might want to sauté the chickpeas with a bit of oil and poultry seasoning before cooling and adding to the salad.
  • Turkey Substitute: If turkey is available, it’s a simple one-for-one substitution. Poach or roast it as you would the chicken.

Red Grapes:

  • Dried Fruit Substitute: If fresh grapes aren’t available, consider using raisins or dried cranberries for a different burst of sweetness.
  • Other Fresh Fruit Substitutes: Diced apples or pears can work well to provide a similar juicy crunch.

Celery:

  • Crunchy Vegetable Substitute: If you don’t like celery, try chopped cucumber or jicama. They will still contribute a nice crunch without the distinct celery flavor.

Pecans:

  • Nut Allergy Substitute: For those with nut allergies, roasted sunflower seeds or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) can provide a similar texture.
  • Different Nut Substitutes: Almonds, walnuts, or cashews are great alternatives that can be toasted just like pecans.

Red Onion:

  • Milder Flavor Substitute: If red onion is too strong, try using shallots or soaking chopped red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before draining and adding to the salad to reduce its bite.
  • No Onion Substitute: You might skip onions altogether if you’re not a fan. To add depth, consider a bit of chopped fennel for a subtle anise-like flavor.

Mayonnaise:

  • Dairy-Free/Vegan Substitute: Many brands offer vegan mayonnaise, which works as a direct substitute.
  • Healthier Substitute: Try using plain Greek yogurt or a mixture of yogurt and mayonnaise for a lighter version. Avocado mashed with a bit of lemon juice can also provide creaminess.

Dijon Mustard:

  • Different Mustard Substitute: If Dijon isn’t available, you can use yellow mustard for a milder taste or stone-ground mustard for a more rustic feel. Adjust the quantity to taste as these mustards vary in intensity.

Garlic Powder:

  • Fresh Garlic Substitute: If you prefer fresh ingredients, mince a small clove of garlic finely to replace the garlic powder. Fresh garlic will give a more potent flavor.
  • Substitute: In a pinch, onion powder could be used for a different but still savory note.

Salt and Pepper:

  • No Salt Substitute: If you’re watching your sodium intake, use sodium-free seasoning blends or just rely on the natural flavors of the herbs and ingredients.
  • Different Pepper Substitute: For a different kind of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika could be used instead of black pepper.

Fresh Herbs:

  • Different Herbs: While dill or parsley are suggested, feel free to use any fresh herbs you prefer or have on hand. Basil, chives, or thyme can all be lovely.

Final Thoughts

Through Calvin’s chicken salad recipe, you’re not just putting together a dish; you’re weaving a tapestry of flavors that is sure to comfort, delight, and become a cherished recipe in your collection. 

More Salad Recipes:

Copycat Calvin's Chicken Salad Recipe

Calvin's Chicken Salad

Serves: 4 Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 50 calories 4 grams fat
Rating: 4.5/5
( 4 voted )

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken 
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional ingredients for additional flavor:

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or grapes, halved
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives), finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If not using pre-cooked chicken, cook your chicken first. Boil, bake, or poach chicken breasts until fully cooked, then let them cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks. For a more mashed consistency, you can further mash the shredded chicken with a potato masher or fork.

Step 2: Finely Chop the Mix-ins

While the chicken cools, finely chop the celery, red onion, and any other vegetables or herbs you want to include. If you’re adding nuts, chop them into smaller pieces. This will ensure a uniform texture throughout the salad.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed chicken, mayonna spread, chopped celery, red onion, and any optional ingredients you're using.

If opting for lemon juice, mustard, or herbs, add them now. These ingredients will add layers of flavor to the salad.
If using dried cranberries, nuts, or grapes, fold them into the mixture to distribute evenly.

Step 4: Season

Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the flavors will meld and intensify slightly as the salad chills, so it’s better to start with less salt and adjust before serving if needed.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and will improve the overall taste of your salad.
Serve your mashed chicken salad as desired: on a bed of greens, between slices of bread for a sandwich, scooped onto crackers as canapés, or in a wrap.

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