Aldi Chicken Salad Recipe

Intro

Something so beautiful about a good chicken salad is its simplicity. It is creamy, crunchy, fresh, and soothing- together. Upon learning that the Aldi Chicken Salad Recipe exists, I understood that not every salad that is sold in stores is equal. 

This one is right in that golden ratio of tender pieces of chicken, a light creamy dressing, and a wonderful crunch that the celery and grapes provide to every bite.

And the best part? It can be made at home- simply, cheaply, and with the same Aldi fatigue.

What Is Aldi Chicken Salad?

Aldi Chicken Salad Recipe is based on the very popular ready-to-prepare chicken salad available in Aldi in the deli. It is also famous for its full and at the same time refreshing taste, which is prepared using cooked chicken breast, mayonnaise, celery, sweet grapes, and a touch of seasoning that makes it simple and satisfying.

This homemade one has the same flavor and texture, however, with the added pleasure of managing all the ingredients. You have the choice of whether you want more crunch, more grapes, or a lighter dressing made to your way.

It is one of those dishes that make me remember why I love home cooking, not only because it is all about feeding people, but it is also about making a bowl of comfort.

The Account of My Discovery of this.

I will confess it, I am one of those who cannot help visiting the deli of Aldi each time I shop at this shop. You have experienced that time when you are hungry and just looking to purchase a chicken salad in a container? That was me.

One day, I carried their traditional chicken salad home, and I went right to the container, taking a bite (no shame!). It was cold, white, and had that combination of flavors that struck all the right chords. The grapes gave it sweetness, the mayo made it tangy, and the chicken made it savory as it was perfectly cooked.

That was the end–I must make it up again. Through trial and error, some taste testing, and a couple of modifications, I managed to come up with a variation that was not only more tasty than the one at the store, but also better.

It is now my summer lunch dish, and quick snack, or even a spontaneous picnic with friends.

Equipment List

You do not have to go fancy with this chicken salad; all you need are your daily kitchen utensils:

• Mixing bowl (medium to large)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Airtight box (to store the leftovers)
• Optional but helpful:
• A hand mixer or food processor (when you want it more shredded)
• Ice cream scoop (to divide it into portions to place on sandwiches)

Ingredients

The following will be what you will need to prepare your own Aldi Chicken Salad Recipe at home:

For the Chicken Salad:

• 3 cups cooked breast of chicken, diced or shredded.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or light mayo in case you want it)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is preferable)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt (to taste) 1 teaspoon.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• 2 celery stalks, very finely chopped.
• 2 teaspoons almond (or other flavor) extract (optional, to make it crunchy)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (or not, to garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 teaspoon of honey (to add some sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt (to make the dressing tangier and lighter)
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped green onion.

For Serving:

• Sandwich roll or lettuce wraps or croissants.
• Crackers for snacking

Instructions

We shall make it happen in bits!

Step 1: Cook Your Chicken

And in case you do not have cooked chicken, you can make one in a hurry:

Lightly sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Bake at 375°F, 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through (165°F inside temperature).

Allow to cool and chop or shred into small pieces.

(Pro Tip: You may also use rotisserie chicken, which is also a complete time saver and is equally delicious)

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

Whisk in a large bowl add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

To give this a slight twist, a combination of honey or Greek yogurt can be added to this mix to get a slightly different flavor balance.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Put into the bowl your chopped chicken, grapes, celery and almonds. Gently mix all until all the ingredients are well mixed and the chicken is coated evenly.

Taste and add–perhaps a little more salt or a little more lemon juice, should you like it piquant.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover and put in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This aids in the integration of the flavours and provides the salad with a cool, refreshing feel.

After it has been chilled, take a scoop and put it on croissants to make a sandwich, put it on a crisp piece of lettuce to make it lighter, or put it on a couple of crackers to have a quick bite.

The Advice to the Best Aldi Chicken Salad.

Allow to cool: Chilling the salad for at least half an hour will boost the taste and texture considerably.

The texture issue is: Blend softly so that the grapes and chicken pieces do not get lost.

Personalize: Desire something a little more creamy? Add a little more mayo. Prefer crunchier? Adding chopped apples or nuts.

Balance: It is the balance between sweet (grapes) and savory (chicken + dressing). Do not omit the lemon juice–that puts the color in everything.

Storage Tips

Keep your Aldi Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 4 days.

Freezing is not allowed; the dressing made out of mayonnaise does not freeze.

In case you want to prepare it in advance, you can store the dressing separately and add it right before serving it so that it is as fresh as possible.

Serving Ideas

This is one of those magical dishes that is a hit in so many ways in the form of chicken salad. Here are a few of my favorites:

Croissant Sandwiches: Croissants are the best match with buttery and flaky croissants.

Lettuce Cups: Crisp romaine or butter lettuce is used as a low-carb lunch.

Wraps: Roll in a tortilla with a few spinach leaves and avocado.

On Toast: Stack it on whole-grain bread to make an open-faced sandwich.

Crackers: Keep it simple, just scoop and snack. Speaks game nights or picnics.

The reason you will like this Aldi Chicken Salad Recipe.

It is somehow very gratifying to prepare this salad on your own. It is fresh, light, and well-textured. The dressing is creamy and envelops the chicken most perfectly, the grapes make it sweet, and the celery provides the much-needed bite.

It is also extremely adaptable- it is ideal in meal preparation, packed lunches, or even a light dinner. I enjoy a huge serving on Sundays and consuming it throughout the week.

And honestly? Whenever I prepare it, it seems to me that I am bringing some Aldi deli magic into my home kitchen.

Variations to Try

Curried Chicken Salad: Add 1 teaspoon of curry powder along with some raisins to make it exotic.

Apple-Walnut Version: Replace grapes with diced apples and Walnuts with almonds.

Avocado Chicken Salad: Add half a mashed avocado to give it a creamy taste and omit part of the mayo.

Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a teaspoon of spicy hot sauce or red pepper to give it some spice.

Every variation has a new personality, but still, the core of the recipe is the same part- fresh, satisfying, and simple.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve your chicken salad with some light, refreshing sides to counter the creaminess:

• A side of fresh fruit salad
• Iced lemonade tea beverage.
• Something hearty roasted potato wedges.
• Or even of cup of tomato basil soup on chillier days.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought

The version purchased in a store is certainly tasty. But making it at home lets you:

• Manage the quality of chicken.
• Wrap the dressing to your preference.
• Save money
• Eat it without preservatives.
• It’s a win-win situation.

Final Thoughts

This is an Aldi Chicken Salad Recipe that is pure comfort food. It is the type of food that makes one take their time, enjoy, and even close their eyes to eat the first bite.

It could be a weekday lunch, a picnic, or something you need to grab because you are feeling like having something warm and comforting. We have combined all the best in this recipe: a mixture of simple ingredients, fresh flavours, and a touch of homemade love.

And you had better believe that, when you can make it yourself, you may never again purchase it pre-made.

More Healthy Salad Recipes:

• Newk’s Pasta Salad Recipe
• Aldi Chickpea Salad Recipe