By Deli-Style Chicken Salad is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Deli-Style Chicken Salad captures the essence of meals|chicken while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Deli-Style Chicken Salad becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup Miracle Whip
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
4 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
1 cup dried cranberries, dried cherries, or grape halves
½ cup chopped celery
2 green onions, chopped
¾ cup chopped green pepper or apple
1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
Ground black pepper, to taste
PREPARATION STEPS
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, paprika, and seasoning salt. Stir until well combined and creamy.
Add the cooked chicken, dried cranberries, chopped celery, chopped green onions, chopped green pepper or apple, and toasted pecans to the bowl with the dressing mixture.
Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Season with ground black pepper to taste.
Cover the bowl and chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 to 6 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the chicken salad a quick stir, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Serve the deli-style chicken salad on its own, as a sandwich filling, or over a bed of fresh salad greens. Enjoy the delicious flavors and textures of this satisfying dish!
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~350 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
