Description
This Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad is a quick and flavorful dish combining shredded chunk chicken breast with crisp celery, fresh apple, crunchy almonds, and a creamy dressing spiced with Cajun seasoning. Perfect for a light lunch or picnic, it offers a delightful balance of textures and a zesty, satisfying taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Produce
- 2 cans (12.5 oz each) chunk chicken breast, drained
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 crisp red or green apple, cored and diced
Nuts and Seasonings
- ½ cup chopped almonds
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
Dressing
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a medium bowl, shred the drained chunk chicken breast using a fork to break it into smaller, manageable pieces suitable for a salad.
- Add vegetables and nuts: Mix in the diced celery, diced apple, and chopped almonds to add crunchy texture and fresh flavor to the chicken base.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and dried parsley evenly over the salad ingredients to infuse the dish with a spicy and herby kick.
- Add creamy dressing: Incorporate the mayonnaise or Miracle Whip along with the sour cream into the mixture, stirring well to ensure the salad achieves a creamy and cohesive texture.
- Combine thoroughly: Stir all ingredients until they are fully combined, creating a rich and creamy Cajun-flavored chicken salad.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more Cajun spice or salt to suit your preference.
- Chill before serving: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and for the salad to chill, enhancing its refreshing taste.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Can be served on a bed of lettuce or in sandwich wraps for a complete meal.
- Chilling the salad improves the flavor blend and texture.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to preference for more or less heat.
- Make ahead and keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
