The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Ingredients
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh dill (see note below)
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
Black pepper to taste
2 cups (about 1/2 pound) cooked, chopped chicken
1/2 cup toasted pecans
1/2 cup diced celery
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup diced red onions
Recipe Video
Notes
- If fresh dill isn’t on hand, substitute 1 teaspoon of dried dill. Those who want to add more salt and pepper should taste first, then start with the amount listed and add more until the garlic flavor meets their liking.
Photo and recipe by Leigh Suznovich of @Jeanieandluluskitchen Creating the ultimate gluten-free chicken salad Recipe for a delicious, flavorful gluten free chicken salad that is always a hit. This easy recipe is the perfect marriage of tender chicken, crispy celery, toasted pecans and sweet-tart dried cranberries. Whether you need an incredibly tasty lunch or dinner recipe, this best ever chicken salad is not only packed with delicious flavor but it is naturally gluten free.
What I love about this recipe is that it’s so quick and easy. With just a few good ingredients, anyone can make a nice dish for everyone to eat regardless of dietary needs. It’s very nice textural contrast with that tender chicken and those crisp vegetables – every bit is yummy.
What Makes the Perfect Gluten-Free Chicken Salad?
The best gluten-free chicken salad has 2 cups of cooked chicken, 3/4 cup mayonnaise and includes fresh dill, toasted pecans, crunchy celery and dried cranberries. This is an easy recipe that can be pulled together in less than 20 minutes, serving 6 -and eating right away or saving some for the fridge. The secret is to use naturally gluten-free ingredients and take precautions against cross-contamination in the kitchen. Served on gluten-free cookies, in lettuce wraps, or as sliders with gluten-free buns, the flavor and texture of this dish is just amazing.
Is Chicken Salad Gluten-Free?
There’s no doubt that chicken salad is gluten-free made with the right ingredients, though when you’re getting it from a restaurant or chowing down on your friend’s homemade and version one thing is for certain. For that, you just have to make sure the ingredients don’t also include secret ingredients your guests won’t be expecting.
Many recipes use bread crumbs to provide texture, and some even use malt vinegar, which is glutenous. Occasionally the broth used contains barley and sometimes yeast extract. These wheat-derived ingredients can easily transform a dish that is otherwise safe for those who need to avoid gluten into one that could be troublesome.
On the occasions you do eat out, make sure to ask questions about how dishes are prepared. It is possible that cross contamination can occur if other people’s bread-based dishes were scooped with the same scoop or from shared cutting boards. Cross-contamination is especially likely when chicken salad is served by placing it on the same plate or near where crackers are handed out, Olson says.
Is Chicken Salad Dairy-Free?
Most people usually make chicken salad without dairy, and this recipe follows suit. Traditional chicken salad recipes don’t typically include butter or other dairy products. A good cook wouldn’t add dairy ingredients unless specifically requested, so this dish is naturally dairy-free in most cases.
Notes on Ingredients and Substitutions for This Chicken Salad Recipe
The mayonnaise for this recipe can be any preferred brand, but I am partial to using Chosen Foods mayo. As for fresh dill, someone without it available can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried dill (preferably from the most recent crop) in its place, though fresh is tastier.
On the grocery list, fresh dill would always be better if a neighbor grows their own herbs. For pecan haters/pecan allergic, just omit the nuts, or if you want some nut texture instead of peanut butter. Other people like walnuts and can do just as well with them in this recipe.
Garlic salt does everything required to make the flavors pop, though regular salt will work just fine as well. For the onion part, I use red onions to bring in some color but any type of onion will do. Feel free to sweeten the recipe up a bit with Walla Walla Sweet onions, which won’t overwhelm this dish but will add some natural sweetness.
The chicken can be cooked using any preferred method – grilled chicken breasts can be cubed, cooked in a skillet, prepared in a crock pot, or rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience. For those who enjoy bold flavors, blackened chicken tenders make an excellent choice, adding a spicy kick to the salad. Some people even use leftover chicken laredo, which brings a Tex-Mex flair to this classic dish.
How to Toast the Pecans for Chicken Salad
Nuts must be toasted before they are added to the recipe to achieve the best flavor. Luckily, this process couldn’t be simpler and it makes a world of difference in the finished dish.
Start by setting the oven to 300. Lay pecan halves (you could use chopped if you prefer, or even walnuts) out flat on a baking sheet. Make sure to line the sheet with parchment paper which will make all that scrubbing a thing of the past.
Bake for 5 -10 minutes but start checking at 4-5minutes. The nuts will have turned brown and you should smell them when they are ready. Just be careful they don’t burn as they toast. Cool completely before adding them to the chicken salad.
Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Sandwich
Chicken salad sandwiches make a great option for any luncheon, picnic, or dinner. Simply grab favorite gluten-free hamburger buns and stuff them with a generous helping of the salad. This makes perfect grab-and-go meals that can be packed for later or served right away.
To make the sandwiches even better, spread a little butter on the buns and sprinkle with onion salt or garlic salt, then toast them in the oven for a few minutes at 375 degrees. Let them cool before adding the chicken salad topping.
Gluten-Free Chicken Salad with Crackers
Both kids and adults love eating chicken salad with their favorite crackers. This makes a super easy lunchbox idea and creates a healthy after-school snack that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Gluten-Free Chicken Salad Recipe
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
The different textures and flavors from various ingredients make this the best gluten-free chicken salad recipe. Most of the time is spent preparing and chopping everything, but the process is very easy. The recipe can easily be doubled to serve more people.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (see note below)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 cups (about 1/2 pound) cooked, chopped chicken
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup diced red onions
Instructions
In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, dill, garlic salt, and pepper. Add the remaining ingredients: chicken, pecans, celery, cranberries, and onions until everything is well combined.
Taste and adjust with additional seasonings as desired. The salad can be served immediately with gluten-free crackers or buns, or covered with plastic wrap and placed in the refrigerator until ready to eat.
Notes
If fresh dill isn’t on hand, substitute 1 teaspoon of dried dill. Those who want to add more salt and pepper should taste first, then start with the amount listed and add more until the garlic flavor meets their liking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Chicken Salad Gluten-Free?
Chicken salad is naturally gluten-free when made with the right ingredients like mayonnaise, celery, onion, herbs, and vegetables. However, it’s important to check store-bought or commercial versions, as these may contain gluten-based thickeners, breadcrumbs, or flavorings.
Additionally, the way chicken salad is served can introduce gluten. Consider serving it with gluten-free crackers or in lettuce cups instead of regular bread, as recommended for those following gluten-free diets.
What Type of Salad Is Gluten-Free?
Most salads are naturally gluten-free as long as diners avoid gluten-containing ingredients like traditional pasta, croutons, and certain processed dressings or toppings. Naturally gluten-free salad types include fruit salads, green salads, and non-grain based options.
Bean salads are generally safe, though grain-based salads made with gluten-containing grains should be avoided. Salads made with naturally gluten-free grains like quinoa, millet, or rice are excellent alternatives.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in Chicken Salad?
For those who want to make chicken salad without mayo, there are several ingredients that work well. A favorite brand of plain yogurt can be used as a base, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a bit of olive oil for richness.
For a more zippy flavor, try Dijon mustard made from scratch with lemon zest, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor. These substitutions create delicious variations while maintaining the creamy texture that makes chicken salad so appealing.
