Arlington Chicken Salad Recipe (Creamy Copycat Version!)

Name: Arlington Chicken Salad Recipe (Creamy Copycat Version!)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken ( (shredded or diced – rotisserie chicken works great!) ); 1/2 cup celery, finely diced; 1/4 cup red onion, minced; 1/2 cup red grapes, halved ((or diced apples for a twist!) ); 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped; 1/2 cup mayonnaise ((Duke’s or Hellmann’s for best flavor) ); 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream ((for tanginess) ); 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp honey ((or maple syrup) ); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt & black pepper to taste; 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley; A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness; Dried cranberries for extra sweetness

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Introduction: Why This Arlington Chicken Salad Recipe Stands Out

Hey there, food lovers! 👋 Chef Andrew here, and today I’m sharing my ultimate Arlington Chicken Salad recipe—a creamy, crunchy, and utterly delicious copycat version that tastes just like the famous original.

Whether you’ve had the real deal at a Southern café or just love a perfectly balanced chicken salad, this recipe is for you. It’s:

✅ Easy to make (ready in 20 minutes!)

✅ Creamy but not heavy (thanks to a secret ingredient!)

✅ Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups

And the best part? You don’t need any fancy skills—just a bowl, a fork, and a love for good Southern comfort food.

So, let’s get cooking!

What Makes Arlington Chicken Salad Special?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this chicken salad stands out:

🔹 The Perfect Creaminess – Not too mayo-heavy, with a touch of tanginess.

🔹 Crunchy Texture – Celery, red onions, and toasted pecans add the best bite.

🔹 A Hint of Sweetness – Some versions use grapes or apples (we’ll cover both!).

Fun Fact: The original Arlington chicken salad became famous in Texas for its balanced flavors—never

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Makes 4-6 servings)

Main Ingredients

✔ 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced – rotisserie chicken works great!)

✔ ½ cup celery, finely diced

✔ ¼ cup red onion, minced

✔ ½ cup red grapes, halved (or diced apples for a twist!)

✔ ⅓ cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped

The Creamy Dressing

✔ ½ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s for best flavor)

✔ ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (for tanginess)

✔ 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

✔ 1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)

✔ ½ tsp garlic powder

✔ ½ tsp onion powder

✔ Salt & black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins

🔸 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley

🔸 A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

🔸 Dried cranberries for extra sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)

1. Prep the Chicken

– If using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces.

– For homemade cooked chicken, poach 2 breasts in seasoned broth for extra flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: Slightly warm chicken absorbs the dressing better!

2. Toast the Nuts (For Extra Flavor!)

– Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.

– Add chopped pecans and toast for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

– Let cool before mixing in (so they stay crunchy!).

3. Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:

– Mayo + Greek yogurt

– Dijon mustard + honey

– Garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper

💡 Pro Tip: Taste and adjust—want more tang? Add extra mustard!

4. Combine Everything

– In a large bowl, mix chicken, celery, onions, grapes, and nuts.

– Pour dressing over and fold gently (don’t overmix!).

– Chill for at least 30 minutes (trust me, it’s better cold!).

Creamy Arlington chicken salad sandwich on toasted croissant with fresh herbs and pecans — The famous Arlington chicken salad just like you remember – now homemade in 20 minutes!

Serving Suggestions & Variations

How to Serve Arlington Chicken Salad

🍞 Classic Sandwich – On toasted croissants or sourdough.

🥬 Lettuce Wraps – For a low-carb option.

🍇 With Crackers & Fruit – Perfect for picnics!

Easy Variations

🌶 Spicy Twist – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

🍏 Apple & Walnut – Swap grapes for crisp apples.

🍯 Honey Mustard – Double the honey and mustard.

FAQs (People Also Ask!)

How Long Will Homemade Chicken Salad Keep?

Your Arlington chicken salad will stay fresh for:
✅ 3-4 days in the fridge (stored in an airtight container)
✅ Not recommended for freezing (mayo-based salads get watery when thawed)
🔹 Pro Tip: If meal prepping, keep dressing separate until serving for maximum freshness!

What’s the History of the Chicken Salad Sandwich?

Chicken salad dates back to 1863, when a Rhode Island chef mixed chicken with mayonnaise (a French import). The Arlington version became a Southern favorite for its:
✨ Creamy-but-light texture
✨ Sweet-and-savory balance (thanks to grapes or apples)
✨ Perfect crunch from celery and pecans

How Many Days Can Chicken Salad Be Served (FDA Guidelines)?

The FDA recommends consuming chicken salad within:
⏳ 3-4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below
🚫 Discard if left unrefrigerated for over 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F/32°C)

What Are the Key Characteristics of Arlington Chicken Salad?

Authentic Arlington-style chicken salad has:
🔸 Creamy dressing (mayo + Greek yogurt for tang)
🔸 Crunchy mix-ins (celery, red onions, toasted pecans)
🔸 Hint of sweetness (grapes or apples)
🔸 Herbaceous notes (fresh dill or parsley optional)

How Can You Tell If Chicken Salad Is Still Good?

Check for:
❌ Sour smell (trust your nose!)
❌ Slimy texture
❌ Discolored chicken (gray or green tints)
✅ When in doubt, throw it out!

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Arlington Chicken Salad is:

✨ Easy (no cooking required if using rotisserie chicken!)

✨ Versatile (great for meal prep, parties, or quick lunches)

✨ Just like the original—creamy, crunchy, and perfectly balanced.

Now it’s your turn! Give this recipe a try and let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite way to enjoy chicken salad?

Arlington Chicken Salad Recipe (Creamy Copycat Version!)

Chef Andrew

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Total Time 20

Servings 5 People

Calories 320 kcal