Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe (Just Like the Original!)

Name: Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe (Just Like the Original!)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 3 cups shredded chicken ((rotisserie works best)); 1/2 cup mayo ((Duke’s or Hellmann’s)); 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 cup chopped celery; 1/4 cup diced red onion ((soaked in ice water)); 1 tsp celery seed; Salt & pepper to taste

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🍗 Introduction

“If you’ve ever tasted the legendary Willow Tree Chicken Salad, you know it’s in a league of its own—creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. After years of testing (and a few happy accidents in my kitchen), I’ve nailed the perfect copycat recipe that tastes just like the original… maybe even better! Best part? It’s ready in 15 minutes with no fancy ingredients. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Tastes identical to Willow Tree’s (but costs half the price!)
✅ No mayo pools (creamy without being soggy)
✅ Meal-prep superstar (stays fresh for 4 days)
✅ Crowd-pleaser (perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or solo!)

🥣 The Secret to Willow Tree’s Creamy Texture

The magic lies in the ratio of mayo to yogurt and a surprise crunch element.

Ingredients

3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie saves time!)
½ cup mayo (Duke’s or Hellmann’s for authenticity)
¼ cup Greek yogurt (adds tang + reduces heaviness)
1 tbsp lemon juice (brightens flavors)
½ cup chopped celery (for crunch)
¼ cup diced red onion (soak in ice water to mellow bite)
1 tsp celery seed (Willow Tree’s signature spice!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Shred chicken (pro tip: use a hand mixer for ultra-fluffy texture!).
Whisk wet ingredients (mayo, yogurt, lemon juice).
Fold in chicken, celery, onion, and celery seed.
Chill 1 hour (critical for flavor melding!).

🥪 Serving Suggestions & Variations

Ways to Enjoy It

Classic sandwich (buttered croissant = chef’s kiss)
Lettuce wraps (low-carb option)
Crackers or cucumber slices (easy appetizer)

Dietary Swaps

Keto: Use avocado oil mayo + skip yogurt
Dairy-free: Coconut yogurt substitute
Lower-fat: Swap mayo for mashed avocado

⏳ Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Fridge: Up to 4 days (store in airtight container).
Freezer: Not recommended (mayo separates).
Revive leftovers: Add a splash of lemon juice.

📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat
320 kcal	25g	8g	20g

Creamy Willow Tree chicken salad with celery and red onions, served on a buttery croissant. — This copycat Willow Tree chicken salad tastes just like the original—perfect for sandwiches or scooping straight from the bowl!

❓ FAQs (Featured Snippet Bait!)

What are the ingredients in Willow Tree chicken salad?

The classic version includes shredded chicken, mayo, celery, onions, lemon juice, and a signature touch of celery seed (the “secret” ingredient!). My copycat recipe adds Greek yogurt for extra tang without heaviness.

What ingredients do you put in chicken salad?

The basics are chicken, mayo, celery, and onions. For Willow Tree’s flavor, add celery seed, lemon juice, and a dash of black pepper. Customize with nuts, grapes, or herbs!

How long does Willow Tree chicken salad last?

3–4 days in the fridge (store in an airtight container). Freezing isn’t recommended—mayo separates when thawed.

How to cook Willow Tree chicken pie?

While Willow Tree is famous for chicken salad, their **chicken pot pie** uses a flaky crust, tender chicken, and creamy veggie filling. (Psst—want a recipe? Comment below!)

What is the active ingredient in willow?

You’re thinking of willow bark, which contains salicin (a natural pain reliever). But for this salad, the active ingredient” is celery seed—it’s what gives Willow Tree’s version its unique flavor!

For More Dinner Inspiration

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