With Straub’s Chicken Salad, it’s not merely a dish; it’s tradition. A favorite comfort food which can be simple enough to make as a weeknight supper; and also your picnic stand-by for festivals. It’s a great thing to accept with family gatherings. In this comprehensive guide we will answer such questions as where did Straub’s Chicken Salad start? That recipe you are missing when you fill out an ingredient list–just print out our simple how-to guide for quick reference. For quick meal ideas, check out these simple fish tacos. We will also look into the health aspects of this dish and offer you practical tips on serving it in all kinds of ways. If you like fresh, flavoursome chicken salad that feels satisfying but isn’t too heavy-then you’ve come to the right place. Stay tuned for the full rundown of Straub’s Chicken Salad next week.
Table of Contents
What is Straub’s Chicken Salad?
A savory dish that is appreciated for its creamy texture as well as simplicity is Straub’s Chicken Salad. Generally made from chicken breast, vegetables and a creamy sauce (usually mayonnaise basted mixture flavored with herbs) it has become an American standard. Not only is it delicious, but it can also be prepared in large quantities at home allowing the dish to suit practically anyone’s taste whether they like a little spice or lots of texture with their food.
But Straub’s Chicken Salad is more than this. It’s an art and a science to make something that has taste. Protein? Use the chicken. Crunch? The vegetables. Creamy texture,combining tastes, everything comes together in Straub’s chicken salad. Yet this is only the tip of the iceberg – there are so many ways you could possibly imagine trying your favorite variations for yourself!
Whether you’re preparing Straub’s Chicken Salad for a light lunch or using it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or even on top of salads, it always feels fresh and satisfying. For additional healthy ingredients to incorporate into your meals, learn about the benefits of beets.
The Best Straub’s Chicken Salad Recipe
Here’s a classic and easy-to-make Straub’s Chicken Salad recipe that will never disappoint. This dish is perfect for making in bulk for parties, family meals, or meal prep for the week ahead. The ingredients are simple, and the flavours are unbeatable.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise (for a lighter option, substitute with Greek yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for brightness)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for an extra kick)
- 1/2 cup grapes or apples, diced (optional for sweetness and crunch)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional for added texture and flavour)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- If you’re using raw chicken, start by cooking it. You can boil or roast chicken breasts. Once fully cooked, let the chicken cool slightly before shredding or dicing it.
- For a quicker option, consider using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred the meat from the bone and remove any skin.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Finely chop the celery and red onion. The celery provides crunch, while the onion adds a subtle sharpness to the salad.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, chopped celery, red onion, and any optional add-ins (such as grapes, apples, or nuts). Pour the dressing over the mixture and stir gently to combine, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Chill the Salad:
- Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. This also gives the salad time to firm up, making it even more refreshing when served.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once chilled, serve Straub’s Chicken Salad in sandwiches, wraps, or over a bed of greens. Garnish with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of paprika, or a few extra grapes for visual appeal.
Health Benefits of Straub’s Chicken Salad Ingredients
What makes Straub’s Chicken Salad even better is the nutritional value of the ingredients. Let’s break down the health benefits of some key components:
- Chicken:
- Chicken, particularly breast meat, is a lean source of protein, which helps build and repair tissues, supports muscle function, and strengthens the immune system. It’s also rich in essential nutrients like niacin and B vitamins, which are necessary for energy production and overall metabolism.
- Celery:
- Celery is low in calories and high in fibre, making it great for digestion and weight management. It also provides antioxidants, which help protect against oxidative stress and contains vitamin K, which is crucial for bone health.
- Mayonnaise (or Greek Yogurt):
- While traditional mayonnaise can be high in calories, opting for Greek yogurt as a substitute is an excellent way to reduce calories and increase protein. Greek yogurt also provides probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. You can also choose healthier versions of mayonnaise, such as avocado mayo, for an even lighter alternative.
- Apples/Grapes:
- If you add fruits like grapes or apples to your Straub’s Chicken Salad, you’re adding a healthy dose of vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants. Apples are rich in vitamin C and dietary fibre, which can aid in digestion. Grapes, on the other hand, are packed with antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Nuts:
- Adding nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans brings healthy fats into the mix. These fats help support brain function, maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and contribute to overall heart health.
How to Make Straub’s Chicken Salad Your Own
The best part about Straub’s Chicken Salad is how customizable it is. Below are some ideas to add your twist to this classic recipe:
Customizing the Dressing
While the traditional mayo-based dressing is creamy and delicious, you can experiment with different dressings to suit your dietary preferences:
- Greek Yogurt Dressing:
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to reduce calories while adding more protein. For extra flavour, mix in a bit of lemon juice, mustard, or a pinch of garlic powder.
- Vinegar-Based Dressing:
- For a lighter, tangier option, use a vinegar-based dressing. Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create a tangy, refreshing dressing that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Avocado Dressing:
- Blend a ripe avocado with Greek yogurt and a squeeze of lime juice for a creamy, nutrient-dense dressing with a rich texture.
Adding Fruits, Vegetables, and Nuts
Feel free to add ingredients to enhance both flavour and texture:
- Fruits:
- Grapes, apples, or dried cranberries are great additions. They bring a burst of sweetness and a pop of colour.
- Veggies:
- Add bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers to enhance the salad’s crunchiness. Roasted beets can also add a lovely earthy flavour.
- Nuts and Seeds:
- Almonds, walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds bring a nice crunch and healthy fats. You can even toast the nuts for an extra depth of flavour.
Serving Suggestions for Straub’s Chicken Salad
While Straub’s Chicken Salad is impressive on its own, there are several ways to serve it that take it to the next level. Here are a few suggestions:
1. In Sandwiches or Wraps
Stuff your chicken salad into whole-grain or sourdough bread for a satisfying sandwich. You can also use soft wraps or pita pockets for a lighter alternative. Top with fresh lettuce and tomato for added crunch and flavour.
2. As a Salad Topping
For a low-carb option, serve Straub’s Chicken Salad over a bed of mixed greens, spinach, or arugula. Add sliced avocado, boiled eggs, and a few roasted veggies to make it even more filling.
3. With Crackers or Veggies
For a fun appetizer, serve the chicken salad as a dip with crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks (like cucumbers, carrots, or celery). It’s an excellent option for parties and gatherings.
4. In a Bowl
For a hearty, no-fuss meal, serve the chicken salad in a bowl. Top with extra nuts, seeds, or cheese for added flavour.
Where to Find Straub’s Chicken Salad
If you want to eat Straub’s chicken salad but do not have much time and enough raw material, Then don’t worry — chances are you can find high-quality delis with ready-made chicken-salad items. Even specialty eateries that feature only fresh and homemade salads often stock Straub’s famous variant. Most supermarket chains stock made-up versions which closely mimic the original recipe, often as the centrepiece of their deli offerings.
Straub’s Chicken Salad Storage Tips
If you’re making Straub’s Chicken Salad in advance, here are some tips for keeping it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for up to 3-4 days.
- Avoid Freezing: While the chicken salad is best eaten fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken in advance to use when needed. However, once mixed with the dressing, it’s not recommended to freeze as the texture may change.
- Prepped Ingredients: You can also prepare the individual ingredients (chicken, veggies, dressing) ahead of time and assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
Finally, Straub’s Chicken Salad is a nutritious and adaptable dish that can be tailored to your needs. If you like the traditional version or hope to break new ingredients, this dish provides innumerable variations. The health benefits and
So, next time you need a quick and satisfying meal, turn to Straub’s Chicken Salad. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy! And if you’re looking for more meal inspiration, be sure to check out this delicious Fish Taco recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Straub’s Chicken Salad
Straub’s chicken salad is a popular dish which not just tastes good but has a lot of ways to be served. The delicate flavor is why over 4,000 Parties were fitted with this family preparation recipe pointed out for attention in Zihua Time magazine. Whether you’re an accomplished culinary arts master or an upstart, there’s always something more to uncover in the land of this wonderful staple of warm-weather meals through to fall banquets. With a tradition dating back over 70 years, it would be impossible to fit on a single page all the ideas that we have in terms of how cooking chicken salad may look best. So here are some examples and incredible facts as well from both sides of this issue brought into focus by themselves as opposed one another. The Crab Ballard tradition was perpetuated with the serving of, among many other dishes, Spiced Garlic Shrimp and Vanderlinden Pate. Often these were served in the traditional manner at large parties–one by one to each guest who had arrived on invite only from his parents Then a table covered with cloth by noon for lunch was given over And yet it is also clear where that someone must pay for this prolonged enjoyment through gifts. Also: Guests were given baskets full of watercress and liver between lunch and dinner. This tradition of women cooking for themselves, then serving at home one dish in four that they from the four had made, is still going strong today. And so it was with her that the guest of honor sat at table eating chicken salad, chocolate cake “villes” (as Esperance and Point Five both say), this one improvised has certainly sweetened many a Commercial Business Lunch, Wash Lobster and how can we forget Liver with Mushrooms? It’s hard to say what Ms Grubb would have done anyhow even if this was not first on her list You never quite knew who was getting up again from lunch once they left figure skating circles and got back
Whether you are a cooking proficient or someone who is just starting out, a dish like Straub’s Chicken Salad always has new ideas to offer. Now we have gathered together so many of the typical questions people ask about Straub’s Chicken Salad, with those questions answered in style, that you can really make the most of a classic recipe such as this.
1. What is Straub’s Chicken Salad?
Straub Chicken Salad is usually prepared by having cooked chicken and mayonnaise stirred together until it is creamy. Variations on the same theme are cooked according to local habits, but the basic ingredients often include chicken breast, celery, onions and a rich dressing.
Why is it called Straub’s Chicken Salad?
The name comes from the popular Straub’s Deli, known for serving this delicious variation of chicken salad. It has since evolved into a beloved recipe that people everywhere make at home.
2. How can I make Straub’s Chicken Salad healthier?
If you want to enjoy Straub’s Chicken Salad while keeping it healthier, there are several simple modifications you can make:
Use Greek Yogurt Instead of Mayo:
When making typical chicken salad, two-thirds of the ingredients used are mayonnaise. You can eschew mayo and substitute equal amounts of Greek yogurt. This way the calorie content will come down and a smooth touch that increases protein content is added to your chicken salad game.
Add More Veggies:
Enhance the nutritional value by incorporating more vegetables, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or leafy greens. Not only does this add more fibre, but it also enhances the salad’s texture, making it even more satisfying.
Go Easy on the Salt:
Mayonnaise-based recipes can often be loaded with sodium. Use home-made mayonnaise or a sodium-free version to cut salt. Also, cut down the amount of intake for salty food additives in the salad: you can experiment with things like garlic granules, onion powders or fresh seasonings from your herb garden.
Use Lean Chicken Breast:
Always opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts, as they are the leanest cuts of chicken. Avoid using darker meat or chicken skin to keep the calorie count low.
Use a Vinegar-Based Dressing:
Instead of a creamy dressing, use a lighter, vinegar-based dressing made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a hint of lemon juice. This adds a tangy flavour and is lower in calories.
3. Can I use rotisserie chicken for Straub’s Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a wonderful choice for Straub’s Chicken Salad. It is also the easiest. With rotisserie chickens already cooked and seasoned, they’ll save you out onmasse beaucoup de temps.
Benefits of Using Rotisserie Chicken:
- Time-Saving: It’s already cooked, so you can skip the cooking process and proceed directly to preparation.
- Flavorful: Rotisserie chickens are seasoned, which can add a depth of flavour to your chicken salad.
- Cost-Effective: If you don’t have the time or inclination to cook chicken yourself, rotisserie chicken is often more affordable than buying pre-cooked chicken breast.
Pro Tip: Be sure to remove the skin and shred the chicken before adding it to your salad for optimal texture and flavour.
4. Can I make Straub’s Chicken Salad in advance?
Certainly, a Straub Chicken Salad is one that really facilitates prep; you can fix as much made now Perhaps nowhere else are so different flavors found together in just one dish. And by allowing the salad to rest in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight, the taste is enormously improved as all ingredients have had plentiful opportunity to come together with ease in harmony before they are eaten.
How to Make It in Advance:
- Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- Refrigeration: Keep the salad in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Stir Well: When ready to serve, give it a good stir to reincorporate the dressing, as some ingredients may settle.
Note: If you’re adding fruits like apples or grapes, it’s best to add them just before serving to maintain their freshness and crunch.
5. How long does Straub’s Chicken Salad last in the fridge?
This way the Straub’s Chicken Salad can keep in refrigerated for 3-4 days.Put it in a airtight container, otherwise the magnetic quality will be lessened and the freshness lost. Always remember to maintain a safe temperature for your chicken and other ingredients. Keep it tasty by doing this.
Storage Tips:
- Don’t Leave It Out: After serving, ensure the salad is returned to the fridge within two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
- Keep It Covered: Using a tightly sealed container will help the salad maintain its moisture and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odours from the fridge.
Pro Tip: If you notice the dressing separating or the salad becoming too watery, stir it well before serving again.
6. What can I serve with Straub’s Chicken Salad?
Straub’s Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas:
For a Sandwich or Wrap:
You can spread the chicken salad on a sandwich, pita bread, or wrap for a satisfying meal. Add fresh lettuce, tomato, or avocado for extra flavour and nutrition.
With Crackers or Veggies:
For a lighter option, serve Straub’s Chicken Salad as a dip alongside your favourite crackers or raw veggies. Carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber slices work exceptionally well.
Over Greens:
For a low-carb alternative, serve the chicken salad over a bed of mixed greens or spinach. Top it with fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or citrus, for a refreshing twist.
In a Bowl:
For a simple meal, serve the chicken salad in a bowl. You can also top it with extra nuts, cheese, or dried cranberries to elevate the flavour.
7. Can I freeze Straub’s Chicken Salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze Straub’s Chicken Salad once it has been made, mainly if it contains mayonnaise. Freezing mayonnaise-based salads can cause the dressing to separate and the texture of the chicken and vegetables to become mushy once thawed.
Freezing the Chicken Only:
If you’d like to make it ahead, you can freeze just the chicken (before mixing it into the salad) for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator, then proceed with making the salad.
Frozen Salad Ingredients:
For any add-ins, such as nuts or fruits, it’s best to store them separately and add them to the salad fresh. These ingredients don’t freeze well and can alter the texture and taste of the salad.
8. How can I make Straub’s Chicken Salad more flavorful?
If you feel that your Straub’s Chicken Salad needs an extra burst of flavour, there are plenty of ways to enhance its taste:
Add More Herbs:
Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or cilantro can elevate the flavour of the salad and add a burst of freshness. Add them in small amounts, tasting as you go.
Season It Right:
Don’t shy away from adding spices! A pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or freshly cracked black pepper can take your chicken salad to the next level. A dash of cayenne or hot sauce can also add some heat if you enjoy spicy flavours.
Use Lemon or Vinegar:
A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar can brighten up the salad and balance the richness of the mayo. This also enhances the overall freshness.
Try Different Mustards:
Experimenting with different types of mustard, such as Dijon, honey mustard, or spicy brown mustard, can add a unique twist to the dressing.
9. Is Straub’s Chicken Salad gluten-free?
Of course, Straub Chicken Salad is naturally gluten-free. Naturally, that’s assuming you use gluten-free mayonnaise and be sure every last ingredient is gluten-free. On the other hand, if you want to make a sandwich or wrap with it, make sure to also use gluten-free bread or tortillas to keep the whole dish safe for wheat-sensitive guests.
Straub’s Chicken Salad
Equipment
- utting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Serving bowls or plates
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast chopped
- 1 celery stalk diced
- 1/2 cup grapes halved (or diced apple)
- 1/4 cup nuts almonds, walnuts, or pecans
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier option
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Start by cooking and chopping the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop veggies and fruit: Dice the celery and either halve the grapes or chop the apples into small pieces.
- Mix dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken, celery, grapes, and nuts. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
