Copycat Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe

Newk’s chicken salad is one of those lunches that makes you stop mid bite and figure out what makes it so good. It is creamy but not heavy, sweet but not cloying, and packed with texture from crunchy pecans, crisp celery, and juicy red grapes. This copycat version captures that balance with tender chicken, a bright splash of lemon, and a lightly sweet seasoned dressing that ties everything together. Make it once, and you will have an easy, make-ahead lunch for sandwiches, wraps, and salads all week. Let it chill before serving so the flavors meld and the texture sets up.

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Why This Recipe Works

You understand the obsession if you’ve tried Newk’s famous chicken salad. This copycat version captures everything that makes the original beloved: tender white chicken, crunchy pecans, juicy grapes, and perfectly seasoned creamy dressing. What sets it apart is the careful balance of textures and flavors, you can taste the difference. This can be served on a bed of greens, in a sandwich or a roll, or simply be eaten by itself.

Ingredients Breakdown for Newk’s famous chicken salad

• Boneless chicken breasts or tenders – The foundation of the salad that provides lean protein and a neutral base that absorbs the flavors of the dressing
• Lemon juice – Adds brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the mayonnaise while enhancing the chicken’s flavor
• Pecans – Contribute a buttery crunch and nutty flavor that elevates the texture of the salad
• Red onion – Provides a sharp, pungent flavor contrast and beautiful purple color flecks throughout the salad
• Celery – Delivers essential crispness and a fresh, clean flavor that lightens the richness of the other ingredients
• Red seedless grapes – Add juicy bursts of sweetness and beautiful color that complement the savory elements
• Mayonnaise – Creates the creamy base of the dressing that binds all ingredients together while adding richness
• Seasoned salt – Contributes complex savory notes with herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile
• Salt and pepper – Basic seasonings that highlight and intensify the natural flavors of all other ingredients
• Sugar – Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity and savory elements for perfect flavor harmony

How to cook chicken for chicken salad

For the best-tasting chicken salad, you must prevent the chicken’s flavor from getting lost among all the other ingredients. That means the method you use for cooking the chicken is essential.

How to cook chicken for chicken salad

For flavorful, juicy chicken without sogginess:

• Pound chicken to an even thickness.
• Heat a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
• Add a thin layer of oil and cook the chicken for 1 minute. Flip, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 10 minutes.
• Turn off heat and leave covered 10 minutes more.
• Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 1 hour before chopping.

How to make Newk’s Chicken Salad

Here are the simple steps for preparing this copycat Newk’s chicken salad recipe:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine lemon juice, mayo, sugar, and spices (ground black pepper, salt, and seasoned salt) to make the dressing.
2. Place the chicken, pecans, onion, and celery in a separate bowl. Stir everything together.
3. Add the dressing to the chicken mixture and stir well to coat it all with the creamy dressing.
4. Cut the grapes in half or leave them whole. Gently fold in the whole or halved red grapes.
5. Place the salad in an air-tight container and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Creative Ways to Serve Newk’s Chicken Salad

Classic Serving Ideas:

• On a croissant or between slices of toasted multigrain bread for a traditional sandwich
• Scooped onto a bed of mixed greens for a light lunch
• Stuffed into a hollowed tomato or avocado half for an elegant presentation
• With butter crackers or crostini as an appetizer

Elevated Presentations:

• Chicken Salad Wrap: Roll in a flour tortilla with extra greens and a drizzle of balsamic glaze
• Stuffed Pita Pockets: Fill whole wheat pitas with chicken salad and sprouts
• Newk’s Chicken Salad Melt: Spread on bread, top with sliced cheese, and broil until bubbly
• Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups: Serve in crisp Boston or Bibb lettuce leaves for a low-carb option
• Pasta Salad Fusion: Mix with cooked, chilled pasta for a more substantial dish

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

• Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Properly stored, it will maintain optimal quality for up to 3 days.
• Do not freeze chicken salad, as the mayonnaise will separate, and the vegetables will become mushy when thawed.

Best Practices for Freshness

• For food safety, never leave chicken salad at room temperature for over 2 hours (1 hour in hot weather).
• If making ahead for a party or gathering, separate the grapes and fold them just before serving to maintain their freshness.
• If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a small amount of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt and gently mix to refresh the texture.

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