Costco Chicken Salad Recipe

Are you a fan of Costco’s famous chicken salad? If so, you’re not alone. Many people love the creamy, flavorful, and satisfying taste of this salad. But did you know that you can make a copycat version of Costco chicken salad at home? With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a salad that is just as delicious as the original.

The key to making a great copycat Costco chicken salad is to use high-quality ingredients. Start with a rotisserie chicken, which is a perfect source of protein that’s also very affordable. Look for an organic chicken at the store or roast your own at home. Mayo and sour cream add creaminess and the perfect amount of tang. Use dairy-free versions for dairy-free diets. Combine these ingredients with celery, onion, and grapes for a salad that is both satisfying and refreshing.

Ingredients of Costco Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re a fan of Costco’s famous chicken salad, you may be wondering what goes into making this delicious dish. Here are the main ingredients and dressing ingredients that make up this tasty salad.

Main Ingredients

The main ingredients in Costco Chicken Salad Recipe are:

• Rotisserie chicken: The star of the show, rotisserie chicken is flavorful, juicy, and easy to shred. You can either buy a rotisserie chicken from Costco or roast your own at home.
• Celery: Adds crunch and a refreshing flavor to the salad.
• Red grapes: Adds a burst of sweetness to the salad.
• Almonds: Adds a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch to the salad.
• Green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the salad.
• Salt and pepper: Seasonings that enhance the flavor of the salad.

Dressing Ingredients

The dressing for Costco chicken salad is creamy and tangy, made with the following ingredients:

• Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the dressing.
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the dressing.
• Lemon juice: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the dressing.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor to the dressing.
• Salt and pepper: Seasonings that enhance the flavor of the dressing.

The dressing is mixed with the shredded chicken and other ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying salad that can be enjoyed as a meal or a side dish.

Costco Chicken Salad: Preparation Steps

Preparing a delicious Costco chicken salad requires a few simple steps. In this section, we’ll walk you through the process of preparing the chicken, salad, and dressing.

Chicken Preparation

To get started, you’ll need to cook the chicken. You can use a rotisserie chicken from Costco or cook your own chicken breasts. If you choose to cook your own chicken, here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer.
3. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Let the chicken cool, then shred it with a fork or chop it into small pieces.

Salad Preparation

Next, it’s time to prepare the salad. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup of chopped red onion

To assemble the salad, simply combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Toss well to combine.

Dressing Preparation

The final step is to prepare the dressing. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To make the dressing, whisk together all of the ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

That’s it! Your delicious Costco chicken salad is now ready to serve. Enjoy!

Costco Chicken Salad: Serving Suggestions

Now that you have made your delicious Costco chicken salad, you might be wondering how to serve it. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most out of your chicken salad:

Sandwiches

One of the most popular ways to serve chicken salad is as a sandwich. Simply toast your favorite bread, add a generous scoop of chicken salad, and top it off with some lettuce leaves. You can also add some sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado for some extra flavor and nutrition.

Wraps

If you prefer a lighter option, you can also serve chicken salad as a wrap. Use a large flour tortilla or a lettuce leaf as a wrap, add some chicken salad, and roll it up tightly. You can also add some shredded carrots, cabbage, or sprouts for some crunch and color.

Salads

Chicken salad is also a great addition to any salad. You can use it as a topping for a green salad, or mix it with some pasta or quinoa for a heartier salad. You can also add some nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for some texture and sweetness.

Appetizers

If you are hosting a party or a gathering, you can also serve chicken salad as an appetizer. Simply scoop some chicken salad onto a cracker, a piece of bread, or a cucumber slice. You can also use it as a filling for deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms, or mini quiches.

Sides

Chicken salad is also a great side dish for any meal. You can serve it alongside some grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or steamed rice. You can also use it as a dip for some fresh vegetables, pita chips, or crackers.

Now that you have some serving suggestions, you can enjoy your Costco chicken salad in many different ways. Bon appétit!

After savoring the flavors of our Costco Chicken Salad, why not try a celebrity favorite? Our Kardashian Salad Recipe is a simple yet delicious dish that has gained popularity over the years.

Costco Chicken Salad: Storage and Shelf Life

When it comes to storing Costco chicken salad, it’s important to keep it refrigerated at all times. According to Costco, their chicken salad should last 3 to 5 days if stored properly in the fridge. However, several factors can affect this timeline, including the ingredients, packaging, and storage conditions.

It’s best to keep the chicken salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator or cooler. You can eat your Costco chicken salad for up to seven days following its pack date, but it’s important to check for any signs of spoilage before consuming it. If the salad has a strange odor or appearance, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.

Here are some tips to help you store your Costco chicken salad properly:

• Keep it refrigerated: Chicken salad is a perishable food item, so it’s important to keep it refrigerated at all times. If you’re transporting it, use a cooler with ice packs to keep it cold.
• Use a sealed container: To help prevent spoilage, store your chicken salad in a sealed container. This will help keep out bacteria and other contaminants.
• Check for signs of spoilage: Before consuming your chicken salad, check for any signs of spoilage. This includes a strange odor, discoloration, or mold.
• Don’t let it sit out: If you’re serving chicken salad at a party or gathering, don’t let it sit out for more than two hours. After two hours, bacteria can start to grow and multiply, which can make you sick.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your Costco chicken salad stays fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible.

Costco Chicken Salad: Nutritional Information

If you’re watching your calorie intake or trying to eat healthier, it’s important to know the nutritional information of the Costco chicken salad recipe. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for the ingredients in the recipe:

Rotisserie Chicken

The rotisserie chicken used in the recipe is a good source of protein, with 38% protein per serving. However, it’s also high in fat, with 53% of the calories coming from fat. A 3.6 oz serving of Costco rotisserie chicken salad contains 240 calories, 15g of fat, 6g of carbohydrates, and 24g of protein.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a high-fat condiment that is often used in chicken salad recipes to add creaminess and flavor. However, it’s also high in calories and fat. A 1 tablespoon serving of mayonnaise contains 90 calories, 10g of fat, and 0g of protein.

Celery

Celery is a low-calorie vegetable that is often used in chicken salad recipes to add crunch and texture. It’s also a good source of fiber, with 1.6g of fiber per 1 cup serving. A 1 cup serving of celery contains 16 calories, 0.2g of fat, 3g of carbohydrates, and 1.6g of fiber.

Dried Cranberries

Dried cranberries are often used in chicken salad recipes to add sweetness and tartness. However, they’re also high in sugar and calories. A 1/4 cup serving of dried cranberries contains 123 calories, 0.4g of fat, 33g of carbohydrates, and 0.5g of protein.

Pecans

Pecans are a type of nut that are often used in chicken salad recipes to add crunch and nuttiness. They’re also a good source of healthy fats, with 72% of the calories coming from fat. A 1/4 cup serving of pecans contains 200 calories, 21g of fat, 4g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein.

Overall, the Costco chicken salad recipe is a high-calorie and high-fat dish. However, it does provide a good source of protein and fiber, as well as some vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and nuts. If you’re trying to eat healthier, you may want to consider reducing the amount of mayonnaise or dried cranberries in the recipe, or substituting them with lower-calorie options.

Variations of Costco Chicken Salad Recipe

There are many ways to customize the Costco chicken salad recipe to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Add-ins

You can add a variety of ingredients to give your chicken salad a unique twist. Some popular options include:

• Dried cranberries or raisins
• Chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans
• Grapes or diced apple
• Bacon bits
• Sliced avocado
• Chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or cilantro

Feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.

Dressing

While the classic Costco chicken salad recipe calls for a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and lemon juice, you can switch up the dressing to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist.
• Add a dollop of Dijon mustard for extra flavor.
• Mix in a bit of honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
• Try using balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead of white wine vinegar.
• Add a pinch of curry powder or cumin for a touch of spice.

Chicken

The recipe calls for rotisserie chicken, but you can use any cooked chicken you have on hand. Here are a few options:

• Poached chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Grilled chicken for a smoky flavor.
• Shredded leftover chicken for a quick and easy option.
• Use a combination of white and dark meat for a more complex flavor.

No matter how you choose to customize your chicken salad, the key is to balance the flavors and textures to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

Conclusion

You now have all the information you need to make a delicious and flavorful copycat Costco chicken salad at home. With the right ingredients and a little bit of effort, you can enjoy this iconic salad any time you want.

Remember to use rotisserie chicken as it is a perfect source of protein that’s also very affordable. You can find an organic chicken at the store or roast your own at home. Mayo and sour cream add creaminess and the perfect amount of tang. Use dairy-free versions for dairy-free diets.

You can also add some extra ingredients to make the salad your own. Try adding some chopped celery, green onion, or bell pepper for extra crunch. Pecans or almonds can also add a nice nutty flavor and texture.

When you’re ready to serve, you can either enjoy the salad on its own or serve it with some bread or crackers. It’s a great option for a quick and easy lunch or as a side dish at a potluck, work party, or picnic.

Overall, making a copycat Costco chicken salad is a great way to enjoy this iconic salad any time you want. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a delicious and healthy salad that everyone will love. So go ahead and give it a try!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Costco chicken salad healthy?

Costco chicken salad can be a healthy option if made with the right ingredients and portion sizes. The chicken salad contains chicken, celery, and onions, which are all healthy ingredients. However, the salad dressing can be high in calories, fat, and sodium. If you want to make the chicken salad healthier, you can use a light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise.

What is Costco chicken salad made of?

Costco chicken salad is made of cooked chicken, celery, and onions. The chicken is usually shredded or chopped into small pieces. The salad dressing is made of mayonnaise, sour cream, and a blend of spices. Some recipes also call for dried cranberries or grapes to add sweetness to the salad.

How long does Costco chicken salad last after opening?

Costco chicken salad can last up to three days in the refrigerator after opening. It is important to store the chicken salad in an airtight container to prevent bacteria growth. If you are not going to eat the chicken salad within three days, you can freeze it for up to three months.

Why did Costco stop selling chicken salad?

Costco stopped selling chicken salad in 2015 due to a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections linked to Costco’s rotisserie chicken salad. The outbreak affected 19 people in seven states, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised consumers not to eat the chicken salad. Costco voluntarily removed the chicken salad from its shelves and conducted a thorough investigation to identify the source of the contamination.

How to prep Costco chicken?

To prep Costco chicken, you can either shred it or chop it into small pieces. If you want to shred the chicken, you can use a pair of forks to pull the meat apart. If you want to chop the chicken, you can use a sharp knife to cut it into small pieces. It is important to make sure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding or chopping it.

Why is Costco chicken so delicious?

Costco chicken is known for its delicious taste and juicy texture. The chicken is cooked using a special rotisserie oven that evenly cooks the chicken and gives it a crispy skin. Costco also uses a special seasoning blend that enhances the flavor of the chicken. Additionally, Costco chicken is made with high-quality ingredients and is always fresh.

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