If you’re a fan of Costco’s pre-made meals, you’ve likely tried their famous Costco Chicken Salad. But have you ever wondered what exactly goes into this popular dish? Costco’s chicken salad is made with shredded chicken breast, mayonnaise, celery, onions, and a blend of spices.
Costco typically uses white meat from their in-store rotisserie chickens for the salad. They then shred this meat and mix it with other ingredients, resulting in a creamy and flavorful salad. Customers also favor the mayonnaise brand that Costco sells for this dish.
The specific spices in the salad remain a secret, but its flavor leans towards a mix of sweet and savory. Many online copycat recipes recommend honey and Dijon mustard for a close match. In essence, Costco’s chicken salad stands as a straightforward and tasty dish, perfect alone or as a sandwich filler.
What Is Costco Chicken Salad
Costco is a popular American multinational corporation that operates a chain of membership-only warehouse clubs. Founded in 1976, Costco has grown to be one of the world’s largest retailers. The company boasts a vast selection of top-quality products and services, with their renowned rotisserie chicken and chicken salad standing out among the offerings.
The Costco chicken salad has been a favorite among customers for many years. The salad is made with white meat chicken breast, celery, onions, and a creamy dressing. It is a perfect lunch option for those who are looking for a healthy and delicious meal.
Over the years, the recipe for Costco chicken salad has changed. The company’s food court team originally crafted a recipe that combined both white and dark chicken meat. But more recently, they’ve opted to use only white meat chicken breast, offering a healthier choice.
Costco chicken salad has become so popular that the company now sells it in bulk. Customers can purchase a large tub of chicken salad for a reasonable price, making it an affordable option for families and individuals alike.
In recent years, Costco has also introduced new variations of its chicken salad. For example, the Comfort Cuisine Cape Cod chicken salad is made with white meat chicken breast, cranberries, pecans, and honey for a sweet and savory spread. This new variation has been a hit among customers and has helped to keep the chicken salad fresh and exciting.
Overall, the history of Costco chicken salad is one of innovation and evolution. The salad has become a staple of the company’s food court menu and has helped to establish Costco as a leader in the food retail industry.
Main Ingredients of Costco Chicken Salad
Costco’s chicken salad is a popular item among its customers. It is a delicious and healthy option for lunch or dinner. The salad is made with high-quality ingredients that are both nutritious and tasty. Here are the main ingredients of Costco chicken salad:
1. Chicken
The star ingredient of the salad is chicken. The chicken used in Costco’s chicken salad is made from white meat chicken breast. The chicken is roasted in-store and then shredded into bite-sized pieces. This makes the chicken tender and juicy, perfect for a salad.
2. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is used to bind the chicken salad together. The mayonnaise used in Costco’s chicken salad is light and low-fat. It is made with natural ingredients and has a creamy texture that complements the chicken.
3. Celery
Celery is a crunchy and refreshing vegetable that adds texture and flavor to the chicken salad. It is also a good source of fiber and vitamins.
4. Onions
Diced onions enhance the chicken salad with their sweet and savory notes. They blend well with the chicken and the rest of the ingredients.
5. Red Peppers
Diced red peppers give the chicken salad a pop of color and a hint of sweetness. They combine well with the chicken and the remaining ingredients.
6. Spices
The chicken salad gets its flavor from various spices. While Costco doesn’t disclose the exact mix, it probably includes a blend of herbs and spices that enhance the taste of the chicken and other ingredients.
7. Salt and Pepper
To season the chicken salad, chefs add salt and pepper in just the right amounts, ensuring they enhance but don’t overpower the dish’s other flavors. Costco’s chicken salad, crafted from top-notch ingredients, offers both nutrition and taste, making it an excellent choice for a speedy, wholesome meal.
For those curious about replicating this dish at home, a detailed recipe can be found here.
Costco Chicken Salad: Nutritional Facts
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you may be curious about the nutritional facts of Costco chicken salad. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of Costco chicken salad, which is approximately 3.6 ounces or 102 grams:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 405mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 24g |
It’s important to note that the % Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Costco chicken salad is a good source of protein, with 24 grams per serving. However, it also contains 15 grams of fat, which is 23% of the recommended daily value. Of that, 4 grams are saturated fat, which is 20% of the recommended daily value.
The salad is also relatively high in sodium, with 405 milligrams per serving. This is 18% of the recommended daily value. If you’re watching your sodium intake, you may want to limit your consumption of Costco chicken salad.
On the other hand, the salad is a good source of dietary fiber, with 6 grams per serving. This is 21% of the recommended daily value. Dietary fiber can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, which can be helpful if you’re trying to lose weight.
Overall, Costco chicken salad can be a healthy addition to your diet if consumed in moderation. It’s high in protein and fiber, but also contains a significant amount of fat and sodium. If you’re watching your calorie intake, be sure to keep an eye on your portion sizes.
Costco Chicken Salad: Serving Suggestions
Costco chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are some serving suggestions to help you get the most out of your chicken salad:
1. Sandwiches
One of the most popular ways to enjoy chicken salad is between two slices of bread. You can use any type of bread you like, from white to whole wheat to sourdough. You can also add some lettuce, tomato, or avocado to your sandwich for some extra flavor and nutrition.
2. Wraps
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can wrap your chicken salad in a tortilla or a lettuce leaf. This is a great way to enjoy your chicken salad on the go, or as a quick and easy lunch.
3. Salad
Another way to enjoy chicken salad is on top of a bed of greens. You can use any type of lettuce you like, from romaine to spinach to arugula. You can also add some other vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers, to make your salad more colorful and nutritious.
4. Crackers
If you’re looking for a snack, you can serve your chicken salad with some crackers. This is a great option for parties or gatherings, as it allows your guests to enjoy the chicken salad without having to make a sandwich or a wrap.
5. Pita
For a Mediterranean twist, you can serve your chicken salad in a pita. You can add some hummus, tzatziki, or feta cheese to your pita to make it even more flavorful.
No matter how you choose to serve your chicken salad, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its delicious flavor and high-quality ingredients, Costco chicken salad is a dish that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.
Conclusion
To sum it up, anyone can relish the delightful and healthful Costco chicken salad. Crafted with premium ingredients like white chicken, celery, red grapes, mayonnaise, and almonds, this salad boasts a harmonious blend of flavors. Its well-balanced taste makes it a gratifying complement to various meals.
Costco chicken salad is also a great source of protein, with each serving containing around 12 grams of protein. It is also relatively low in calories, with a 1/3 cup serving containing only 190 calories. However, keep in mind, the salad has some fat and sodium. So, it’s best to have it in limited amounts.
If you are looking for a healthy and delicious salad option, Costco chicken salad is definitely worth trying. It is easy to make at home with a copycat recipe, or you can pick up a pre-made container at your local Costco. Either way, you are sure to enjoy this classic dish.
