The Best-Ever Chicken Salad Recipe: How to Feed a Loon Style

Are you looking for a chicken salad recipe that will absolutely blow your mind? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Today, I’m sharing the famous “How to Feed a Loon” chicken salad recipe that has become incredibly popular for good reason. This isn’t just any chicken salad – it’s THE chicken salad that will have your family and friends begging for the recipe.

What Makes This Chicken Salad So Special?

Many people ask me: “What makes this chicken salad recipe so darn delicious?” Well, there are several key factors that elevate this from ordinary to extraordinary:

1. Roasted chicken provides a deep, flavorful base (though rotisserie chicken works in a pinch)
2. Fresh ingredients like seedless grapes, almonds, and herbs create perfect texture and flavor balance
3. The dressing combines mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice for the perfect tangy creaminess
4. Fresh herbs (especially dill and parsley) add brightness that store-bought versions just can’t match

As one commenter named Julie said: “I’ve been making this chicken salad several times a month for lunch/dinner and it’s truly the best recipe. My kids request it constantly.”

The Perfect Ingredients for How to Feed a Loon Chicken Salad

Let’s break down what you’ll need to create this amazing dish:

Main Ingredients:

• 4 lbs chicken parts (bone-in, skin-on thighs and breasts work best)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup seedless grapes, halved (red and green varieties work great)
• 1 cup thinly sliced almonds
• 2 stalks celery, finely diced
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced (both white and green parts)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise (homemade is amazing, but good-quality store-bought works too)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (start with ½ teaspoon, then adjust to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper

What I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it by adding crumbled bacon, raisins, cashews, or even a little curry powder to the mayo if you’re feeling adventurous!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this incredible chicken salad:

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F
2. Rub olive oil all over the chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper
3. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 45-55 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F
4. Remove from oven and let cool completely
5. Remove the skin, pull the meat from the bones, and roughly chop

EXPERT TIP: You can cook the chicken up to 3 days before assembling the salad. This makes the recipe super convenient for meal prep!

Step 2: Prepare the Mix-ins

1. Wash and halve the seedless grapes
2. Finely dice the celery
3. Thinly slice the scallions
4. Chop the fresh dill and parsley
5. Measure out the sliced almonds

Step 3: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper
2. Whisk until smooth and well combined

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, grapes, almonds, celery, scallions, dill, and parsley
2. Add the mayo/mustard dressing
3. Gently stir until everything is well coated
4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour (or overnight for best flavor)

How to Serve This Amazing Chicken Salad

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this chicken salad

• On croissants for an extra-special sandwich (my personal favorite!)
• On a bed of lettuce with sliced tomatoes and avocado for a low-carb option
• Stuffed in a tomato for an elegant lunch presentation
• With crackers as an appetizer at your next gathering

One reader named Tammy shared: “The BEST EVER chicken salad! I have made this many times and still love it the best! Its crunchy, sweet, creamy deliciousness is a favorite of my family.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and dressing up to several days in advance. The salad actually tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours. For best flavor, bring it back to room temperature before serving

Is rotisserie chicken okay to use?

Yes! While the recipe calls for roasting your own chicken (which gives the best flavor), a good-quality rotisserie chicken works great too. Just please don’t use canned chicken – the texture and flavor won’t be the same.

What other ingredients could I add?

The possibilities are endless! Some tasty additions include dried cranberries, sliced apples, cashews or peanuts, capers, or fresh herbs like oregano, rosemary or thyme.

Can I freeze this chicken salad?

Surprisingly, yes! You can freeze it for up to 1 month in an airtight container. Let it thaw completely and return to room temperature before serving. You might want to make a small batch of fresh dressing to stir in after thawing to refresh the texture.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes approximately 10 servings, but this can vary depending on how you’re serving it (sandwiches vs. side salad).

Tips for Making the Best-Ever Chicken Salad

1. Don’t rush the cooling process – make sure your chicken is completely cooled before mixing with the mayo to prevent a greasy texture
2. Chop ingredients uniformly for the best texture and flavor in every bite
3. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or overnight) to let the flavors meld
4. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving – sometimes it needs a bit more salt or a squeeze of lemon
5. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor

Why This Recipe Has Over 600,000 Shares

I’m not surprised this recipe has been shared over 600,000 times! It truly is exceptional. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy celery and almonds, sweet grapes, and the perfect herb-infused dressing creates a chicken salad that’s miles above anything you’d buy at the store.

As Leah commented: “This is my favourite chicken salad! Easy, delicious, and customizable. It’s a hit every time I make it.”

And Paige shared: “We first came across this recipe on your website in 2018. It is still our favorite! Everyone we have served this to over the years has raved!”

Final Thoughts

This “How to Feed a Loon” chicken salad recipe is truly deserving of its “best-ever” title. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a fancy brunch, or a summer picnic, this chicken salad will never disappoint.

I make this at least once a month in my house, and everyone from kids to grandparents absolutely loves it. It’s one of those recipes that will become a staple in your cooking repertoire, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and make this amazing chicken salad today! I promise you won’t be disappointed.

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Note: The original “How to Feed a Loon” chicken salad recipe comes from Kris Longwell and Wesley, the creative culinary duo behind the popular food blog “How to Feed a Loon.” Their incredible recipes have gained a massive following for good reason – they’re absolutely delicious!