Old Bay Chicken Salad

Someone asked me recently what my favorite non seafood Old Bay recipe was, and let me tell you what a joy of a question that was to answer. Unfortunately, ALL OF THEM was not an appropriate answer. But you know what’s funny, I found myself leaning more towards my sweet Old Bay recipes as opposed to the savory ones.

It really got me thinking about other non seafood ways to use Old Bay. And, can you believe the thought had never crossed my mind to add Old Bay to chicken salad? Tuna salad, sure. But, not chicken salad.

Well, that changes today!

I used to cook chicken myself anytime I wanted chicken salad. But now, I’ve almost exclusively transitioned to using rotisserie chicken. It’s just too easy, and it’s already a nicely seasoned base to start with. So, that’s what we’re using today. I like to use a mix of dark and light meat chicken (in no particular ratio), but use what you like. And, it’s totally up to you if you prefer shredded or diced chicken. For me, it depends on what kind of mood I’m in. But, chop it up however you like.

I know you love it when I give you options.

The dressing for our chicken salad is going to be a simple blend of mayo, Greek yogurt, a little squeeze of dijon mustard, and plenty of Old Bay. If you’re not a mustard person, don’t worry. You can’t taste the mustard in this chicken salad. But, that hit of acidity helps to balance out the savoriness of the Old Bay in the most pleasant way. So, don’t skip it!

From there, we add in our chicken, some celery, and a little minced shallot to our dressing. Give it all a good mix, and that’s chicken salad. It’s too easy! Of course, the longer this sets, the better it gets. But, you can absolutely eat it right away, as well.

I’m really going through a lettuce cup phase right now. I want EVERYTHING in a lettuce cup or lettuce boat or some kind of lettuce vehicle, and this chicken salad is just lovely served that way. But of course, it’s great served with crackers like a dip or the traditional way of just serving it on a sandwich. Again with the options…don’t you love it?

This chicken salad is nice and light. It’s perfectly creamy. It’s perfectly savory with the tiniest kick of heat from the Old Bay. And, it just makes the most delightful lunch. Can’t ask more much more than that, can you?

Ok, everyone! Tell me what other non seafood foods you’d like to see do a little dance with Old Bay. I’ve got a recipe coming up for Christmas time that you’re not going to want to miss. But, patience my friends!

Til next time! Enjoy! And, let’s eat!