Newks Eatery's chicken salad is legendary. Its creamy texture, perfectly seasoned chicken, and subtle hints of sweetness have garnered a devoted following. While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, this copycat version comes remarkably close, capturing the essence of that beloved Newks flavor. This recipe is designed to be easily adaptable to your taste preferences, allowing you to create your own perfect bowl of Newks-style chicken salad.
What Makes Newks Chicken Salad Unique?
Before diving into the recipe, let's explore what sets Newks' chicken salad apart. Many believe it's the balance of flavors: the savory chicken, the creamy base, the subtle sweetness, and the crunch of the celery and grapes. The proportion of ingredients also plays a crucial role, creating a delightful texture that isn't too dry or too wet. This recipe aims to replicate those key elements.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (choose your favorite brand – Duke's is a popular choice for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red grapes, halved or quartered (depending on size)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional additions: A dash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of paprika, or a few chopped pecans for added crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prep the ingredients: Shred or dice your cooked chicken. Finely chop the celery and red onion. Halve or quarter the grapes.
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Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, grapes, red onion, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, tarragon, salt, and pepper.
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Mix gently: Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the chicken salad too wet.
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Taste and adjust: Taste the chicken salad and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or even a touch of sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile.
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Chill (optional): For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step enhances the overall taste and texture.
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Serve: Enjoy your homemade Newks-style chicken salad on croissants, crackers, lettuce cups, or simply as a side dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of grapes?
While red grapes are traditional in many chicken salad recipes and provide a nice sweetness, you can experiment with green grapes for a slightly tarter flavor. Avoid using seedless grapes if you prefer a less watery consistency.
What kind of mayonnaise is best for this recipe?
The choice of mayonnaise depends on personal preference. Duke's mayonnaise is often praised for its richer, tangier flavor. However, any good quality mayonnaise will work well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, chilling the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to blend and improves the overall taste. You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the chicken salad last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, this chicken salad should last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze this chicken salad?
While it's not ideal, you can freeze the chicken salad. However, the texture might change slightly after thawing. It's best enjoyed fresh.
This recipe provides a delicious and satisfying alternative to purchasing Newks chicken salad. Feel free to experiment with different add-ins and seasonings to create your own perfect version. Enjoy!
