Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe

Newk’s Eatery is a casual restaurant with an extensive menu and something for everyone. You can find anything from gluten-free to vegetarian options. But the natural pearl we want to highlight? Their one-of-a-kind chicken salad.

Some people can’t even get out of there without picking up a container or two of this famous chicken salad. It is that good. Can you imagine anything better than this perfect combination of flavors and textures?

So, if you can’t make it to a local Newk’s, whip up a batch of Newk’s chicken salad at home and see what it is really about.

How to Make Newk’s Chicken Salad

You may wonder how different this recipe could be from other chicken recipes you’ve tried. Believe us, a lot different. It perfectly combines tender chicken, grapes, pecans, and plenty of other veggies.

It feels equally suitable as a great chicken salad sandwich spread or enjoyed on its own. It makes for a surprisingly delicious and satisfying meal for any occasion: lunch, dinner, or as a snack.

Without more suspense, let’s review the ingredients we need for the Newk’s Chicken Salad and start cooking!

Ingredients:

(6 servings)

• 1 ½ Ibs boneless chicken (chicken breast)
• ½ cup celery
• 1 cup red grapes
• ½ cup red onion
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 ½ tsp yellow mustard paste or honey mustard
• 2 tsp parsley
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

This Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe is not only delicious but super healthy, considering the ingredients. And while making it easy, you must follow specific tips to get the most of it.

Since chicken is the main ingredient here, you must prevent its flavors from getting lost, among other elements. So, the cooking method here is essential. To get it right, it is recommended to sauté or steam it carefully.

Apart from that, the process is super easy.

Step 1:

Chop the cooked boneless chicken into small strips and place them in a mixing bowl. Then add celery and chopped onions.

Step 2:

Add the halved red grapes. Then combine all the ingredients and sprinkle some salt on top.

Step 3:

Combine mayo and pepper in a separate bowl to make the salad gravy. Then add the sour cream and mustard for sizzling flavor and creamy color.

Step 4:

Mix the spices into the mayo and add the onion powder. After that, add the chopped parsley and garlic powder for the extra tang of flavor.

Step 5:

Once you prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture, add it to the gravy bowl and stir for a few minutes to let the flavors blend.

Cover the salad with some plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours. Once ready to serve, uncover the Newk’s Chicken Salad, garnish with Cheddar, and pair it with some bread, rice, or other sides we will cover below.

Ingredient Substitution

Newk’s Chicken Salad stands out among the other chicken salads, and not without reason. The ingredients gathered here create a unique pack of flavors.

Still, you can tweak the recipe for dietary purposes or personal preference.

Greek yogurt

If there is an excellent stand-in for sour cream, it is Greek yogurt. It is thick and tangy, just like sour cream, but it is also lower in calories and fat.

Additionally, you can use equal parts of full-fat Greek yogurt instead of regular sour cream.

Egg yolk

Since mustard paste helps to bind and emulsify the salad’s ingredients, creating a smooth dressing, egg yolk will perfectly blend in there. It doesn’t have the same harsh kick, so egg yolk is your go-to if the mustard flavor is not what you’re looking for.

One egg yolk will equate to 1-2 tablespoons of mustard paste.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate is packed with vitamins, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. So you could easily use it to replace the red grapes and create a nice twist of flavors in your Newk’s Chicken Salad.

What to Serve with Newk’s Chicken Salad

A perfect snack or complete meal is what Newk’s Chicken Salad is all about. If you make a large batch, you don’t need anything on the side. However, for the ultimate experience, you can try pairing it with something else.

Potato soup

A potato soup full of smoky bacon flavors and creamy cheesiness, alongside the chicken salad—this will tickle your taste buds since it’s just too good to be true. This creamy potato soup classic can be super healthy and soaring with flavor.

Mac and cheese

Make your mac and cheese as simple or extravagant as you like, but it still will be the best classic to pair with the iconic Newk’s Chicken Salad. Besides, you probably already have all the ingredients for this cheese goodness. Who doesn’t?

Mac and cheese bursts in flavors like the chicken salad you’ve just made. So, it makes sense to serve these two together for a pleasant and refreshing contrast.

How to Store Newk’s Chicken Salad

If your Newk’s Chicken Salad sits out for more than 2 hours, you should probably discard it since the bacteria multiplies rapidly in temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F. Other than that, keep an eye on the mold or an off odor.

Here is how to store it properly.

Store Newk’s Chicken Salad in the Fridge

To store Newk’s Chicken Salad in the fridge, you should seal it tightly in an airtight container. Use an enormous container and avoid squeezing a large quantity into a single one.

A good rule of thumb is always to use clean tools when serving since you probably won’t finish the contents of one container in one go.

Store Newk’s Chicken Salad in the Freezer

In most cases, freezing chicken isn’t a good idea since it won’t taste or look like a fresh one afterward. It will be good enough for eating, but quality suffers.

The mayo will separate, and the veggies will turn limp. You’ll end up with a soggy dish. So, it’s better to whip up a new batch every time you feel like it.