Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad: Copycat Recipe

Introducing a culinary delight that’s sure to become your new favorite: Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad.

This recipe combines the simplicity of chicken and mayo with a surprising twist that sets it apart.

In just 10 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering dish that’s both unique and incredibly satisfying.

The secret ingredient? Crushed pineapple, which adds a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory elements.

Jump to:

• Why you’ll love this recipe
• What you need to make Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad recipe
• Substitutions
• Variations and customizations
• How to refrigerate, freeze and thaw
• What to serve with Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad
• Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad

Topped off with the delightful crunch of almond slivers, this chicken salad is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Here are three reasons why people are going to love this Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad recipe:

1. Unique Flavor Combination: The secret ingredient of crushed pineapple adds a delightful and unexpected twist to the classic chicken salad. Its slightly sweet and tangy flavor complements the savory chicken and creamy mayonnaise, creating a unique and delicious taste that will intrigue and satisfy the palate.
2. Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe is a time-saver! It takes only 10 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy individuals or families looking for a quick yet satisfying meal option. With minimal effort, you can whip up a flavorful chicken salad that everyone will enjoy.
3. Great Texture and Balance: The addition of almond slivers not only enhances the flavor but also provides a satisfying crunch to the salad. The combination of textures, from the tender shredded chicken to the crunchy almonds, creates a well-balanced and enjoyable eating experience. The salt and pepper also add depth to the overall flavor profile, ensuring a well-rounded taste.

In summary, this Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors, quick preparation, and a pleasing texture that will make it a favorite among those who try it.

What you need to make Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad recipe

1. Cooked Chicken Breast: Cooked chicken breast serves as the main protein source for the salad. It is typically tender, white meat from the chicken and forms the bulk of the dish. It provides a mild and versatile flavor that pairs well with other ingredients.
2. Crushed Pineapple: Crushed pineapple is a tropical fruit that adds a unique twist to the chicken salad. It has a sweet and slightly tangy flavor with a pleasant tropical aroma. The crushed pineapple contributes to the salad’s overall sweetness and moisture.
3. Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is a creamy condiment made from egg yolks and oil, giving it a rich and smooth texture. It acts as the primary binder and adds a creamy, indulgent quality to the chicken salad.
4. Almond Slivers: Almond slivers are sliced or chopped pieces of almonds. They bring a delightful crunch to the salad along with a nutty flavor. Almonds provide an interesting contrast in texture to the tender chicken and creamy mayonnaise.
5. Salt: Salt is a fundamental seasoning that enhances the flavors of the other ingredients in the salad. It adds a savory note and helps balance the sweetness of the pineapple while bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and mayonnaise.
6. Ground Black Pepper: Ground black pepper provides a subtle spiciness and warmth to the chicken salad. It complements the other flavors by adding a mild, peppery kick without overpowering the dish.

These ingredients work together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad, making it a delightful and well-balanced dish.

Substitutions

Greek Yogurt for Mayonnaise:

• Instead of using mayonnaise, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture similar to mayonnaise but with a tangy flavor profile. This substitution can make the salad lighter and add a hint of tanginess to the dish. Adjust the quantity to your desired level of creaminess.

Cashews or Walnuts for Almond Slivers:

• If you have a preference for or allergies to almonds, you can replace the almond slivers with cashews or walnuts. Both cashews and walnuts provide a similar nutty flavor and crunch to the salad. Choose the one that suits your taste or dietary requirements.

These substitutions can help tailor the Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad to your preferences or dietary needs while still maintaining a delicious and satisfying quality.

Variations and customizations

Fruit Medley Chicken Salad:

• In addition to crushed pineapple, add a variety of diced fruits like apples, grapes, or mandarin oranges to the salad. This variation adds a colorful and fruity twist to the recipe, providing a burst of sweetness and freshness. Consider mixing in some dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness and texture.

Spicy Chicken Salad:

• For those who enjoy a bit of heat, customize the salad by adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. The spicy kick will balance the sweetness of the pineapple and provide a different flavor dimension. You can also incorporate a touch of hot sauce or Sriracha for extra spiciness.

Herb and Veggie Chicken Salad:

• To enhance the freshness and herbaceousness of the salad, include chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or dill. You can also add finely diced vegetables such as celery, red onion, or bell peppers for added crunch and a burst of color. A squeeze of lemon juice can provide a zesty, citrusy flavor to brighten up the salad.

These customizations allow you to create unique versions of Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad, catering to various tastes and occasions. Feel free to mix and match these ideas or invent your own to make this chicken salad your own signature dish.

How to refrigerate, freeze and thaw

Certainly, here’s how to properly refrigerate, freeze, and thaw Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad:

Refrigerating Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad:

1. Cool to Room Temperature: After preparing the chicken salad, allow it to cool to room temperature. Do not leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
2. Transfer to an Airtight Container: Once the salad has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container with a secure lid. Ensure that the container is clean and dry to maintain freshness.
3. Cover and Seal: Seal the container tightly to prevent air from entering, as exposure to air can lead to the salad drying out and absorbing other odors from the fridge.
4. Label and Date: It’s a good practice to label the container with the date you prepared the salad. This helps you keep track of its freshness.
5. Refrigerate: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator. Ideally, store it in the coldest part of your fridge, usually near the back. The recommended storage time for chicken salad in the refrigerator is 3 to 4 days.

Freezing Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad:

1. Prepare the Salad: Prepare the chicken salad following the recipe, but omit any ingredients that may not freeze well, such as mayonnaise or fresh herbs.
2. Cool Completely: Allow the salad to cool completely to room temperature. Cooling is crucial to prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing.
3. Portion and Seal: Divide the chicken salad into smaller portions, suitable for your needs. Place each portion in airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
4. Remove Air: Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bags before sealing, or use a vacuum sealer for the containers.
5. Label and Date: Label each container or bag with the date and a description, so you can easily identify it in the freezer.
6. Freeze: Place the containers or bags in the freezer. The chicken salad can be safely frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Thawing Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad:

1. Refrigerator Thawing: The best and safest way to thaw chicken salad is in the refrigerator. Place the frozen container in the fridge and allow it to thaw slowly. This method can take several hours to overnight, depending on the portion size.
2. Serve Cold: Once the salad has thawed, give it a gentle stir to ensure the ingredients are well mixed. It may be necessary to add a bit more mayonnaise or other dressing to restore creaminess if it has become dry during freezing.
3. Serve Chilled: Serve the chicken salad chilled. It’s not recommended to reheat it because the texture and quality may be compromised due to the mayonnaise content.

By following these steps, you can safely store, freeze, and thaw Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad while maintaining its taste and quality.

What to serve with Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad

Fresh Fruit Salad:

• A refreshing fruit salad complements the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken salad. Combine a variety of fresh, seasonal fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, melon, and grapes. You can also drizzle a simple honey-lime dressing over the fruit for added zing. This side dish adds a burst of color and natural sweetness to your meal.

Homemade Coleslaw:

• Coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken salad. Make a homemade coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing. The cool and crisp texture of the coleslaw provides a delightful contrast to the creamy chicken salad. You can customize the coleslaw with your favorite dressing, whether it’s tangy, sweet, or a little spicy.

Roasted Vegetable Medley:

• Roasted vegetables are a fantastic accompaniment to chicken salad. Toss a mix of seasonal vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and seasoning. Roast them until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. The savory and earthy flavors of the roasted veggies offer a satisfying contrast to the chicken salad’s sweetness and creaminess.

These side dishes not only provide a well-rounded meal but also offer a variety of textures and flavors to enhance your dining experience alongside Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad.