Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad a flavorful twist on the classic chicken salad, this recipe combines tender chicken with crisp apples, crunchy almonds, and a creamy Cajun-spiced dressing. The balance of textures and bold flavors makes it a satisfying and refreshing dish, perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe takes a familiar chicken salad and elevates it with Cajun seasoning for a little kick. The combination of juicy apples and crunchy almonds adds a nice contrast to the creamy dressing. Plus, it’s easy to throw together in just 15 minutes, making it a go-to option for busy days. It’s great on its own, served in a sandwich, or even wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cans (12.5 oz each) chunk chicken breast, drained
2 stalks celery, diced
1 crisp red or green apple, cored and diced
½ cup chopped almonds
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon dried parsley
4 tablespoons mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
2 tablespoons sour cream
Directions
In a medium bowl, break up the drained chicken chunks with a fork until evenly shredded.
Add the diced celery, diced apple, and chopped almonds to the chicken.
Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and dried parsley.
Add the mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip) and sour cream.
Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
Variations
Spicier Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Nut-Free Option: Swap the almonds for sunflower seeds or simply leave them out.
Greek Yogurt Substitute: Replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy, high-protein twist.
Rotisserie Chicken Alternative: If I have leftover rotisserie chicken, I use that instead of canned chicken for extra flavor.
Avocado Addition: A diced avocado adds extra creaminess and a boost of healthy fats.
Storage and Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since it’s a cold dish, there’s no need to reheat it—just give it a good stir before serving. If it seems a bit dry, I mix in a little extra mayo or sour cream to freshen it up.
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FAQs
Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, I find it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, as the flavors have more time to meld.
What can I serve this with?
I love it on sandwich bread, croissants, or lettuce wraps. It’s also great with crackers or as a topping for a green salad.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
Absolutely! I often use shredded rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breast instead of canned chicken for a fresher taste.
Is this chicken salad keto-friendly?
It can be! Just swap the apple for extra celery or avocado and use a low-carb mayo to keep it keto-friendly.
How do I adjust the Cajun spice level?
If I want a milder flavor, I use just 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. For extra heat, I add a bit more seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that brings together bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. Whether I enjoy it as a sandwich, wrap, or straight from the bowl, it’s always a hit. I love how versatile it is, making it perfect for meal prep, picnics, or quick lunches. Give it a try and let me know how you like to serve it.
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Cajun Spiced Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A flavorful twist on classic chicken salad, featuring tender chicken, crisp apples, crunchy almonds, and a creamy Cajun-spiced dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner!
Ingredients
2 cans (12.5 oz each) chunk chicken breast, drained
2 stalks celery, diced
1 crisp red or green apple, cored and diced
½ cup chopped almonds
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon dried parsley
4 tablespoons mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
2 tablespoons sour cream
Instructions
In a medium bowl, shred the drained chicken chunks with a fork.
Add the diced celery, diced apple, and chopped almonds.
Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning and dried parsley.
Add mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip) and sour cream.
Stir until well combined and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra spice, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Swap almonds for sunflower seeds to make it nut-free.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist.
Substitute canned chicken with shredded rotisserie or poached chicken.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Lunch, Quick Meals
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
