Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad
A Classic Delight
In the realm of chic dining and delicious recipes, Neiman Marcus stands tall. While the high-end department store is renowned for its couture, it’s also celebrated for its exquisite café selections. One timeless favorite is the Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad, a dish that seamlessly marries elegance and comfort. This delectable salad has graced lunch tables for decades, with variations floating around the internet. Let’s delve into this creamy, delightful dish that has captured hearts and taste buds alike!
What Is Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad?
Originally curated by Texas chef Helen Corbitt in the 1950s, this chicken salad combines familiar ingredients such as diced chicken, grapes, celery, almonds, parsley, and mayonnaise. However, its most surprising twist is the addition of freshly whipped cream, giving it an irresistibly velvety texture.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cooked chicken breasts (cubed) | 1 pound (about 2 1/2 cups) |
| Finely diced celery | 1 cup |
| Halved purple or white grapes | 1 cup |
| Sliced almonds (toasted) | 1/2 cup |
| Finely chopped parsley | 1 tablespoon |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Freshly whipped cream | 1/2 cup |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, celery, grapes, almonds, parsley, and salt.
- Gently fold in the freshly whipped cream and freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce or in a buttery croissant.
Tips, Tricks, and Variations
-
Whipped Cream: Use unsweetened whipped cream for the best flavor. Heavy cream whipped until fluffy works perfectly!
-
Chill Time: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors meld and thickens the creamy consistency.
-
Serving Suggestions: For an elevated presentation, serve the salad in lettuce cups, topped with additional chicken slices or a garnish of sliced almonds and parsley.
- Savory Additions: Enhance with mixed greens, sun-dried fruits, or a fresh lemon vinaigrette for added flavor.
Indulge in the elegance and comfort of Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad; a dish that is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings! Enjoy!