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Copycat Zoe’s Chicken Salad Recipe With Protein

Zoe’s Kitchen Chicken Salad is a classic summer dish that has been a favorite among food lovers for years. Here’s the scoop on Zoe’s chicken salad recipe!

close up of chicken salad in a bowl

This fast casual restaurant chain recipe is simple yet flavorful, being easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, even for special events. 

A unique aspect of this restaurant, this chicken salad is a combination of diced chicken, shredded carrots, diced red onion, celery, chopped parsley, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of garlic and salt.

If you are a fan of Zoe’s Kitchen Chicken Salad and want to make it at home, you are in luck. 

There are many copycat recipes of one of these family favorites available online that are easy to follow and require only a few simple ingredients. 

Whether you are looking for a low fodmap diet or a classic recipe, you can find one that suits your taste and dietary requirements. 

With just a few simple steps, you can recreate this delicious and easy recipe of Zoe’s Kitchen Chicken Salad in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

chicken salad with avocado

Zoe’s chicken salad is a classic dish that is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. 

The ingredients are simple and easy to find. Making it a great option for a quick and delicious meal, even if this is your first time cooking it. 

Here are the ingredients you will need to prepare the full recipe of Zoe’s chicken salad:

  • Shredded chicken breasts: A good source of fiber, you will need 3 cups of shredded chicken breasts. This could be the top of the chicken breast for this recipe. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken kept at room temperature or cook fresh chicken breasts at medium heat and shred the white meat using a fork.
  • Celery: Celery is a key ingredient in Zoe’s chicken salad. You will need 1/4 cup of chopped celery to add crunch and flavor to the salad.
  • Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is used to bind the ingredients together and add creaminess to the salad. You will need 3/4 cup of mayonnaise for this recipe. Make sure to use a low FODMAP mayonnaise if you have dietary restrictions.
  • Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper are used to season the salad. You will need 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

To make Zoe’s chicken salad, simply combine all the ingredients for this fast food in a bowl and chill in the refrigerator. 

The way you mix your chicken and celery will make your healthy salad stand out. 

bowl filled with chicken salad and spoon

You can enjoy the salad on bread as a sandwich or with crackers.

In addition to these main ingredients, you can also add other ingredients to the salad to customize it to your liking. 

Some popular additions include shredded carrots, diced red onion, chopped parsley, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of garlic. 

However, the only thing to keep in mind is that adding too many ingredients can overpower the flavor of the chicken and celery.

So it’s best to keep it simple and let the flavors shine through in this nutritious dish.

Preparation

chicken salad on lettuce with garnish

Zoe’s chicken salad recipe is a classic summer dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. 

The meal prep process is quick and easy. Making it a great option for those who don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

To start, you will need to shred 3 cups of chicken and dice ¼ cup of celery. 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the diced celery, as well as ¾ cup of mayonnaise. 

Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper or to taste. Mix until all ingredients are coated.

If you want to add some extra flavor to your chicken salad, you can also add some spices. 

Some sea salt and black pepper are the most common options, but you can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or cumin. 

Just be sure to add them in small amounts so that they don’t overpower the other flavors in the salad.

Once your chicken salad is mixed and seasoned to your liking, you can serve it right away or refrigerate it until you’re ready to eat. 

This perfectly healthy dish could be eaten at any circumstance.

Side Dish

plate filled with chicken salad with tomatoes and grapes

If you’re serving it as a side dish, consider pairing it with barbecue potato chips, sweet potato chips, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

You could even take a spin on the traditional potato salad recipe by fusing it together with Zoe’s kitchen chicken salad recipe. 

It’s important to note that homemade chicken salad should not be left out in the open for too long, as it can spoil quickly. 

If you’re planning to serve it at a party or gathering, be sure to keep it refrigerated until it’s time to eat.

Serving Suggestions

dish filled with chicken salad and garnish

Zoe’s Chicken Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to help you enjoy this delicious recipe:

As a Sandwich

One classic way to serve chicken salad is as a sandwich. 

Simply place a scoop of the chicken salad between two slices of bread, add some lettuce and cherry tomatoes if desired, and enjoy!  

You could also throw in some caramelized onions and bell pepper slices for an extra crunch when you bite into that savory sandwich.  

You can use any type of bread you like, from whole wheat to sourdough to a croissant for a fancier touch.

Sprinkle some fresh dill on top of one of these healthy recipes for a pleasant grassy flavor that will surely please your taste buds. 

If you usually enjoy snacking on a pimento cheese sandwich, or any cheese sandwich, after your work meeting is over, add some pimento cheese, parmesan cheese, or swiss cheese to your chicken sandwiches. 

Feel free to use a few beef meatballs, or the meat from some steak kabobs, for a meaty sandwich.

As a Wrap

Another option is to serve Zoe’s Chicken Salad as  homemade chicken salad wraps. 

Spread the chicken salad onto a large tortilla (could use 7-grain bread, pita bread, or sourdough bread), add some lettuce, tomato, and any other vegetables you like, and wrap it up tightly. 

You could also throw in some cauliflower rice or rice pilaf, or white beans inside your wrap for a more wholesome and hearty meal. 

This is a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

If these chicken recipes aren’t for you because you don’t eat meat, just substitute the meat for the shellfish or fish from shrimp kabobs or salmon kabobs.

As a Dip

Zoe’s Chicken Salad can also be served as a dip, like tzatziki sauce and basil pesto hummus. 

Simply place the chicken salad in a small bowl and serve with crackers, pita chips, or vegetable sticks. 

This is a great option for a party or gathering, as it allows guests to serve themselves and customize their own plates.

This delicious dip with a taste of home is sure to replace your classic hummus in no time.  

As a Salad

bowl of chopped chicken salad with fork

For a lighter option and healthy twist, you can serve Zoe’s Chicken Salad as a salad. 

Simply place a scoop of the chicken salad onto a bed of lettuce, add some chopped vegetables, drizzle with your favorite dressing or olive oil.

Add some fresh mozzarella or feta cheese and top it all off with some fresh basil for a delicious cold salad. 

This is a great option for a healthy lunch or dinner.

A great way to make a crunchy salad recipe is to add crispy salad ingredients such as a red pepper, dill pickles, green onions, red onions, a bed of greens, and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips. 

Additionally, for a more perfect salad, you could also mix this chicken recipe with various salads.

Such as a pasta salad or a side greek salad, by simply combining the ingredients for both dishes together in a large bowl.  

Note: You could also make some chicken kabobs as a fun twist on this Zoës kitchen recipe. 

Other Ideas

Here are a few more ideas which will become your new favorite things to try today in order to serve your main dish of Zoe’s Chicken Salad:

  • Top a baked potato with a scoop of chicken salad for a filling and delicious meal.
  • Serve the chicken salad on top of a bed of quinoa or rice for a more substantial dish.
  • Use the chicken salad as a filling for stuffed tomatoes or bell peppers.
  • Add some chopped apples or grapes to the chicken salad for a sweet and savory twist.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving Zoe’s Chicken Salad. 

Try out these ideas that can be found all over social media or come up with your own to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

bread with chicken salad on it

Zoe’s chicken salad recipe is a true testament to the art of transforming leftover chicken into a culinary masterpiece.

With a few simple ingredients and a touch of creativity, the dish takes on a new life, bursting with flavor and freshness.

The use of leftover chicken not only minimizes food waste but also adds a deliciously tender and seasoned element to the salad.

The combination of various textures and the balance of savory and tangy flavors create a delightful harmony in every mouthful.

Whether enjoyed on a bed of crisp greens, between slices of freshly baked bread, or as a delicious filling for wraps, Zoe’s chicken salad offers a versatile and satisfying meal option.

Embrace the simplicity and ingenuity of this recipe, and savor the joy of turning leftovers into something truly extraordinary.

zoe's chicken salad recipe Pinterest image

Zoe's Chicken Salad Recipe

bowl filled with chicken salad and spoon

Zoe's Kitchen Chicken Salad is a classic summer dish that has been a favorite among food lovers for years. 

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups of chicken
  • 1/4 cup of diced celery
  • 3/4 cup of mayonnaise
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. To start, you will need to shred 3 cups of chicken and dice 1/4 cup of celery. 
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the diced celery, as well as ¾ cup of mayonnaise. 
  3. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper or to taste. Mix until all ingredients are coated.
  4. If you want to add some extra flavor to your chicken salad, you can also add some spices. 
  5. Some sea salt and black pepper are the most common options, but you can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or cumin. 
  6. Just be sure to add them in small amounts so that they don't overpower the other flavors in the salad.
  7. Once your chicken salad is mixed and seasoned to your liking, you can serve it right away or refrigerate it until you're ready to eat. 

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