If you’re a fan of Newk’s Chicken Salad, you’re not alone. It’s a deliciously creamy, yet refreshing dish that’s made its mark as a crowd favorite. Whether you’ve enjoyed it in one of their cozy restaurants or just heard the buzz, chances are, you’ve been craving it yourself. But here’s the best part: you can recreate Newk’s famous chicken salad right in your own kitchen, and it’s easier than you think!
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through every detail to make the ultimate Newks Chicken Salad Recipe, from selecting the best ingredients to perfecting the creamy dressing. We’ll also share some secret tips that will elevate your dish and give it that authentic flavor you love.
By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to make a delicious chicken salad that rivals Newk’s original. So, let’s get started and bring that restaurant-quality salad to your table!
Table of Contents
What Makes Newk’s Chicken Salad Special?
There’s a reason people rave about Newk’s Chicken Salad, it’s the kind of dish that keeps you coming back for more. What makes it so special? It’s all about balance: tender chicken, a creamy yet light dressing, a little crunch, and just the right hint of sweetness. It’s comfort food, elevated.
Unlike many chicken salads that are overloaded with mayo or missing that something extra, Newk’s version strikes the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. It’s refreshing and satisfying at the same time, ideal for a quick lunch, a hearty sandwich, or even a scoop on a fresh salad.
One of the standout elements is the quality of the ingredients. The chicken is always juicy and perfectly shredded, the celery adds a fresh crunch, and the mix-ins (like grapes or pecans) give it a unique, slightly sweet twist that sets it apart from the rest.
Another thing people love? Its versatility. You can enjoy it chilled, scooped onto a croissant, or even straight out of the bowl with a fork (we won’t judge). It’s no wonder so many folks are searching for Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe online, because once you’ve had it, you’ll want it on repeat.
So now that we know what makes it great, let’s talk about how you can make your own irresistible version at home.
Key Ingredients for the Ultimate Newk’s Chicken Salad
To make a chicken salad that truly rivals Newk’s, it all starts with the right ingredients. This isn’t your basic chicken-and-mayo situation, we’re building layers of flavor and texture for that perfect bite every time.
Here’s everything you’ll need for the ultimate Newk’s Chicken Salad recipe:
Main Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken breast (about 4 cups, finely shredded)
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach your own for extra freshness. Shredding the chicken instead of chopping gives that signature tender texture Newk’s is known for. - Mayonnaise (¾ to 1 cup)
The base of the dressing, go for a good quality mayo. If you want a lighter option, mix in some plain Greek yogurt. - Chopped celery (½ cup)
Adds a fresh crunch that cuts through the creaminess beautifully. - Red grapes, halved (½ to ¾ cup)
Sweet and juicy, these give the salad a refreshing twist. You can sub in diced apples if you prefer. - Chopped pecans (optional, about ¼ cup)
Not everyone includes this, but a handful of pecans adds richness and a toasty bite. Totally worth trying! - Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder (to taste)
These simple pantry staples enhance every other flavor in the bowl. - Optional: Dash of Dijon mustard or a squeeze of lemon juice
These little additions can help brighten the flavor and balance the creaminess of the mayo.
Pro Tips for Ingredient Prep
- Shred the chicken finely: Newk’s chicken salad has a smooth consistency, and shredding the chicken instead of cubing it helps replicate that.
- Don’t overdress: Start with ¾ cup of mayo, then add more as needed. The chicken should be moist, not swimming.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour helps the flavors meld together.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Newks Chicken Salad Recipe
Making this salad is simple, but there’s a little finesse involved if you want to capture that signature Newk’s flavor and texture. Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a creamy, crave-worthy chicken salad ready to impress.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- If you’re using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and finely shred the meat with your hands or two forks.
- If cooking your own, boil or bake boneless, skinless chicken breasts until cooked through, then let them cool before shredding.
🔥 Pro Tip: Shred the chicken as finely as possible, this helps create that signature, almost spreadable texture Newk’s is known for.
Step 2: Chop and Prep the Add-Ins
- Dice the celery finely for crunch without overpowering bites.
- Halve the grapes (or dice apples if you’re using those).
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes to bring out their nutty flavor, then chop them roughly.
🧠 Secret Tip: A pinch of garlic powder and a tiny splash of lemon juice will subtly brighten the flavors without taking over.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise (or half mayo, half plain Greek yogurt for a healthier twist)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional but highly recommended)
Whisk everything together until smooth.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
- Add the shredded chicken, celery, grapes, and pecans to the bowl with the dressing.
- Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
💡 Pro Tip: If the salad feels too dry, add another spoonful or two of mayo. If it feels too wet, add a little more shredded chicken to balance it out.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and let the chicken salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
🥪 Serving Ideas:
- Scoop it onto a buttery croissant for the ultimate sandwich.
- Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter lunch.
- Pair with crackers, pita chips, or cucumber rounds for a low-carb snack.
Serving Suggestions & Tasty Variations
One of the best things about this Newk’s Chicken Salad recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re planning a picnic, packing lunch for the week, or looking for an easy dinner idea, this dish fits the bill. And the best part? You can serve it up in more ways than one.
🥐 Serving Suggestions
- Croissant Sandwiches:
Serve a generous scoop inside a soft, buttery croissant, just like Newk’s does! Add leafy greens for extra crunch. - Lettuce Wraps:
For a low-carb option, spoon the chicken salad into large romaine or butter lettuce leaves. - Classic on Crackers:
Perfect for party platters or afternoon snacking. Choose whole grain or buttery crackers for the best flavor combo. - On a Bed of Greens:
Want something light and refreshing? Pile a scoop of chicken salad onto a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. - Stuffed Tomatoes or Avocados:
Hollow out tomatoes or avocado halves and fill them with chicken salad for an elegant, low-carb presentation.
🔄 Recipe Variations to Make It Your Own
- Add Diced Apples:
Prefer a crunchier, sweeter bite? Swap or combine the grapes with diced honeycrisp or gala apples. - Go Nut-Free:
Allergic to nuts or simply not a fan? Just leave out the pecans, this recipe still shines without them. - Spice It Up:
Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for a little kick. - Make It Healthier:
Use half Greek yogurt and half mayo to lighten things up while keeping that creamy texture. - Herb It Up:
Add fresh chopped dill, parsley, or chives for an herby twist that brings brightness and freshness to the salad.
Pro Tips for Nailing the Perfect Newk’s Chicken Salad at Home
Want to take your homemade Newk’s Chicken Salad recipe to the next level? These tried-and-true tips will help you master the texture, flavor, and presentation like a pro:
✅ Use finely shredded chicken, not chopped
This gives the salad its signature smooth and scoopable texture. Use two forks or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for ultra-fine shredding.
✅ Toast the pecans
A quick toast in a dry pan enhances their nutty flavor and adds extra depth, worth the extra 2 minutes.
✅ Add grapes last
To keep them from getting smashed and soggy, gently fold in halved grapes at the very end.
✅ Start with less mayo and add as needed
This avoids over-dressing your salad. You want a creamy coating, not a mayo bath.
✅ Chill before serving
At least an hour in the fridge lets the flavors meld and improves both taste and texture.
✅ Use fresh ingredients
Fresh celery, juicy grapes, and good-quality mayo make all the difference. This is a simple recipe, so quality really shines through.
✅ Double the batch, it goes fast!
Seriously. Whether it’s for lunches, snacks, or entertaining, this salad disappears quickly. Make extra and thank yourself later.
How to Store Newk’s Chicken Salad
Proper storage is key to keeping your Newk’s Chicken Salad fresh, creamy, and safe to eat. Here’s everything you need to know:
🧊 Refrigerator Storage
- Store the chicken salad in an airtight container.
- Keep it refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- It stays fresh for up to 3–4 days.
❄️ Can You Freeze Chicken Salad?
Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended for mayo-based salads. Freezing can cause the mayonnaise to separate and create an unappetizing texture once thawed.
💡 If you want to prep ahead, cook and freeze just the shredded chicken. Then thaw and mix with fresh ingredients when ready to serve.
🛑 How to Tell If It’s Gone Bad
- Sour smell or off taste
- Watery or separated texture
- Discoloration or mold
If any of these signs appear, it’s safest to toss it.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Newk’s Chicken Salad!
Now that you’ve got the perfect recipe and pro tips, you’re ready to recreate Newk’s Chicken Salad at home! With tender, shredded chicken, fresh grapes, crunchy celery, and creamy mayo, this salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying it on a croissant, in a lettuce wrap, or on its own, you can’t go wrong.
Remember, the secret to a great chicken salad lies in the ingredients and the details, so don’t rush through it! Follow our tips for a truly authentic experience that’s as close to Newk’s as it gets. And don’t forget to experiment with your own variations to make it uniquely yours.
Share Your Version!
Have you tried this recipe? We’re excited to hear about your experience! Feel free to leave a comment below and let us know how it went If you loved it, be sure to share this recipe with your friends on social media so they can enjoy it too.
Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Chopping Knife
- mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Airtight Storage Container
Ingredients
- 2 cups – Shredded Cooked Chicken Rotisserie or Poached
- 1/2 cup – Red Grapes halved
- 1/4 cup – Celery finely chopped
- 1/4 cup – Chopped Pecans optional
- 1/2 cup – Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup – Greek Yogurt optional, for a healthier version
- 1 tbsp – Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp – Lemon Juice
- Salt & Pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the Salad: Add the shredded chicken, halved grapes, celery, and pecans to the bowl. Toss everything until evenly coated.
- Chill: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour for the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve on croissants, in lettuce wraps, or on top of a bed of greens. Enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap half of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
- This chicken salad can be served in various ways, including sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for leafy greens.
FAQ
What kind of chicken does Newk’s use in their chicken salad?
Newk’s typically uses tender white meat chicken breast that’s finely shredded to achieve that creamy texture. For your homemade version, rotisserie chicken is a great option, or you can poach or bake chicken breasts and shred them yourself.
Does Newk’s Chicken Salad have grapes in it?
Yes, Newk’s Chicken Salad features sweet, juicy red grapes. The grapes add a refreshing burst of flavor and balance out the savory ingredients in the salad.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
While it’s technically possible, it’s not recommended to freeze mayonnaise-based chicken salads because the mayo may separate and create an unappealing texture. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the shredded chicken and then mix in the other ingredients fresh when you’re ready to serve.
How long does homemade chicken salad last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, your chicken salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Make sure it’s kept at a safe temperature (below 40°F or 4°C) to maintain quality and safety.
Can I make this chicken salad healthier?
Yes! To lighten up the recipe, try swapping half of the mayo for plain Greek yogurt. You can also use low-fat mayo or opt for a different protein, like turkey or rotisserie chicken, for a leaner version.
👉 Love this Newk’s Chicken Salad? Don’t stop here—explore more crowd-pleasing dishes! Try our creamy Ruth’s Chris Creamed Spinach, creative Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes, or whip up this viral Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta next. Your next favorite recipe is just a click away!