If you’ve ever stopped by Dunkin’ Donuts for a quick bite, you know they offer a unique range of food options. Imagine a delightful chicken salad bursting with flavor, perfectly paired with a steaming cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea.
You might even consider adding a warm croissant for some buttery goodness that elevates the experience. Trust me, the soft crust of the croissant complements the crunch of the salad beautifully.
Let me take you on a tasty journey—one where chicken salad meets the distinctive flair of Dunkin’ Donuts. My name is Jessica, and as a registered dietitian and passionate food blogger, I love exploring unexpected twists on classic recipes.
I remember the first time I tried Dunkin’ Donuts’ chicken salad. I was skeptical; how could a donut shop do chicken salad justice? But one bite, and I was hooked. With a comforting creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and the right amount of sweetness, it was a salad I could crave.
In this post, I’ll guide you through everything about Dunkin’ Donuts chicken salad, from its delightful taste to how you can recreate it at home. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic or just looking for a quick meal, I’ve got you covered from A to Z.
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What is Dunkin’ Donuts Chicken Salad?
Dunkin’ Donuts chicken salad is not your typical chicken salad. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Picture this: tender rotisserie chicken, crunchy celery, and a hint of sweetness from apples or dried cranberries, all held together by a creamy and zesty dressing.
The addition of crispy bacon brings a touch of indulgence that keeps you coming back for more. Honestly, what’s not to love?
What Makes This Recipe Different from Other Dunkin’ Donuts Chicken Salad?
Now, you might be wondering what sets Dunkin’ Donuts chicken salad apart from the hundreds of other recipes out there. It’s all about the balance of flavors. The combination of creamy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt creates a dressing that’s rich yet light.
Plus, the diced Granny Smith apple adds an unexpected crunch and a refreshing tartness, setting it apart from most traditional chicken salads that might lean too heavily on mayo alone.
How Does It Taste?
If you’ve ever wondered about the taste of Dunkin’ Donuts chicken salad, prepare for a flavor explosion. Each bite delivers a crunchy sensation with the fresh bite of celery, the tartness of the apple, and the savory depth from the chicken.
The bacon? It serves as a lovely surprise, ensuring you get that savory punch that makes this salad feel indulgent. I often find myself reaching for seconds—who can resist that blend?
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Dish
Let’s dive into the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for a delightful Dunkin’ Donuts chicken salad:
- Chicken Salad
- 2 packed cups / 250-300g cooked Rotisserie Chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 rib of Celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely minced Red Onion
- 1 small Granny Smith Apple, diced
- 4 strips of Crispy Bacon, cooked, cooled, and crumbled
- 1/4 cup / 40g Dried Cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup / 35g Pecans or Walnuts, coarsely chopped
- 4-5 flaky All Butter Croissants
- Chicken Salad Dressing
- 1/2 cup / 120g Creamy Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup / 120g Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1/2 Lemon, juiced (substitute with 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar if preferred)
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- A pinch of Sea Salt & freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Fresh Chopped Parsley
Step by Step Instructions
Ready to make the magic happen? Here’s how you can whip up Dunkin’ Donuts-inspired chicken salad right in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Cleanup is easier when everything is in one place. Be sure to pick up a delicious rotisserie chicken—it’s the key to a quick meal.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Take your cooked rotisserie chicken and chop it into bite-sized pieces. You don’t want the chicken to dominate each bite, so keep it reasonably small.
Step 3: Chop the Veggies
Next, finely chop the celery and red onion. Be gentle with the red onion; too much can overpower the salad. Now, dice the Granny Smith apple. Don’t forget to remove the core!
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
Time to bring in some crispy goodness. Cook the bacon strips until they’re golden and crispy. Let them cool, then crumble them into pieces.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, celery, red onion, apple, crumbled bacon, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.
Step 6: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This dressing is where the flavor comes together. Blend until smooth.
Step 7: Mix it All Together
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss everything until well combined. It should look creamy and inviting.
Step 8: Chill
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together, bringing you that restaurant-quality taste.
Step 9: Serve
When you’re ready, serve the salad in flaky croissants or on a bed of lettuce. Enjoy it as a light lunch or a hearty snack!
Tips & Tricks on Making Dunkin’ Donuts Chicken Salad
Here are some helpful tips to make your chicken salad even better:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of ingredients, especially the apple and greens, makes a big difference in flavor.
- Add Extra Crunch: Feel free to add other crunchy ingredients like bell peppers or even sunflower seeds for extra texture.
- Tailor the Dressing: If you like a little heat, stir in some Sriracha or hot sauce into the dressing.
- Experiment with Protein: Don’t limit yourself to chicken. Try turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Make it Ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. Perfect for meal prep!
How Do I Store This Dish?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. To avoid sogginess, it’s wise to store the salad separately from any bread.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Dunkin’ Donuts Chicken Salad?
If you’re in the mood for something different, here are some substitutions you can make:
- Greek Yogurt: Use sour cream for a different flavor profile while keeping creaminess intact.
- Chicken: Swap rotisserie chicken for canned chicken in a pinch, but drain it well for the best results.
- Dried Cranberries: Substitute with raisins or chopped fresh berries for a fruity twist.
- Nuts: Swap pecans or walnuts for sliced almonds for a lighter touch.
- Bacon: Use smoked turkey bacon or crumbled vegan bacon for a healthier or vegetarian option.
Dunkin Donuts Chicken Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Separate bowl
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 packed cups / 250-300g cooked Rotisserie Chicken chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 rib of Celery finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely minced Red Onion
- 1 small Granny Smith Apple diced
- 4 strips of Crispy Bacon cooked, cooled, and crumbled
- 1/4 cup / 40g Dried Cranberries coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup / 35g Pecans or Walnuts coarsely chopped
- 4-5 flaky All Butter Croissants
Chicken Salad Dressing
- 1/2 cup / 120g Creamy Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup / 120g Plain Greek Yogurt
- 1/2 Lemon juiced (substitute with 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar if preferred)
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- A pinch of Sea Salt & freshly ground Black Pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp Fresh Chopped Parsley
Instructions
- Ready to make the magic happen? Here’s how you can whip up Dunkin’ Donuts-inspired chicken salad right in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Start by gathering all the ingredients. Cleanup is easier when everything is in one place. Be sure to pick up a delicious rotisserie chicken—it’s the key to a quick meal.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Take your cooked rotisserie chicken and chop it into bite-sized pieces. You don’t want the chicken to dominate each bite, so keep it reasonably small.
Step 3: Chop the Veggies
- Next, finely chop the celery and red onion. Be gentle with the red onion; too much can overpower the salad. Now, dice the Granny Smith apple. Don’t forget to remove the core!
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
- Time to bring in some crispy goodness. Cook the bacon strips until they’re golden and crispy. Let them cool, then crumble them into pieces.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, celery, red onion, apple, crumbled bacon, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.
Step 6: Make the Dressing
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This dressing is where the flavor comes together. Blend until smooth.
Step 7: Mix it All Together
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss everything until well combined. It should look creamy and inviting.
Step 8: Chill
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together, bringing you that restaurant-quality taste.
Step 9: Serve
- When you’re ready, serve the salad in flaky croissants or on a bed of lettuce. Enjoy it as a light lunch or a hearty snack!
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of ingredients, especially the apple and greens, makes a big difference in flavor.
- Add Extra Crunch: Feel free to add other crunchy ingredients like bell peppers or even sunflower seeds for extra texture.
- Tailor the Dressing: If you like a little heat, stir in some Sriracha or hot sauce into the dressing.
- Experiment with Protein: Don’t limit yourself to chicken. Try turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Make it Ahead: This salad keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. Perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken from last night’s dinner works perfectly. Just chop it up and mix it in.
2. Is this salad gluten-free?
The salad itself is gluten-free if you skip croissants or use gluten-free bread. Always check labels for any extras.
3. Can I freeze chicken salad?
Generally, it’s best not to freeze chicken salad. The mayonnaise may separate when thawed, resulting in an undesirable texture.
4. How can I make this salad vegan?
Simply substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu, Greek yogurt with vegan mayo, and skip the bacon.
5. What’s a good side for chicken salad?
Serve it with fruit salad, crunchy veggies with dip, or a light soup like tomato basil for a complete meal.
Conclusion
There you have it—Dunkin’ Donuts chicken salad in all its glory. This delightful dish brings a unique twist to the classic salad that everyone will enjoy.
By using fresh ingredients, you not only create something that tastes incredible but also nourish yourself and your loved ones.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite from Dunkin’ or putting your culinary skills to the test at home, this chicken salad stands out.
So give it a try. I guarantee it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, especially during those warm summer months when salads are in high demand. Enjoy!
