Pistachio Poppy Seed Chicken Salad
Pistachio Poppy Seed Chicken Salad is a spin on traditional versions with the addition of poppy seeds, a creamy Dijon-Buttermilk dressing and sweet, nutty pistachios.
The sassy Dijon-buttermilk dressing gives this salad a light tangy flavor profile
This flavorful and light chicken salad is absolutely delicious on a spring or summer day! The Dijon-buttermilk dressing brings together the flavors and the crushed pistachios add a hint of savory and crunch!
Ingredients
This recipe is inspired by Nordstrom’s chicken salad recipe. I had it a few years ago and thought I’d put my own spin on it! Enjoy!
The simple ingredients are:
- Shredded chicken (bake your own or buy a rotisserie/deli chicken)- white or dark meat, or both
- Chopped celery, red onion and shelled pistachios – If you prefer, chop the pistachios or pulse them quickly in the food processor
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard– use the creamy Dijon or the “country style”
- Buttermilk
- Sugar-just a smidgen
- Vinegar – white distilled vinegar
- Poppy seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make it
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, celery, onion and lightly chopped pistachios; set aside
- In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon, buttermilk, sugar, vinegar and poppy seeds
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and combine well; cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, then serve chilled or at room temperature
Recipe tips
- Use dark meat (thighs) or white meat (breasts) or a combination of both in this recipe.
- Feel free to use rotisserie or deli chicken for this easy recipe
Storage
Generally speaking, Pistachio chicken salad lasts 3-5 days in the refrigerator provided it is stored in an airtight container and stored in an uncrowded refrigerator. Unfortunately, mayonnaise does not freeze well and separates when frozen.
You’ll love the tangy, yet creamy flavor of this chicken salad combined with the crunchiness and nutty flavor of the pistachios!
Related recipes:
- Smoked Turkey Salad
- Classic Egg Salad
- Cold Dill Shrimp Salad
- Marinated Cucumber and Onion Salad
- Summer Broccoli Crunch Salad
- Vermicelli Summer Salad
- Seafood Cobb Salad with Remoulade Dressing
- Southern Toasted Pecan Praline Sauce
- Easy Lemon Curd recipe
- Flaky French Potato Pie
If you make this recipe, please scroll down and leave a comment and rating! I love to hear from you!
Pistachio Poppy Seed Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded chicken , cooked
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- ⅓ cup red onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup pistachios shelled, lightly ground
Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- salt and pepper , to taste
Instructions
- Cook the chicken (see recipe notes) or buy a rotisserie chicken; remove any skin and shred the meat
- Place shredded chicken, chopped pistachios, onion and celery in a large bowl; set aside4 cups shredded chicken, ⅓ cup red onion, ¼ cup pistachios, 2 stalks celery
- In a small bowl, combine dressing ingredients¾ cup mayonnaise, ⅓ cup buttermilk, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon white vinegar, 1 tablespoon poppy seeds, ½ teaspoon sugar
- Pour half of dressing over chicken; combine well
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes; season with salt and pepper to tastesalt and pepper
- Remove from refrigerator; add remaining dressing if desired; let sit for 10 minutes prior to serving
Notes
- Cook time includes baking the chicken; use a deli chicken to make this quicker
- No buttermilk? Use sour cream, kefir or plain yogurt instead!
Nutrition Estimate
This is great summer dish to make ahead and serve with Watermelon Salad at a luncheon, bridal shower or baby shower. If you’re looking for a more traditional chicken salad, try my other chicken salad croissant recipe!
