Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that brings together tender, chopped chicken, crispy bacon, and a medley of flavors that dance across your palate. Imagine creamy mayonnaise bringing everything together, while the crunch of sliced almonds and the sharpness of cheddar cheese elevate each bite. This salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience that evokes loving memories of sharing meals with family and friends. Whether enjoyed on a sunny picnic or at a cozy brunch, it’s sure to impress.

I first stumbled upon this recipe while looking for a dish to serve at a casual gathering. After one taste, I was hooked! The balance of flavors and textures in Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad makes it a standout, and it quickly became a staple in my recipe collection. It’s easy to whip up and is perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and feel the joy of preparing something so delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy days.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory bacon, creamy mayonnaise, and sharp cheeses creates a burst of delightful flavors that keep you coming back for more.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Served in a croissant or over a bed of lettuce, this chicken salad looks as good as it tastes.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or parties, this dish can be enjoyed in many ways.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable with gluten-free or reduced-fat ingredients if you’re looking to lighten it up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken: This is the star of the show! Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or grill your own for a freshly made flavor.
- 1¼ cup mayonnaise: A creamy base that brings all ingredients together. You can use full-fat, light, or even Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- â…“ cup cooked chopped bacon: Adds a delightful crunch and a savory flavor. Feel free to substitute with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- â…“ cup sliced almonds: Their crisp texture provides a wonderful contrast. You can replace them with walnuts or pecans for a different flair.
- 2 chopped green onions: These lend a fresh, oniony flavor and a pop of color. If unavailable, diced red onions work in a pinch.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder: Adds depth without the bite of fresh garlic. Adjust to your taste if you love garlic more.
- 1 tsp hot sauce: A little kick! You can use your favorite hot sauce or opt for a milder version if you prefer less heat.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: A classic addition that brings richness. Feel free to use a sharp or mild variety based on your preference.
- ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese: It adds a different flavor layer but can be substituted with Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
- Seasoned salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing out the flavors; don’t skip these!
How to Make Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad
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Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine 1¼ cup mayonnaise, 4 cups cooked chopped chicken, ⅓ cup crumbled bacon, and ⅓ cup sliced almonds. Stir these ingredients thoroughly to ensure a well-mixed base.
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Add Flavor: Next, fold in 2 chopped green onions, ¼ tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp hot sauce, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese. Season with seasoned salt and black pepper to your liking.
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Chill Out: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for a few hours. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, improving the overall taste.
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Serve in Style: To serve, scoop the chicken salad onto croissants, crackers, or a bed of leafy greens. Add extra toppings like more green onions or freshly cracked pepper for an elevated presentation.
Storing & Reheating
To store Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If left at room temperature, limit exposure to about 2 hours to maintain freshness. You can freeze it for up to 3 months; just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but refreshing it with a dash of mayonnaise or a little salt will restore its original appeal.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid over-mixing the salad; this can make it mushy.
- Let your cooked chicken cool before chopping it to prevent the mayonnaise from becoming too runny.
- Taste as you go! Adjust seasoning to your preference for a personalized touch.
- This salad can be made the day before to enhance the flavors.
- Explore different mix-ins like grapes or apples for a fruity contrast.
Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad is not only a tasty dish but also an inviting conversation starter at any meal. The creamy, crunchy, savory goodness works wonderfully for lunch or dinner and even shines at gatherings. The versatility of this salad encourages experimentation, so feel free to add your twist. You might just create your own variation that could be the next big hit at your table. Enjoy crafting your perfect version of this delightful dish!

Recipe FAQs
Can I make Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Yes, making this salad a day ahead enhances the flavor as it has time to meld in the refrigerator. Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container.
What can I serve with this chicken salad?
This salad pairs beautifully with various options. Serve it on croissants, over a garden salad, or alongside fresh veggies and crackers for a delightful spread.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Properly stored, Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad will last for about 3 days in the fridge. If it starts to smell off or shows signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard it.
Can I customize the ingredients in this salad?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can add fruits like grapes or apples, swap nuts for different textures, or use various cheeses to suit your taste. Enjoy making it your own!
Print
Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad
Enjoy the irresistible flavor of Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad, featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy mayonnaise. This easy, homemade dish is ideal for a healthy lunch or a quick dinner. Perfect for anyone looking for a satisfying and delightful meal!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1¼ cup mayonnaise
- â…“ cup cooked chopped bacon
- â…“ cup sliced almonds
- 2 chopped green onions
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- seasoned salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chicken, crumbled bacon, sliced almonds, chopped green onions, garlic powder, hot sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded white cheddar cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for a few hours before serving.
- Serve the chicken salad on a croissant, crackers, or a bed of lettuce.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
For added flavor, let the salad chill overnight before serving.
You can substitute the chicken with leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Adjust the seasonings to your preference for a more personalized flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch Recipes
- Method: Mix and Chill
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg






