About this Recipe

By: Rachel

The first time I heard the term, “hangry,” I thought, “Yes. That describes me!” If I don’t eat regularly… I get cranky.

Unfortunately, I also tend to get highly absorbed in work and completely forget about meals. Do you ever realize you’ve been sitting in meetings or working on projects for hours at a stretch with nothing to eat or drink, wondering why you have a terrible headache and are ready to bite the head off the first person who innocently asks how your day is going?

I wish I could be satisfied by a granola bar or a container of yogurt, but the hangrier I get, the more I need something substantial and tasty to get through the day. So, I do my best to keep some easy options at hand to get me through the workday.

This easy chicken salad is ideal—it tastes great, it’s full of protein, and it’s easy to make a large batch that will last for several days in the refrigerator. I often make it when I have leftover roast chicken. I keep a container at work with crackers or bread and fill up between meetings.

Chicken Salad for Hangry People

This bright, herby chicken salad, punctuated by roasted nuts and juicy grapes, is perfect on its own. It is also the base for a light chicken salad sandwich.

Print Recipe

Ready In 15

Meal Type Main Dish, Salad, Sandwiches, Side Dish, Snack

Good For Anytime

Servings 6

Ingredients

½ cup (55g) walnuts or pecans
2 cups shredded chicken (from a rotisserie chicken, or homemade)
½ cup (110g) mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Juice of ½ lemon
1 cup (150g) red grapes, halved (you could also use dried cranberries)
2 scallions, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped parsley, dill, or chervil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

In a small skillet, lightly toast the walnuts over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, watching closely to ensure they do not burn. Turn frequently with a wooden spoon to ensure that they toast evenly. Set aside to cool.

Step 2

To a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, grapes, scallions, and herbs. Stir to combine. Add nuts, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve on crackers as a snack, or on bread as a sandwich, adding any vegetables you desire.