Here’s How to Make Costco Chicken Salad Better!
Whether you’re a Costco newbie or a longtime fan, you’ve probably eaten the chain’s famous chicken salad from the prepared food section. I love it because it’s creamy, flavorful, and so conveniently pre-made that you can grab it and go. However, I have eaten the salad more than a few times in its classic form, so it has kind of started to feel like a mealtime rut. That’s why I’m here today to talk about how to take this humble dish go from ordinary to extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients!
You can make your Costco chicken salad better by adding pomegranate seeds and avocado that will make your salad more nutritious. You can add various vegetables for the color and crunchiness, and, of course, different herbs, spices, and sauces.
With these five simple yet ingenious ideas, you can take your Costco chicken salad to the next level. So go ahead and try out a few of these ideas next time you pick it up. Who knows, you might find your new favorite lunch or dinner recipe!
Pomegranate Seeds
The best part about Costco’s chicken salad is that it’s so versatile and open to modification. Let’s start off with a super sweet and flavorful addition — pomegranate seeds. Not only do they add a beautiful, vibrant color to the salad, but they also give it an unexpected sweetness that makes it perfect for lunch or dinner!
Plus, pomegranate seeds are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent addition nutritionally. [1]
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even roast the pomegranate seeds for a few minutes, which helps to bring out the flavor even more.
Avocado
Adding some creamy avocado to your Costco chicken salad is an excellent way of bringing it to the next level. An avocado’s rich flavor and velvety texture pair exceptionally well with the chicken, giving your salad an added dimension of flavor and texture — plus all that healthy fat!
To arm yourself with this deliciousness, all you have to do is cut open the avocado and remove the pit, use a spoon to scoop out the flesh inside, then cut it into cubes or mash it into a paste, depending on how creamy you want your salad. And finally, mix the avocado with your chicken salad, and enjoy!
Avocado is one of nature’s superfoods, containing essential nutrients like Vitamins E and K, as well as potassium, iron, magnesium, and folate. Plus, its high fat content makes it a fantastic nutrient-dense meal or snack option. So not only does adding avocado make your Costco chicken salad taste amazingly delicious, but it also provides some beneficial nutritional value – it’s a win-win! [2]
Veggies Like Celery and Carrots
I like adding freshness to my chicken salad with some chopped celery and carrots. I especially love adding a crunchy contrast to the salad when I bite down, and celery and carrots add great flavor, too.
Plus, the color combination of celery, carrots, and chicken is quite visually pleasing. The presentation of my dish is essential to me because it always brings out the best in everyone.
I like to start by dicing a quarter-cup of celery and a quarter-cup of carrots into tiny little pieces, then adding them to my bowl. But you could experiment with other vegetables too – diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale will give your Costco chicken salad some unexpected flare.
If you want to keep it simple but still get that extra crunch factor, try adding some corn or peas! These are great additions that will not only bring out more flavors but also make your chicken salad look even brighter and more delicious.
Spices and Herbs
Adding cilantro, thyme, sage, or any other spices that appeal to you can enhance the dish’s flavor. A sprinkle of paprika will provide a smoky flavor, as well as some color. If you’re looking for some heat, adding some chili powder could be a great way to add a spicy punch to your dish. Whatever your preference, adding spices and herbs is an easy and quick way to elevate a classic pasta salad dish.
If you’re feeling experimental in the kitchen, there are lots of inventive flavors you can create with spices and herbs. You could mix cumin with garlic powder or onion powder for a southwestern flavor or add lemon zest, dried rosemary, dill, or crushed red pepper flakes for added spiciness.
Combining various herbs and seasoning can thoroughly change up the flavor of the Costco chicken salad and make it something special your family will look forward to eating every night!
Delicious Sauces
A dollop of delicious sauce can do the trick if you want to take any chicken salad to the next level! From pesto to honey mustard, a wealth of sauces can add zest and zing to your plate.
For an easy yet delicious topping, the favorite of my favorites are basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adding just a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil together with salt and pepper can give your Costco chicken salad some extra flavor.
- Vinegar-based Dressings: A few drops of vinegar-based dressing like balsamic or red wine will also punch up the flavor, so it’s anything but basic.
- Mayonnaise-Based Dressings: Give your Costco chicken salad some creamy texture by adding mayonnaise-based dressings like a delicious honey mustard or ranch dressing. The possibilities are endless!
And don’t forget – any type of nut, fruit, or herb can pump up the flavor and taste profile of your Costco chicken salad even further.
Costco Chicken Salad Improved
Ingredients
- 1 Costco Chicken Salad
- 1 Carrot
- 5 Celery Sticks
- ½ Avocado
Instructions
- Dice the veggies.
- Mix all the ingredients together.
- Congrats, you have just refreshed your chicken salad! Enjoy
