Grab For Eats If you’ve ever visited La Madeleine, the iconic French-inspired café, you’re likely familiar with their delicious Chicken Salad. It’s one of their most popular dishes, often served on a flaky croissant or as a simple, refreshing salad. If you love La Madeleine’s Chicken Salad, you’ll be excited to know that you can recreate this savory dish right in your own kitchen! This La Madeleine Chicken Salad Recipe is a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of the café at home — without the need for any exotic ingredients.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the history of La Madeleine, the health benefits of chicken, the ingredients you need, step-by-step instructions, and some great pairing ideas. We’ll also share tips on how to enjoy this salad at different special occasions and holidays.
A Little History Behind La Madeleine
La Madeleine was founded in 1983 in Dallas, Texas, by Patrick Esquerré, a Frenchman with a passion for sharing the warmth and charm of French country kitchens. Over the years, La Madeleine has grown into a beloved chain that serves delicious, authentic French-inspired fare. With a menu that includes everything from French onion soup to buttery croissants, La Madeleine quickly became known for its homestyle cooking and comforting atmosphere. Among its most famous dishes is the chicken salad, which has earned a devoted following over the years.
The La Madeleine Chicken Salad is often served as part of a classic croissant sandwich or as a lighter option with a fresh salad base. Whether you’re having it as a snack, a light lunch, or a side dish, this salad’s creamy and tangy flavor profile is something you’ll keep coming back to.
Health Benefits of Chicken in the La Madeleine Chicken Salad Recipe
Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein, making it an excellent addition to any meal. It’s low in fat and calories compared to other meat options, and it’s packed with essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and zinc. Protein from chicken supports muscle growth, immune function, and tissue repair. When you enjoy a bowl of La Madeleine Chicken Salad, you’re not only indulging in a tasty dish, but you’re also nourishing your body with high-quality, protein-packed ingredients.
Adding a variety of other ingredients, such as Greek yogurt and fresh vegetables, boosts the health factor even more, contributing vitamins and minerals that support overall well-being. Plus, with the addition of almonds and dried cranberries, this dish offers a satisfying crunch and an antioxidant boost.
Ingredients You Will Need for La Madeleine Chicken Salad Recipe
Here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients you’ll need to prepare the La Madeleine Chicken Salad. Most of these items are pantry staples, so you likely have everything you need already!
- Roasted Diced Chicken: 2 cups (You can use shredded chicken for a smoother texture, if you prefer.)
- Green Onions: ¼ cup, finely diced (This adds a fresh, crispy texture.)
- Celery: ¼ cup, diced (For a crunchy, refreshing bite.)
- Dried Cranberries: 1 cup (These provide a touch of sweetness and antioxidants.)
- Plain Greek Yogurt: 1 cup (For a creamy and smooth dressing.)
- Dijon Mustard: 1 cup (To help emulsify the dressing and add tang.)
- Salt and Black Pepper: ½ tablespoon (Seasoning to taste.)
- Mayonnaise: ¼ cup (For extra creaminess.)
- Toasted Almonds: ½ cup, slivered or chopped (For added crunch and flavor.)
- Vinegar: A splash (To balance the richness of the dressing.)
Step-by-Step Instructions for La Madeleine Chicken Salad Recipe
Ready to whip up this delicious dish? Here’s how you can make your very own La Madeleine Chicken Salad:
Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken: Start by putting your roasted diced chicken in a large bowl. If you’re using shredded chicken, that works just as well!
Step 2 – Add the Veggies and Fruit: Next, mix in the diced green onions, celery, and dried cranberries. Stir everything together so that the chicken is evenly combined with the other ingredients.
Step 3 – Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper. This will create a creamy dressing that perfectly complements the chicken and vegetables.
Step 4 – Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until everything is well-coated. You want each bite to be creamy and flavorful!
Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy!: Once your La Madeleine Chicken Salad is mixed, you can serve it on a bed of greens, spooned onto a croissant, or eaten as-is. The salad is perfect for both casual meals and special occasions!
What to Pair with La Madeleine Chicken Salad Recipe
La Madeleine Chicken Salad is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Croissants: La Madeleine is known for its buttery, flaky croissants, and they’re a perfect vehicle for this chicken salad. Spread the salad inside the croissant for an easy, handheld lunch.
- Fresh Salad Greens: Serve the chicken salad on a bed of fresh spinach, arugula, or mixed greens to make it even lighter.
- Soup: A warm bowl of French onion soup or tomato basil soup would complement the creamy chicken salad perfectly.
- Fruit: Fresh fruit like sliced apples, grapes, or citrus can provide a sweet contrast to the rich flavors of the salad.
Utensils Required for La Madeleine Chicken Salad Recipe
To make this recipe, you’ll need a few simple kitchen tools:
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the chicken and veggies.
- Small Bowl: For whisking the dressing ingredients.
- Whisk: To ensure your dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the veggies and chicken.
- Serving Dish: To present your beautiful chicken salad.
Special Occasions and Holidays for La Madeleine Chicken Salad Recipe
This La Madeleine Chicken Salad is a versatile dish that works for many occasions! Here are some great times to serve it:
- Lunch Gatherings: Perfect for a quick, light lunch with friends or family.
- Brunch: Serve it alongside other brunch favorites like fresh pastries or quiches.
- Picnics: Take this chicken salad to a picnic for an easy, refreshing meal outdoors.
- Holiday Meals: Whether it’s Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, this salad is a great side dish to complement heavier entrees.
- Mother’s Day or Father’s Day: It’s a delicious and light choice for a celebratory meal.
- Baby Showers or Bridal Showers: The bright flavors and beautiful presentation make it an ideal dish for any special gathering.
How to Make Tasty La Madeleine Chicken Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Serving Dish
Ingredients
- 2 cups roasted diced chicken
- ½ cup roasted almonds
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup greek yogurt
- 1 cup dijon mustard
- ½ tbsp salt
- ½ tbsp black pepper
- ¼ cup diced green Onions
- ¼ cup diced celeries
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- vinegar (splash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by putting your roasted diced chicken in a large bowl. If you’re using shredded chicken, that works just as well!
- Add the Veggies and Fruit: Next, mix in the diced green onions, celery, and dried cranberries. Stir everything together so that the chicken is evenly combined with the other ingredients.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper. This will create a creamy dressing that perfectly complements the chicken and vegetables.
- Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until everything is well-coated. You want each bite to be creamy and flavorful!
- Serve and Enjoy!: Once your La Madeleine Chicken Salad is mixed, you can serve it on a bed of greens, spooned onto a croissant, or eaten as-is. The salad is perfect for both casual meals and special occasions!
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality chicken and vegetables will make a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Customize the Dressing: If you like your salad extra creamy, add a little more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
- Add More Crunch: If you want extra crunch, consider adding some chopped walnuts or pecans to the salad.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill for an hour or two will help the flavors blend together and enhance the overall taste.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts on La Madeleine Chicken Salad Recipe
Making La Madeleine Chicken Salad at home is a great way to bring the taste of this classic dish into your kitchen. With its creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and delicious chicken, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Whether you’re serving it on croissants, in a sandwich, or simply as a light salad, you’ll love the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious La Madeleine Chicken Salad Recipe with your family and friends! Let us know how it turned out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your experience with us.
