Copycat Willow Tree Chicken Salad Recipe

I adore Willow Tree Chicken Salad. It’s super creamy and delicious. I call it the “salad of soups” because of its creamy texture and flavors that make it almost like you can eat it with a spoon.

I’ve created this Copycat Willow Tree Chicken Salad recipe for fellow enthusiasts who, like me, love this salad and want to enjoy it at home anytime they desire. I’ve strived to replicate the original flavors faithfully, and I’m proud to say I’ve succeeded quite well, to be honest.

The recipe’s ingredients and directions are so simple, requiring about an hour of effort to prepare. However, once you taste it, you’ll find that it’s well worth the effort. The salad pairs perfectly with a sandwich or can be enjoyed on its own, thanks to its juicy texture that adds creaminess and deliciousness without needing any additional sauce.

What is Willow Tree Chicken Salad?

Willow Tree Chicken Salad is a beloved classic known for its creamy texture. The salad contains chicken, mayonnaise, and seasonings, it can be enjoyed as a sandwich filling, paired with vegetables, or served as a dip as well. The creamy textures of Willow Tree Chicken Salad make it a versatile and great salad that can be paired with any meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad

• 2 cups Cooked White Chicken Meat: Chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• A small pinch to preserve freshness (optional).

For the Homemade Mayonnaise

• 1 cup Canola Oil or Soybean Oil
• 1 large Egg Yolk
• 1 tbsp Water
• 1 tbsp Distilled Vinegar
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Mustard Flour

For the Seasoning Mix

• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Dehydrated Onion
• 1 tsp Dehydrated Garlic
• 1/2 tsp Spice Extractive
• 1/2 tsp Oleoresin Paprika

How to Make Willow Tree Chicken Salad?

Making the Homemade Mayonnaise:

Step 1:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, water, distilled vinegar, sugar, salt, and mustard flour until fully combined.

Step 2:

Begin to slowly drizzle in the canola or soybean oil while continuously whisking.

Step 3:

Taste your mayonnaise and adjust some seasoning, adding more salt, vinegar, or mustard flour to make it fit your needs. Once satisfied, set the mayonnaise aside.

Preparing the Seasoning Mix:

Step 1:

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, salt, paprika, dehydrated onion, dehydrated garlic, spice extractive, and oleoresin paprika.

Step 2:

Stir the mixture until all the spices are distributed well. And Set the seasoning mix aside.

Assembling the Willow Tree Chicken Salad:

Step 1:

Take your cooked white chicken meat and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped chicken in a large mixing bowl, ensuring there is enough room to mix all the ingredients.

Step 2:

Spoon the homemade mayonnaise over the chopped chicken. Coat the chicken pieces evenly with the creamy mayonnaise.

Step 3:

Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix over the chicken and mayonnaise. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the salad.

Step 4:

For the best taste, cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least an hour before serving. And Enjoy.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Airtight storage containers (for leftovers)

Helpful Tips!

• Make sure to Keep your chicken and mayonnaise chilled until ready to mix.
• Making your own mayonnaise allows you to adjust its tanginess and richness, But you can use anyone from the supermarket.
• Don’t forget to Allow the salad to chill for at least an hour before serving enhanced flavors.

What to Serve with this Willow Tree Chicken Salad?

I love to make this salad as a filling for sandwiches, But there are lots of other ways you can enjoy this salad like pairing it with mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette. Alternatively, enjoy it as a dip with crunchy vegetable sticks like crispy carrots, or spread it on crackers for a quick snack. Also, you can serve it alongside a side of creamy potato salad, And for drinks, just a regular cup of iced tea, or lemonade can be enough with this salad

FAQ

What is Willow Tree Chicken Salad made of?

Willow Tree Chicken Salad is made with tender chicken breast, mayonnaise, celery, and a blend of seasonings such as salt, pepper, and sometimes herbs like parsley.

What does Willow Tree Chicken Salad taste like?

Willow Tree Chicken Salad has a super creamy flavor with a hint of freshness from the celery. It’s mildly seasoned to highlight the natural taste of the chicken.

How should I store Willow Tree Chicken Salad?

Store Willow Tree Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within a few days for the best quality.

Can I customize the seasoning in Willow Tree Chicken Salad?

Yes, you can.

Is Willow Tree Chicken Salad gluten-free?

The basic ingredients of Willow Tree Chicken Salad are typically gluten-free. However, always check the labels of the mayonnaise and any other added ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free if needed.

Is Willow Tree Chicken Salad suitable for a picnic or potluck?

Yes, Willow Tree Chicken Salad is a popular choice for picnics and potlucks due to its versatility and ease of serving. Just keep it chilled until ready to serve.

Conclusion

The Copycat Willow Tree Chicken Salad is a simple salad recipe that is sure to become a favorite among your preferred salads. Its creamy texture, with a flavorful seasoning mix, makes it a perfect salad for any occasion. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends and family. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes.