I’ve been making chicken salad sandwiches for years, and I’m convinced they’re one of the most versatile meals you can prepare. My crunchy almond version combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables and a creamy dressing that hits all the right notes. The secret lies in balancing textures—soft bread, juicy chicken, and that satisfying crunch from almonds and celery. Want to know how to create this perfect balance in your own kitchen?
Key Takeaways
- Crunchy Almond Chicken Salad makes an excellent sandwich filling with its textural contrast of tender chicken and crunchy almonds.
- The creamy base of mayonnaise and French dressing creates the perfect consistency for spreading between bread slices.
- Hard-boiled eggs and sweet pickles add richness and brightness that elevate a simple chicken sandwich.
- Serve on croissants, whole grain bread, or in a wrap with lettuce for a complete meal.
- For the best sandwich experience, chill the chicken salad thoroughly before assembling to allow flavors to meld.
Why You’ll Love this Crunchy Almond Chicken Salad
This chicken salad sandwich improves the classic lunchtime staple with a delightful textural contrast that will make your taste buds dance.
I’ve always believed that the perfect chicken salad needs that signature crunch, and the blanched almonds in this recipe deliver it beautifully. You’ll appreciate how they complement the tender chicken and crisp celery, creating a satisfying mouthfeel with every bite.
What sets this recipe apart is its thoughtful balance of flavors. The sweet pickles offer a touch of brightness, while the hard-boiled eggs add richness and substance.
I’ve included French dressing alongside mayonnaise for a tangy depth, and the dash of Tabasco provides just enough heat without overwhelming the delicate chicken.
When served on thin-sliced bread with elegant garnishes, this sandwich transforms a simple lunch into something truly special.
What Ingredients are in Crunchy Almond Chicken Salad?
This classic chicken salad sandwich recipe combines tender chicken with crunchy vegetables and rich nuts for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
The addition of hard-boiled eggs and pimentos gives it that traditional touch, while the blend of French dressing and mayonnaise creates a creamy, tangy base that brings everything together.
Ready to make this delightful sandwich at home? Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 2 cups boiled, seasoned chicken
- 2 strips tender celery
- 4-6 sweet pickles
- 1/3 cup blanched almonds
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, shredded
- 2 pimentos, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons French dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Accent (MSG seasoning)
- Dash of Tabasco sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Salt to taste
- Acid (if needed, such as lemon juice or vinegar)
- Thin-sliced sandwich bread
- Optional garnishes: sliced olives, parsley, pimento, or cress
When shopping for these ingredients, quality really makes a difference in the final sandwich.
Fresh celery provides the crucial crunch, while good quality mayonnaise creates a richer base.
The Accent (MSG) is optional if you prefer to avoid it, and you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less Tabasco.
For a modern twist, consider using Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayonnaise, or add avocado for extra creaminess.
The recipe is wonderfully flexible and forgiving.
How to Make this Crunchy Almond Chicken Salad
To create this delightful chicken salad sandwich, start by grinding together 2 cups of boiled, seasoned chicken with 2 strips of tender celery and 4 to 6 sweet pickles. The grinding process helps all these flavors meld together beautifully.
Once you’ve got a nice, even consistency, fold in 1/3 cup of blanched almonds, which will give your sandwich that wonderful crunch factor that boosts it from ordinary to special.
Next, add your 2 shredded hard-boiled eggs and 2 finely chopped pimentos to the mixture. This is where the magic really happens—the eggs add richness while the pimentos bring vibrant color and a subtle sweetness.
Pour in 2 tablespoons of French dressing and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, mixing gently until everything is coated. For seasoning, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Accent, a dash of Tabasco for heat, and 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Sometimes the mixture needs a little brightening, so don’t hesitate to add a touch of acid if needed—a squeeze of lemon juice works wonders.
If you’re cooking in large batches for a family gathering, using an Indian pressure cooker set can help you prepare the chicken quickly while retaining its moisture and flavor.
When you’re ready to assemble, spread this glorious mixture onto thin-sliced sandwich bread. Who needs those boring crusts? Trim them right off and cut your sandwiches into fancy shapes—triangles, fingers, even little squares if you’re feeling particularly proper.
For that final restaurant-worthy touch, garnish with sliced olives, fresh parsley, additional pimento, or cress. You can serve these as either closed sandwiches or elegant open-faced ones, depending on the occasion. Perfect for tea time, lunch with friends, or frankly, those moments when you just want to treat yourself to something a bit special.
Crunchy Almond Chicken Salad Substitutions and Variations
While our classic recipe creates a wonderful chicken salad sandwich, you’ll often find yourself wanting to experiment with different ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or your personal taste preferences.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can easily substitute walnuts or pecans for almonds, or swap the sweet pickles for dill if you prefer a tangier flavor.
Don’t have pimentos? Red bell peppers work beautifully. For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or use half of each.
If you’re looking for extra crunch, water chestnuts make an excellent addition. I’ve found that adding fresh herbs like dill or tarragon transforms the flavor profile completely.
For a fruity twist, consider adding halved grapes or diced apples—they pair surprisingly well with the savory chicken.
What to Serve with Crunchy Almond Chicken Salad
Three perfect side dishes can transform your crunchy almond chicken salad from a simple sandwich into a complete meal.
I recommend pairing it with a light soup, like chilled cucumber or tomato bisque, which complements the sandwich’s rich texture without overwhelming its flavors.
Fresh fruit also makes an excellent accompaniment—try a small bowl of berries or sliced melons for a rejuvenating contrast to the savory chicken.
The natural sweetness balances the sandwich’s slight acidity from the French dressing and mayonnaise.
For something more substantial, consider a simple green salad with vinaigrette.
Choose bitter greens like arugula or watercress, which cut through the creaminess of the chicken salad while adding nutritional value to your meal.
Don’t forget a pickle spear for extra crunch!
Final Thoughts
After exploring all the elements of this classic recipe, I’ve come to appreciate how the humble chicken salad sandwich balances simplicity with sophistication. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy celery, and almonds creates a delightful textural experience, while the seasonings—Accent, Tabasco, and French dressing—elevate the flavor profile beyond the ordinary.
I’m particularly fond of how versatile this recipe remains. You can serve it as an elegant finger sandwich with the crusts removed and fancy garnishes for afternoon tea, or keep it casual between hearty bread slices for a satisfying lunch. Much like savory bread pudding, this recipe celebrates resourcefulness and encourages creativity in the kitchen.
Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your preference, perhaps adding more acid if needed or increasing the Tabasco for extra zip. This timeless sandwich deserves a place in everyone’s recipe collection.
