Julie's Chicken Salad + Katie's Pimento Cheese

If you knew me really well, you'd know that if chicken salad is on the menu, I'll most likely order it. I love homemade chicken salad in the summer, and it's the perfect weekday meal or beach snack. This past Sunday, I made this recipe so that I would have an easy workday lunch to pack throughout the week. I still haven't been able to master my mom's chicken salad, but this recipe from Skinny Mom came pretty close. Bon appetit!

Julie's Chicken Salad

Ingredients

• 1¼ lbs cooked chicken, shredded (about 3 cups)
• 1 cup celery, chopped (6-7 stalks)
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• 1 cup grapes, rinsed + quartered (about 23 grapes)
• ¼ cup green onion, chopped
• ¾ cup light mayonnaise
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp onion powder

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken according to package instructions. While chicken is cooking, chop the celery, pecans, grapes and green onions. Combine in a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, mix together mayo, salt, black pepper and onion powder.
3. Once chicken has been cooked and cooled (about 10 minutes), use your hands to shred the chicken into the large bowl with the celery, pecans, grapes and green onions. Spoon the mayo mixture on top and stir until everything is evenly coated.

For Katie's trip to New Orleans last week, she made up a big batch of a Southern favorite: pimento cheese. Pimento cheese is pretty much irresistible, so grab your box of crackers and go to town. If you're anything like us, it won't last in your fridge for long! Recipe altered from AllRecipes.com

Katie's Pimento Cheese

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
•  8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimento, drained
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Instructions:

1. Place the Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and pimento into the large bowl of a mixer. Beat at medium speed, with paddle if possible, until thoroughly combined. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

From our kitchen to yours,

Julie