This authentic recipe for Creamy Chicken Salad (Ensalada de Pollo) is delicious, easy, and versatile. This salad can be served in sandwiches, with tostadas, tortilla chips, saltine crackers, and more!

Some might say that this Chicken Salad is not a “traditional” Mexican recipe, but it is one that has been in our culture for so long that many believe it to be traditional. Why may you ask? Because it is a long-time favorite among Mexicans for family reunions, children’s parties, picnics, and even beach days.

Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe (Ensalada de Pollo)

Mexican Chicken salad a Mexican recipe with carrots, potatoes, peas and mayonnaise. Perfect to eat with saltine crackers, tostadas, sandwiches.

Here at home, it is also one of my son’s favorite dishes; ever since he was a small school kid, he loved to come home from school and have this for lunch and often requested it for his birthdays. It is eaten with saltine crackers, in sandwiches, on tostadas, and, as you can see here, served alongside a creamy macaroni salad with American Cheese American Cheese. As mentioned before, chicken salad is extremely popular at children’s birthday parties, since the hostess (Mom) can prepare it ahead of time, and still be able to enjoy the party.

Mexican Chicken Salad | Mexican Recipe with chicken, potatoes and carrots.

This chicken salad recipe is a Mexican adaption of the famous Russian salad also known as Oliver Salad in other European countries, but with chicken added (chicken is the main ingredient in this salad). The salad has some of the same ingredients as the Eastern European version, but the Mexican chicken Salad version has several variations, that include ingredients potatoes, carrots, peas and other ingredients like red peppers or corn. I like to add celery and apple to mine.

Mexican Chicken Salad |Mexican Chicken salad | Mexican recipe with carrots, potatoes, peas and mayonnaise. Perfect to eat with saltine crackers, tostadas, sandwiches.

How to make Mexican Chicken Salad Recipe

JUMP TO FULL INSTRUCTIONS

INSTRUCTIONS:

Place the cooked and shredded chicken, potatoes, carrots, celery, sweet peas, and apple into a large bowl. large bowl. (Please check the ingredients list below)

Mexican Chicken Salad | Mexican recipe with carrots, potatoes, peas and mayonnaise. Perfect to eat with saltine crackers, tostadas, sandwiches.

Mix gently and stir in the mayo (carefully, to avoid breaking or mashing the cooked vegetables).

Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for about 4 hours to allow the flavors to blend. Believe me, it is worth the wait, as it will definitely taste better.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE MACARONI SALAD

Dice the Cheddar or American cheese into small cubes, and make sure the cooked macaroni is cool, otherwise, it will melt the cheese.
Mix in the Mexican cream or sour cream. Stir and gently add the Cheese, making sure it is well mixed. As mentioned above, some recipes also add diced cooked ham. Season with salt and pepper. Stir and place in the fridge until cool to serve alongside the Mexican Chicken Salad.

To serve, provide some saltine crackers, and for the adults, add pickled jalapenos carrot slices.

Chicken Salad | Mexican Chicken Salad with potatoes, carrots and peas.

To serve, provide some saltine crackers, and for the adults, add pickled jalapenos carrot slices.

Notes

Some recipes also add diced cooked ham to the macaroni salad.
You can store the salad in the fridge for up to 2 days.
If serving for a party, you can garnish the salad with a sprig of parsley or cilantro.
Optional toppings include avocado slices.
Some people who are trying to eat less carbohydrates like to make lettuce wraps with this salad instead of using crackers.
Instead of saltine crackers, you can also use tortilla chips or tostadas.
If you have leftover Rotisserie chicken, this is a great recipe to put it to good use. Simply shred it with a fork and use it in place of the shredded chicken in this recipe.
If you're running short on time, you can cook the chicken using an Instant Pot.
If you want, you can add boiled eggs to this salad. Boil them along with the rest of the veggies.
Some people like to add green beans to this salad for an extra crunch.
I love to used Glass Bowls that have a convenient lid.

This is one of our family’s favorite dishes for parties and special occasions.

Leave a comment, I would love to hear about your family’s favorite party meals!

If you make this recipe, feel free to share it and tag @mexicoinmykitchen in your social channels. We can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

¡Buen provecho!

Mely,

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