Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones, and Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad proves this beautifully. While many chicken salad recipes require a long list of ingredients and complicated preparation, this beloved deli favorite achieves incredible flavor with just six simple components. The secret ingredient that sets it apart from ordinary chicken salad might surprise you, but once you taste it, you’ll understand why this recipe has such a devoted following.
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Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the unexpected addition of crushed pineapple. While traditional chicken salads can be heavy and one-dimensional, the pineapple adds natural sweetness and acidity that brightens the entire dish. The almonds provide textural contrast without overwhelming the delicate chicken flavor, creating a perfectly balanced salad that’s both familiar and unique.
The Secret Ingredient That Changes Everything
Crushed pineapple might seem like an unusual addition to chicken salad, but it serves multiple purposes in this recipe. The natural enzymes in pineapple help tenderize the chicken while the fruit’s sweetness balances the richness of the mayonnaise. The small pieces are distributed evenly throughout the salad, ensuring every bite has that perfect hint of tropical flavor that makes Jason’s Deli version memorable.
How to Make Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad
Would you be surprised to know the secret ingredient in this recipe is crushed pineapple? It’s surprisingly amazing and slightly sweet. And the almonds give it the perfect crunch!
Ingredients
Protein Base:
- Cooked chicken breast – Provides lean protein foundation with a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and crunchy additions
- Mayonnaise – Creates creamy binding agent that holds all ingredients together while adding richness and moisture
Flavor Enhancers:
- Crushed pineapple – Adds natural sweetness, acidity, and moisture that transforms ordinary chicken salad into something special
- Sliced almonds – Contribute delicate crunch and nutty flavor that complements the pineapple beautifully
Seasoning:
- Black pepper – Adds subtle heat and depth that rounds out the flavor profile
- Salt – Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness from the pineapple
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Start with cooked chicken breast that has been cooled to room temperature for easier handling.
- Shred chicken using two forks or your hands, creating bite-sized pieces that are neither too large nor too small.
- Check for consistency – pieces should be roughly uniform for even distribution in the salad.
Creating the Base Mixture
- Place shredded chicken in a large mixing bowl, spreading evenly for better mixing.
- Add mayonnaise gradually, starting with slightly less than needed and adding more as required.
- Mix gently to coat the chicken evenly without mashing or over-mixing.
Adding Special Ingredients
- Drain pineapple if desired for a firmer texture, or leave undrained for more moisture (adjust mayo accordingly).
- Fold in crushed pineapple gently to distribute evenly throughout the chicken mixture.
- Add sliced almonds, reserving a few for garnish if desired.
Final Seasoning
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, starting with small amounts and adjusting as needed.
- Mix thoroughly but gently to combine all ingredients without breaking down the chicken texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or mayo as preferred for personal taste.
Chilling and Setting
- Stir gently before serving to redistribute any settled ingredients.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Allow flavors to meld – the salad improves significantly after chilling time.
Notes
- If you do not want to drain your pineapple you don’t need to, but you will need to reduce the amount of mayonnaise by at least a tablespoon.
- Store the chicken salad in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It will last for about 2-3 days.
- If you are going to freeze the chicken salad, do not mix in the mayo until you are ready to eat.
- Chicken salad can be served hot or cold. This recipe is cold but you can use warm chicken for the salad.
- You can serve this chicken salad alone, with crackers, on a sandwich, or you could get fancy and stuff it inside of cream puff shells for a party.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Freezing: You can freeze chicken without mayonnaise for up to 3 months. Add mayonnaise and other ingredients after thawing for the best texture.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days for optimal freshness and food safety.
- Reheating Method: Serve chilled – this salad is not meant to be reheated. Bring to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving if desired.
More Jason’s Deli Copycat Recipes
Great Salad Recipes
- Classic Carol Chicken Salad
- Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad Recipe
- Old Fashioned Chicken Salad
- Arby’s Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Curry Chicken Salad
- Homemade Ham Salad
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
- Egg Salad
- Carrot Raisin Salad
- Fresh Broccoli Salad
- Lime Jello Salad with Cottage Cheese
Check out more of my easy salad recipes and the best fast food copycat recipes.
What’s your favorite way to eat chicken salad? Let us know in the comments below.
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Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds cooked chicken breast finely shredded
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple drained
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and stir until the mixture is uniform.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Video
Notes
- If you do not want to drain your pineapple you don’t need to, but you will need to reduce the amount of mayonnaise by at least a tablespoon.
- Store the chicken salad in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It will last for about 2-3 days.
- If you are going to freeze the chicken salad, do not mix in the mayo until you are ready to eat.
- Chicken salad can be served hot or cold. This recipe is cold but you can use warm chicken for the salad.
- You can serve this chicken salad alone, with crackers, on a sandwich, or you could get fancy and stuff it inside of cream puff shells for a party.
I finally got to try the chicken salad at Jason’s Deli last week. I ordered it in a wrap with avocado slices and I have to say that it was nothing short of amazing. I bought the rotisserie chicken salad back in October of ’16 (I posted above about it) but things came up and I never did get around to making your copycat version. My how time gets away from us so fast. It’s now March of ’18 and I came back here to find the recipe again, now that I have tried the real thing. I ordered the full wrap, but could only eat half of it. My husband, who met me for lunch at Jason’s, said he’d take my uneaten half with him and put it in the fridge at work and bring it home to me that evening. I was on my way to run errands and the wrap would have sat in my car for a few hours, so hubs took it with him. Well, he forgot to bring it home (darned forgetful men!) and it’s still sitting in the fridge at his office. So much for that.
So I bought the stuff to make your recipe and I’m eating it now and wow, this is really good. Simple, easy and so delicious. I used the breasts of a rotisserie chicken, roasted skin and all, and shredded it all up in my food processor. Then added the S&P, the mayo, the crushed pineapple and the sliced almonds and it came out really good. Will have another chicken salad wrap and some soup for dinner.
Thanks again for posting this.
Oops, wish we could edit comments. I meant to say in the beginning of my post that I bought the rotisserie chicken to MAKE the chicken salad. I didn’t buy rotisserie chicken salad, lol.
I am glad you liked it
What mayo should you use? Ive heard people say you can use Helmans or dukes… but i think helmans has a better flavor. What is your suggestion?
I have used both. I like both of them. I typically buy Hellmann’s because it is sold at Costco 😉
It also contains cottage cheese.
I love it. It is just like Jason,s Deli. Thank you. I will definitely look to you for my copycats. When and where does your show come on.
I use white pepper in mine and I toasted the almonds, as well. Otherwise, this recipe is spot on!
Jason’s Deli Chicken Salad does not contain celery or onion.
This is why I love their chicken salad. Everyone will love this recipe if they love theirs. 🙂
I hear you 😉 Their recipe is pretty much chicken, with a few other items thrown in. A lot of recipes for chicken salad bulk up the recipe with a lot of filler.
I love their deli chicken salad, can’t wait to get back home to try this!
What a great idea with the pineapple. Like others have mentioned, I usually make my chicken salad with grapes (I use sliced red seedless) but I love pineapple as well and must try this soon. Almonds are also wonderful in chicken salad. Adds a nice healthy crunch. I use light mayo (only Hellman’s) to save on fat and cals and the fruit gives it a nice contrast with the sweetness, so can’t wait to try the pineapple version. Chicken salad is a scary thing for me because of the high fat content with all the mayonnaise most restaurants use, so I never order it out. I only make it at home and now I have something new to try.
I love your show (in fact I’ve got in on right now) and watch it on my Roku all the time. Of all the cooking shows I’ve added to my list, yours is my favorite and I’ve gotten so many great ideas from you. Thanks! 🙂
Thank you for watching the videos. I hope you enjoy them. I hope you enjoy the chicken salad. I think this one can be lightly dressed as compared to other salad dressings.
Will be trying it soon, as today I bought a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. So many things you can do with those and this recipe is the next on my list, as well as some homemade chicken noodle soup!
Where can we find your videos?
What brand/type of mayonnaise is used
I usually use Hellman’s I think they also go by Best Foods depending upon your area of the country.
Can you use canned chicken?
Do you have any recipes using canned chicken?
You could, I would rinse off the salt before serving it. I don’t have a lot of recipes for canned chicken.
I might think about subbing greek yogurt for at least part of the mayo. That would save some calories so the chicken could be half thigh and half breast–lots more flavor that way. The pineapple is genius.
I think that would be a good idea. Both of your suggestions are brilliant.
Just as a further calorie-saver, poach frozen chicken in a seasoned liquid (I use miso) and drain/rinse away the fat. Stovetop will work, but it’s faster in a pressure cooker.
This isn’t as fast, but I have been cooking my chicken in a sous vide lately, it takes a couple of hours, but it works very well.
Try toasting the almonds prior to using them….such a delicious flavor….
I love chicken salad and this recipe sounds delish! Adding pineapple would be new for me but I bet would add great flavor.
The pineapple really adds something nice to the recipe.
We love chicken salad and love Jason’s. I’m making this today and stuffing it in garden fresh tomatoes. Thanks.
I am serious envy over your garden fresh tomatoes.
I just found my weekend lunch! Love their chicken salad!
I hope you enjoy the recipe.
Hi Stephanie, as a Jason’s Deli employee for over 8 years I’ve pretty much made all of the in house recipes. The only difference in their version is white pepper instead of black pepper and lemon juice for freshness. Other than that I’d say you hit it spot on..
I have had chicken salad with grapes but love the idea of the crushed pineapple. It sounds delicious.
What a great suggestion. I hope you give this recipe a try soon.
I have also used seedless red grapes, but will try the pineapple too,
Yum! My BFF LOVES Jason’s Deli. I will need to make this for her. 🙂 Looks so fresh and yummy!
I hope y’all love this salad.
My daughter loves chicken salad on a plate or in a sandwich. I’m going to pin this on Pinterest for her. Thanks!
Terrific, I love this salad served on a plate better too.
Oh this salad looks delicious. I would love eat one if those sald. Now I definitely will try to make one. Thanks for sharing.
I hope you enjoy this recipe.
Excellent! This looks super yummy. I haven’t been to a Jason’s in ages and now I want to make this & remember. Thanks for the share. I think I can actually make this.
🙂
Traci
Thank you. I hope you give the recipe a try.
The good thing about chicken salad is that you can pretty much add whatever you want to it! I like the idea of including almonds and pineapple – that sounds delicious!
I think that is one of the great things about cooking is that you can always make it the way you prefer.