Chicken Salad with a Deli Twist

### Instructions

Making **Chicken Salad with a Deli Twist** is simple and quick. Here’s how to put it all together:

#### 1. **Prepare the Chicken and Other Ingredients**
Start by cooking and shredding your chicken. You can use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook chicken breasts and chop them up. Once the chicken is ready, add it to a large mixing bowl.

Then, chop the deli ham, cooked bacon (if using), sweet pickle relish, green olives, red onion, celery, and hard-boiled eggs (if using). Toss all of these ingredients into the same bowl with the chicken.

#### 2. **Make the Dressing**
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The dressing should be creamy with a hint of tangy flavor. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.

#### 3. **Combine the Salad**
Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir everything together until well-coated. The creamy dressing will bind all the ingredients, creating a flavorful, rich salad.

#### 4. **Add Cheese**
Sprinkle in the shredded Swiss cheese and gently stir to incorporate. The cheese adds a subtle richness that takes the salad to the next level.

#### 5. **Chill and Serve**
For the best flavor, cover the chicken salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and gives the salad a refreshing, cool texture. However, if you’re in a rush, you can serve it immediately.

#### 6. **Garnish and Serve**
Before serving, garnish with a few extra pickle slices or olives for a fun, deli-inspired touch. Serve the salad as a sandwich filling, wrap it in a tortilla, or enjoy it on a bed of leafy greens. It also pairs wonderfully with crackers for a light snack.

### Tips for the Best Chicken Salad with a Deli Twist

– **Pick Your Favorite Pickles**: If you’re not a fan of sweet pickle relish, swap it for dill relish or even chopped dill pickles for a more savory bite.
– **Make It a Meal**: Add a side of roasted vegetables, potato chips, or a crunchy salad to turn your chicken salad into a complete meal.
– **Customize Your Meat**: Feel free to mix up the deli meats—try adding turkey, roast beef, or salami for a different spin. You can also skip the meat entirely for a lighter version.
– **Make It Spicy**: If you like a little heat, toss in a few chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an added kick.

### Serving Suggestions

This **Chicken Salad with a Deli Twist** is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

– **On a Sandwich**: Spread it on fresh bread or a baguette for a satisfying, hearty sandwich.
– **In a Wrap**: Use a tortilla or lettuce wrap for a lighter, low-carb option.
– **As a Dip**: Serve the salad as a dip with crackers, vegetable sticks, or pita chips for a fun appetizer or snack.
– **On a Salad**: For a healthier alternative, serve it on a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of your favorite vinaigrette.

### Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This **Chicken Salad with a Deli Twist** takes the classic chicken salad to a whole new level. The addition of deli-inspired ingredients like ham, bacon, pickles, and olives adds savory, tangy flavors that perfectly complement the creamy dressing. It’s the kind of salad that’s satisfying enough to be a meal on its own, yet light enough to enjoy as a refreshing side dish.

The crunch of the celery and onions combined with the smoothness of the chicken and eggs creates a variety of textures, making every bite exciting. Whether you’re serving it at a casual family lunch or bringing it to a picnic, this chicken salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

### Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to elevate your chicken salad game and try something new, this **Chicken Salad with a Deli Twist** is a must-try. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for any occasion. Add your personal touch and make it your own—you’ll be amazed at how a few deli-inspired ingredients can transform a simple chicken salad into something extraordinary!