
If you’ve had Neiman Marcus chicken salad, you know why he is famous. My copycat version gets the combination of chicken, grapes, almonds, and a smooth topping perfectly! It’s my point of reference for showers, lunches and everything in between.

What makes this taste similar to the original
- It tastes like the real thing! The secret ingredient to make it just like the real thing is whipping cream!
- Friendly in advance! You can prepare it in advance! It improves as it cools, making it perfect for lunches, showers and brunches.
- It works a dozen ways! Put it on croissants, crackers or lettuce cups or eat it straight from the bowl!
Ingredients for Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad

- Almonds: I like flaked almonds, but if you prefer you can use them sliced or chopped. Toasting the almonds adds great flavor too!
- Grape: Substitute or add diced apples or pineapple.
- Nuts: You can use your favorite nuts! Pecans and walnuts are great alternatives to almonds.
- Add-ons: Stir in sliced green onions or onion powder for added flavor. Or add tasty texture with dried fruit, like raisins.
Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad Recipe
In the 1950s, Neiman Marcus department store made chicken salad famous, thanks to Helen Corbitt’s simple, elegant style, so this is my take on that classic. I like to serve it for brunch with fruit salad and cinnamon pull-apart bread!
- Combine: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken breast, celery, red grapes, slivered almonds and fresh parsley.
- Mixed: Add a good quality mayonnaise, then stir to combine.
- Whipped cream: In a separate bowl, add the whipping cream, then mix with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Combine and season: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chicken mixture until completely incorporated. Season the Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.





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Neiman Marcus Chicken Salad
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Ingredients
- 3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 1 cup red grapes quartered
- ½ cup flaked almonds
- 1 table spoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup heavy cream Cold
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, combine 3 cups cubed cooked chicken breast, ½ cup chopped celery, 1 cup red grapes, ½ cup flaked almondsAND 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley.
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Add ¾ cup mayonnaise and stir to combine.
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In a separate bowl, add ⅓ cup heavy cream. Mix with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
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Gently fold the whipped cream into the chicken mixture until completely incorporated. Season with ½ teaspoon salt AND ½ teaspoon salt. Taste and adjust the flavor if necessary.
Notes
- Advance: Prepare it, cover it well and store it in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy it!
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing chicken salad!
Nutrition

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