La Madeleine French Bakery & Café was founded in 1983 by Patrick Esquerré, a French entrepreneur with a passion for bringing the charm and flavors of the French countryside to the United States. His goal was to create an atmosphere that reflected the cozy cafés of France, where people could gather and enjoy fresh, high-quality food in a warm setting.
What started as a small bakery in Dallas, Texas, quickly gained popularity, leading to the expansion of La Madeleine into multiple locations across the U.S. Today, the café is known for its French-inspired menu, featuring freshly baked bread, hearty soups, delicate pastries, and, of course, its famous chicken salad.
Unlike many fast-food or deli-style chicken salads, La Madeleine’s version has a lighter, fresher taste, making it perfect for a variety of meals. Whether served on a buttery croissant, over mixed greens, or as a dip with crackers, it has remained a customer favorite for decades.
Ingredients
Cooked Chicken Breast – For optimal flavor, use freshly cooked chicken breast. Poaching or roasting the chicken enhances its tenderness.
Celery – Adds a crisp crunch that balances the creamy dressing. Chop it finely for an even texture in every bite.
Red Onion – Provides a mild sharpness and a pop of color. Mincing it finely ensures it blends seamlessly without overpowering the salad.
Mayonnaise – The base of the dressing, giving the salad its signature creaminess. Use high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor.
Sour Cream – Adds a subtle tang that lightens up the richness of the mayo without overpowering the dressing.
Dijon Mustard – Enhances the flavor with a mild heat and a hint of spice, giving the dressing a deeper taste.
Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the creamy ingredients with a touch of acidity.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for bringing out all the flavors. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Fresh Parsley or Dill (Optional) – Adds freshness and a hint of herbaceous flavor. Sprinkle on top for color and aroma.
How To Make La Madeleine Chicken Salad
Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken breast by poaching or roasting until fully cooked. Allow it to cool, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
Combine Vegetables and Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced chicken, finely chopped celery, and minced red onion. Toss gently to mix.
Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
Mix Dressing with Chicken and Vegetables: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Season the Salad: Taste the salad and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember to start with a small amount, adjusting to your preference.
Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill if desired. Serve on a bed of lettuce, as a sandwich filling, or with your choice of crackers.
Additional Tips:
Ingredient Quality: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients significantly enhances the salad’s overall flavor.
Texture Balance: Ensure all components are chopped uniformly to achieve a consistent texture in every bite.
Flavor Development: Allowing the salad to chill not only melds the flavors but also provides a refreshing taste, especially on warm days.
Variations and Add-ins
Want to put a unique spin on the classic La Madeleine Chicken Salad? Try these variations and mix-ins:
🥗 For a Sweeter Twist
Add seedless red or green grapes (halved) or dried cranberries for a touch of natural sweetness that balances the tangy dressing.
🌰 For Extra Crunch
Stir in toasted nuts like sliced almonds, pecans, or walnuts for added texture and a nutty flavor.
Chopped apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) can also add a refreshing crunch.
💛 For a Lighter Version
Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to reduce fat and calories while keeping the salad creamy.
Use low-fat sour cream instead of full-fat sour cream.
🌿 For a Herbaceous Flavor
Mix in fresh herbs like chopped dill, basil, or chives to enhance the salad’s freshness.
🌶 For a Spicy Kick
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for some heat.
🥑 For a Healthier, Dairy-Free Option
Replace mayonnaise with mashed avocado for a creamy, nutritious alternative.
Serving Suggestions
The La Madeleine Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some of the best ways to serve it:
🥐 As a Sandwich – Scoop the salad onto a buttery croissant or whole-grain bread for a delicious sandwich. Add lettuce and tomato slices for extra freshness.
🥗 Over a Bed of Greens – Serve the chicken salad over mixed greens, baby spinach, or arugula for a light, refreshing meal. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
🍞 With Crackers or Bread – Enjoy the salad as an appetizer with crackers, pita chips, or slices of crusty baguette. Perfect for a party platter!
🌮 In a Wrap – Use a whole-wheat tortilla or lettuce leaves to wrap the chicken salad for a quick, healthy lunch.
🥒 As a Stuffed Vegetable – Spoon the salad into hollowed-out tomatoes, avocado halves, or bell pepper cups for an elegant, low-carb option.
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutritional values depend on portion size and ingredient variations, here is an approximate breakdown per serving (about ½ cup):
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: ~20g
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~3-5g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~1-2g
💡 Modifications for Dietary Needs:
Lower Fat: Replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly: Avoid grapes, dried cranberries, or sweetened ingredients.
Gluten-Free: Ensure your mayonnaise and mustard are gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free crackers or on lettuce wraps instead of bread.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free mayonnaise and skip sour cream.
Making La Madeleine Chicken Salad at home is not only easy but also a great way to enjoy a fresh, flavorful meal that suits your preferences. Whether you keep it classic or customize it with add-ins like grapes, nuts, or Greek yogurt, this chicken salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
💬 Try it out and let me know how it turns out! Do you have a favorite twist on this recipe? Share your variations and serving ideas in the comments! 🍽✨
More Recipes
La Madeleine Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken Breast diced
- ½ cup Celery finely chopped
- ¼ cup Red Onion minced
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Sour Cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
- ½ teaspoon Salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper or to taste
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley or Dill Optional, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken breast by poaching or roasting until fully cooked. Allow it to cool, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Vegetables and Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced chicken, finely chopped celery, and minced red onion. Toss gently to mix.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Mix Dressing with Chicken and Vegetables: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season the Salad: Taste the salad and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember to start with a small amount, adjusting to your preference.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill if desired. Serve on a bed of lettuce, as a sandwich filling, or with your choice of crackers.