Willow Tree Chicken Salad: A Keto-Friendly Option?

Willow Tree chicken salad is a popular deli food item, particularly in the New England area of the United States. It is produced by Willow Tree Farm, a company based in Attleboro, Massachusetts, that was founded in 1954 as a neighbourhood chicken farm. The product has a loyal following, with some describing it as having a distinctive taste due to its ingredients. However, it is not suitable for those on a ketogenic diet because it contains sugar. As a result, some people have attempted to recreate the recipe at home, substituting sugar with natural zero-calorie sweeteners like stevia and erythritol.

A keto-friendly version of Willow Tree chicken salad

Willow Tree chicken salad is a popular deli option, but it's not suitable for those on a ketogenic diet due to its high sugar content. However, you can easily make a keto-friendly version with a few simple ingredient swaps. Here's a recipe for a keto-friendly Willow Tree chicken salad that's both delicious and versatile.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rotisserie chicken white meat, chopped or shredded (approximately 2 large cooked chicken breast pieces)
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon natural zero-calorie sweetener (stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol)
• 2/3 cup mayonnaise (zero-carb and avocado oil-based is ideal)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt-free seasoning (such as Mrs. Dash original)
• Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• Chopped pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Chopped fresh dill or basil
• Unsweetened dried cranberries (in moderation)

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, combine the sweetener and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the sweetener is dissolved.
• In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the salt-free seasoning.
• Add the sweetened vinegar to the mayonnaise mixture.
• Season with sea salt and pepper, according to your taste preferences.
• Whisk the dressing until well combined.
• Add the chopped or shredded chicken and celery to the bowl with the dressing.
• Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
• Serve as desired and enjoy!

Storage:

This keto chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to the texture changes that may occur.

Serving Suggestions:

• Scoop it into a bowl with some sharp cheese and pickles as a low-carb snack.
• Roll it up in crunchy lettuce leaves for a refreshing option.
• Serve it in a low-carb tortilla with cheese and a pickle for an easy lunch.
• Enjoy it with some ripe avocado for a creamy treat.
• For a more substantial meal, serve it on keto-friendly bread, such as cloud bread or low-carb wheat bread.

Willow Tree Farm's history and location

Willow Tree Farm is a family-owned and operated poultry farm and food company based in Attleboro, Massachusetts. It was founded in 1954 as a neighbourhood chicken farm, and has since become a leading provider of freshly prepared chicken products, including chicken pies, deli salads, chicken dips, turkey pies, and poultry gravies. Willow Tree products are available in supermarkets across the East Coast of the United States, and the company also operates a flagship store in Attleboro, located at 997 South Main St.

The popularity of Willow Tree chicken salad

Willow Tree chicken salad is a popular product from Willow Tree, a New England-area food company and poultry farm based in Attleboro, Massachusetts. The company was founded in 1954 as a neighborhood chicken farm and has since become a leading provider of freshly prepared chicken products, including its famous chicken salad.

The chicken salad has a fiercely loyal and devoted following, with many people considering it a comfort food and a staple in their diets. It is known for its mouth-watering taste and high-quality ingredients, and it is often praised for its texture and slight sweetness. The popularity of Willow Tree chicken salad has led to it being sold in various forms, such as pre-packaged salads and sandwiches, and it has even inspired copycat recipes for those who want to recreate the taste at home.

One of the reasons for the popularity of Willow Tree chicken salad is its accessibility. Willow Tree products, including the chicken salad, are available in many supermarkets throughout the East Coast of the United States. The company also has its own flagship store in Attleboro, Massachusetts, where customers can purchase the chicken salad and other Willow Tree specialities.

The chicken salad's fame has spread beyond the East Coast, with people from other regions of the country seeking it out and even creating their own versions when they cannot find it locally. The popularity of Willow Tree chicken salad has also led to the creation of keto-friendly variations for those on low-carb diets, as the original recipe contains sugar.

In conclusion, the popularity of Willow Tree chicken salad can be attributed to its delicious taste, high-quality ingredients, and accessibility. It has become a favourite for many, with people praising its texture and flavour and even recreating it at home to satisfy their cravings. The company's expansion and the availability of the chicken salad in various forms have also contributed to its widespread popularity.

The nutritional value of Willow Tree chicken salad

Willow Tree chicken salad is a popular deli chicken salad from a New England-area food company and poultry farm based in Attleboro, Massachusetts. It is credited as one of the reasons the company has flourished over the years and is now available in grocery stores along the East Coast of the United States.

The chicken salad is said to be high in sugar and carbohydrates, which may not be suitable for those on a ketogenic diet. However, some people have created their own versions of the Willow Tree chicken salad recipe with lower carb and sugar content.

A serving size of 0.5 cups of the original Willow Tree chicken salad contains:

• 420 calories
• 35g of total fat
• 5g of saturated fat
• 76mg of cholesterol
• 390mg of sodium
• 4g of total carbohydrates
• 2g of sugar
• 0g of dietary fiber
• 18g of protein

The salad is gluten-free and contains cooked white chicken meat, mayonnaise (made with canola and/or soybean oil, egg yolks, distilled vinegar, corn syrup, salt, and spice), chopped celery, cultured dextrose, chopped onion, and a spice mix (including brown sugar, celery salt, salt, sugar, onion, garlic, spices, and paprika).

A copycat recipe for Willow Tree chicken salad

Willow Tree chicken salad is a famous deli chicken salad from a New England-based food company and poultry farm in Massachusetts. This copycat recipe will allow you to recreate the famous chicken salad at home with just a few simple steps and easily accessible ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cooked chicken breast
• 3 tablespoons finely minced celery
• 3 tablespoons finely minced onion
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• Mayonnaise (Hellmann's is a recommended brand)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bacon (optional)

Method:

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, blend the chicken breasts until thoroughly shredded. You can also shred the chicken by hand if you don't have a stand mixer. Shredding the chicken, rather than dicing it, will help recreate the original Willow Tree chicken salad texture.

Once the chicken is shredded, remove the bowl from the stand mixer and add in all the other ingredients. Stir by hand to mix well. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your preference.

Serving Suggestions:

The copycat Willow Tree chicken salad can be served over lettuce leaves or in sandwiches. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, lunch, or dinner. You can also get creative and serve it on crackers, rolls, or croissant, or on top of your favourite salad.

Storage:

The chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the celery may not hold up well and the dressing may break down during thawing.

Frequently asked questions