You will love the amazing flavor of these Smoked Almond Chicken Salad Bites – they’ll easily become your favorite party food!
I love spending early mornings with a cup of hot coffee while reading my favorite food blogs.
Especially around the holidays when they are full of fantastic holiday inspired recipes. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
If you want some great recipe ideas to make Christmas extra special, check out my blogroll and visit some of my blogging friends! They are seriously talented people.
If you remember, at the beginning of this month, I promised you appetizer recipes, because the holidays are for entertaining! So, for this Christmas Eve, I thought I’d share one of my all-time favorite appetizer recipes that’s always a big hit!
The first I made this, I was in heaven! And, after adapting this recipe over the years, here’s my favorite combination of flavors.
The addition of a bit of tarragon, and rolling them in smoked almonds was one of the best things I could’ve done to take this recipe over the top. It really makes this savory, classic chicken salad appetizer even better.
What’s so great about them (other than the fact they taste amazing!) is that they are grab-able, pop-able and sssooo savory! Perfect for a party!
I hope you all have a Merry Christmas, and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
Cheers!
Enjoy!
Smoked Almond Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken finely diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese finely shredded
- 5 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt see note
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon tarragon
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup minced green onions
- 1 cup finely chopped smoked almonds
Instructions
- Mix chicken, cheese and mayonnaise together in a medium-sized bowl. Season with salt (see note), pepper, celery seed and tarragon.
- Fold in celery and green onions.
- Using a cookie scoop, measure into equally sized balls and roll in finely chopped smoked almonds.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Adapted from All Recipes, Crunchy Chicken Balls (recipe no longer exists there! I had it printed out from years ago). If you know the originator – let me know so I can credit!
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says
Smoked almond chicken salad is my favorite! We have a restaurant here that just serves different varieties of chicken salad but I was go back to the classic almond chicken salad. I love how you made these the perfect little appetizer. Have a wonderful Christmas, Kristi!
Kristi says
Thanks Ashley – have a Merry Christmas!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I don’t think I’ve ever seen chicken salad rolled into balls like this! What a great way to serve it at a party! Hope you have a Merry Christmas Kristi!
Kristi says
Thank you! They make sure a great app this way – without the carb-y bread. You have a Merry Christmas too!
Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ says
Appetizer ideas are more than welcome. I like the way you mixed the ingredients here, tarragon and celery seeds make this recipe very appealing!
Kristi says
Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Ooh these will be perfect for NYE! Thank you so much for this recipe and I hope that you have a really wonderful Christmas and New Years! 😀
Kristi says
I hope you love it! Have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Cheers!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
They are delicious Kristi! I just made them today! Thanks for the recipe 😀
Kristi says
I’m so glad you like them! They are one of my favorites! Have a very Happy New Years Eve!
Anne ~ Uni Homemaker says
I love these salad bites! Everything is so much fun to eat when they’re bite sized. YUM! Merry Christmas Kristi! And enjoy the rest of your week my friend.
Kristi says
Thank you! You too! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas today!
Josefine {The Smoothie Lover} says
I love all of your appetizer recipes Kristi! These look so good. The addition of smokes almonds sounds beyond delicious
Kristi says
Thanks Josefine! I love making appetizers! It lets you try so many different things! Have a Merry Christmas!
Consuelo @ Honey & Figs says
I love plain chicken salad, but your version looks 34325 times better! These little balls look so so cute!
Merry Christmas! x
Kristi says
Hahaha! That’s a lot of times. Thanks for the compliments Consuelo. I hope you have the best Christmas ever. Have a beautiful day, my friend!
Kelly says
I love chicken salad and love that you made these into bite sized snacks and appetizers. They sound amazing with all the herbs and rolled in smoked almonds. Merry Christmas Kristi and hope you had an amazing day with lots of laughter and yummy food!
Kristi says
Thank you! I hope you had an amazing Christmas! Have a Happy New Year!
Johlene says
Happy Christmas Kristi!! Sorry I´m a tad late but I took a few days off just to relax 😉
These look very yummy and perfect to serve as tapas!!
Xx
Kristi says
Relaxing is the perfect thing to do during the holidays! I hope you had a Merry Christmas!
Dedy@Dentist Chef says
wow, what a michelin star chef quality appetizer…..
pretty damn good idea!!!
Kristi says
Thank you! What a kind comment! I’m not sure it’s deserved, but I love hearing it! Have a Happy New Years!
Dedy@Dentist Chef says
report, i just made ones, but i improvised with added some toasted sesame and chopped cashew nuts, i guess everybody ovin it…
even my niece who used to avoid any meat lovin it too…
Kristi says
Awesome! I’m so glad everyone liked it. I really like the additions you suggested – I’ll have to try it! Have a great day!
Ashley says
Oh wow, these bites sound delicious! Especially with the smoked almonds! Such a great idea! I love all the appetizer recipes you’ve shared! I’m still trying to decide what I want to make for a New Year’s Eve party!
Kristi says
Yes – the smoked almonds really do make the taste pop! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the appetizers! It’s been fun coming up with them all. I hope you have a wonderful New Year’s Eve party – I will be there in spirit!
Judit + Corina @WineDineDaily says
These look delicious and so Perfect for a New Years Eve Party! Hope you enjoy your Holidays Kristi:)
Cheers,
J+C
Kristi says
Thank you! I hope you have a wonderful New Years!
Juliana says
Kristi, this salad looks and sounds delicious, I love the smoked almond…what a great combination….yum!
Happy New Year!
Kristi says
Thanks Juliana! I hope you have a Happy New Year and a beautiful day!
Layla @ Brunch Time Baker says
These little bites look and sound delicious! I cant what to try them out! Happy holidays 🙂
Kristi says
Thanks Layla – I hope you love them! Have a Happy New Year!
Samina | The Cupcake Confession says
Wow!!!!!!!! I’m drooling now! These look soooo gooooooooood Kristi!!!!! Just one quick question – where can I find smoked almonds??? Can’t waittttt to give this a try! ^_^
Kristi says
You find them in the same section of the grocery store with other canned nuts! They come in a round tin with a pop top and say Smoked Almonds on them! Good luck! So glad you like them!
merryn@merrynsmenu says
What an amazing flavour combination! Perfect for our hot summer days, I have often seen smoked almonds but have never tried them before. Thank you for great inspiration Kristi. Kind regards Merryn
Kristi says
Thank you! I am so glad you stopped by! I hope you get a chance to try them – they really are delicious. Have a beautiful week!