Costco Chicken Salad is a well-known deli item celebrated for its creamy consistency and appealing taste. This American-style classic, which includes shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and onions, is a handy, protein-rich choice for meals or snacks. This article delves into the nutritional aspects of Costco's chicken salad, its ingredients, and a balanced perspective on its taste and convenience.
What is Costco Chicken Salad?
Costco Chicken Salad is a pre-made dish available at Costco's deli section. It's composed primarily of shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and onions. The salad is pre-packaged and ready to eat, making it a convenient option for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a potluck. Other pre-made meal selections from Costco are the Kirkland Signature Asian Style Wraps, Kirkland Signature Goat Cheese, Pecan and Mixed Greens Salad, Kirkland Signature Quinoa Salad, Kirkland Signature Chicken Penne Alfredo, Kirkland Signature Chicken Tacos, Kirkland Signature Stuffed Salmon and the Kirkland Signature Chicken Pot Pie.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of Costco Chicken Salad can help you make informed dietary choices. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Macronutrient Breakdown
A ½ cup serving of Kirkland Signature chicken salad made with rotisserie chicken (112g) contains approximately 250 calories. The macronutrient distribution is as follows:
- Fats: 18g (23% Daily Value)
- Saturated fats: 4g (20% DV)
- Monounsaturated fats: 6g
- Polyunsaturated fats: 7g
- Trans fats: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g (1% DV)
- Net carbs: 3g
- Fiber: 0g (0% DV)
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 19g
A 1/3 cup serving contains 190 calories, 15 grams of fat, three grams of carbohydrates, one gram of fibre, one gram of sugar, 12 grams of protein and 410 milligrams of sodium.
Read also: Costco Keto Shopping
Vitamins and Minerals
The chicken salad also provides some essential vitamins and minerals:
- Calcium: 20mg (2% DV)
- Iron: 1mg (14% DV)
- Potassium: 210mg (4% DV)
- Sodium: 230mg (10% DV)
Daily Values
- Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Additional Nutritional Considerations
- The chicken salad is a good source of protein, providing 34% of your Daily Value per ½ cup serving.
- It contains cholesterol, with 65mg per serving, which accounts for 22% of the Daily Value.
Ingredients Analysis
Chicken
Packed with tender, high-quality chicken, it provides essential nutrients such as protein, which supports muscle growth and repair. If you like large amounts of chicken, this will not disappoint. The amount of chicken can vary, affecting the overall texture and flavor balance.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise contributes significantly to the salad's creamy texture and fat content. While it adds richness and flavor, it also increases the calorie count and saturated fat levels.
Celery and Onions
The addition of celery and onions delivers a bit of crunch along with some vitamins and fiber. These ingredients provide a textural contrast and subtle sharpness that complements the richness of the mayonnaise and chicken.
Potential Allergens
The chicken salad contains egg and milk and may contain wheat, fish, molluscs, crustaceans, tree nuts, peanuts. Individuals with allergies should carefully review the ingredient list before consumption.
Read also: Costco Keto Essentials
Taste and Texture
Taste wise, it’s basically shredded chicken breast and mayonnaise combined with some spices. The chicken salad has a bit of crunchy texture from the celery and onions in it and the flavor I find is very salty. The best before date is three days from the date it was packaged. While taste is subjective, here are some common observations:
Flavor Profile
The primary flavors are those of chicken and mayonnaise, seasoned with spices. Some find the flavor to be overly salty. The balance of flavors can vary, with some batches being more heavily seasoned than others.
Texture
The texture is generally creamy, due to the mayonnaise, with a slight crunch from the celery and onions. Some reviewers have noted that the chicken salad can be too wet or saucy for their liking.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Convenience: Ready-to-eat and requires no preparation. The chicken salad from Costco is definitely convenient and would be great for a potluck, work party or picnic.
- High in Protein: Provides a substantial amount of protein per serving, beneficial for muscle maintenance and satiety.
- Taste: Many people find the taste enjoyable, especially when served on bread or crackers.
- Cost: The cost is dependent on the weight and is $14.49 Canadian per kilogram.
Cons
- High in Fat: The mayonnaise content results in a high fat content, including saturated fats, which may be a concern for those monitoring their fat intake.
- Sodium Content: Can be high in sodium, which may not be suitable for individuals with sodium-restricted diets.
- Texture Issues: Some find the texture too wet or saucy.
- Potential Allergens: Contains common allergens such as egg and milk, and may contain traces of other allergens.
Serving Suggestions
The chicken salad from Costco is definitely convenient and would be great for a potluck, work party or picnic. As I said before, I served the chicken salad on the Costco Kirkland Signature Ciabatta Buns. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment:
- Sandwiches: Serve on bread, croissants, or rolls for a quick and easy lunch.
- Crackers: Enjoy with crackers as a snack or appetizer.
- Salad Topping: Add a scoop to a bed of lettuce for a more substantial salad.
- Stuffed Vegetables: Use it to stuff tomatoes, bell peppers, or avocados.
Potential Health Implications
Heart Health
Due to its high saturated fat and cholesterol content, frequent consumption of Costco Chicken Salad may pose risks to heart health. It's advisable to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Read also: Low-carb shopping at Costco
Weight Management
The high calorie and fat content can contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities. Portion control is key for those watching their calorie intake.
Sodium Intake
The high sodium content may be a concern for individuals with hypertension or other conditions requiring a low-sodium diet.
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