Gorgonzola Chicken Salad (Fred Meyer Deli Copycat)

Name: Gorgonzola Chicken Salad (Fred Meyer Deli Copycat)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb penne pasta; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning (to taste); 2 cups red grapes (seedless, sliced in half); 4 green onions (thinly sliced); 1/3 cup pecans (coarsely chopped); 1/2 cup gorgonzola (crumbled); 1 cup mayonnaise (for best results, use a quality brand like Best Foods); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar (you may use apple cider vinegar, but rice vinegar is better here); 3 tablespoons white sugar (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (regular table salt will be TOO SALTY); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)

Servings: persons

1 lb penne pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning (to taste)
2 cups red grapes (seedless, sliced in half)
4 green onions (thinly sliced)
1/3 cup pecans (coarsely chopped)
1/2 cup gorgonzola (crumbled)
1 cup mayonnaise (for best results, use a quality brand like Best Foods)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar (you may use apple cider vinegar, but rice vinegar is better here)
3 tablespoons white sugar (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (regular table salt will be TOO SALTY)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)

1
["Cook the pasta according to the package directions, NOT al dente. You don't want it to be too gummy or too mushy. Drain in a colander and run COLD water over until it's completely cold. Transfer to a large bowl.", "Sprinkle the chicken breasts with lemon pepper. ""Grill"" the chicken breasts by whatever method you prefer. You may use a panini type grill, a barbecue grill, or simply bake in the oven. Your cooking times will vary based on your method, but just make sure the breasts are fully cooked by reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees, or when the juices run clear. Allow the chicken pieces to cool until you can handle them. Slice the chicken thinly, then cut slices in half so they are bite-sized. Spread out to cool completely while you prepare the remaining ingredients.", "Pour the dressing ingredients (mayo, oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper) into the bowl and whisk until incorporated.", "After the chicken and pasta are completely cooled, add all the remaining ingredients to the bowl and stir gently. Refrigerate until ready to serve.", "TIPS: If the salad is too stiff after prolonged refrigeration, you can make it creamy again by stirring in a tiny bit of olive oil, milk or warm water. Gorgonzola cheese is similar to bleu cheese, but slightly milder. It is an acquired taste for some people, so feel free to use more or less to taste. I use MORE! For best results, don't substitute or omit ingredients. I usually try doing things to lower fat or calories, but in this case, the results will NOT be the same."]

1172

kcal

Calories

Fat

119

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 lb penne pasta, 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning (to taste), 2 cups red grapes (seedless, sliced in half), and more.

Yes, Gorgonzola Chicken Salad (Fred Meyer Deli Copycat) falls under the Salads category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!