Paleo Chicken Salad with Homemade Asian Mayonnaise

Growing up I hated mayonnaise.  Or rather I hated what we’ve come to call mayonnaise.  But let’s be real: Hellmans and Miracle Whip are not mayonnaise.  Once you experience real mayonnaise, you won’t go back.  Real, homemade mayo can be the small touch that totally transforms a burger, sandwich or chicken salad from ordinary to extraordinary.  And it’s ridiculously quick and easy to make once you get the hang of it (i.e. swallow your pride and accept the help of your blender).

The other great thing is how many varieties you can make using a simple base recipe: curried mayonnaise, chipotle mayonnaise, maple, garlic, bacon, mustard, sriracha… the list is endless!  This particular chicken salad utilizes a slightly spicy, slightly sweet Asian mayonnaise that is just to die for.

(I will not eat mayonnaise with a spoon.  I will not eat mayonnaise with a spoon.  I will not eat mayonnaise with a spoon). 

But no, really.  It’s that good.

(Will you judge me if I do in fact eat mayonnaise with a spoon?)

 Paleo Chicken Salad with Homemade Asian Mayonnaise

Adapted from PaleOMG

 Chicken Salad:

• 12 oz chicken, cooked, cooled and shredded or chopped
• ½ cup broccoli slaw
• 1 small carrot, minced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• ¼ cup almonds, chopped

Asian Mayo:

• ⅔ cup avocado oil
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sriracha
• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• ½ teaspoon coconut aminos

1. In a tall container, add egg, lemon juice, dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. Place your immersion blender to the bottom of the container, turn on and wait until the mixture thickens. You may need to raise the immersion blender a bit to help mix all of the oil. (This can also be done in a blender!)  Use a spoon to mix in sesame oil, sriracha, honey, and coconut aminos. Place in refrigerator to chill
2. Meanwhile, place almonds in a small skillet over medium heat.  Toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. If using whole almonds, chop.
3. Mix together the chicken, broccoli slaw, carrot, celery and almonds in a large bowl.  Add mayo and mix well!
4. This can be served as a sandwich or wrap or over mixed greens!  I personally love this chicken salad served over a romaine salad with mandarin oranges, avocado and maybe a boiled egg!

Serves 3-4

Johanna