Are you pregnant and craving chicken salad but wondering can I eat chicken salad while pregnant?
We are going to answer all the questions here.
In this article, we will discuss all the positive and negative sides of having a chicken salad while pregnant.
Chicken salad is made from chopped chicken meat mixed with some vegetables and fruits. It also has a binder like salad dressing or mayonnaise.
It’s a meal that seems fresh and healthy but there can be some problems when having it during pregnancy.
In the case of pregnant women, you aren’t eating for yourself only. You also have to fulfill the needs of the baby.
That is why you always have to keep an eye on what you are eating.
Let’s take a deeper look into the question of can I eat chicken salad while pregnant?
Quick Contents show
Can I Eat Chicken Salad While Pregnant?
There are some facts that you should keep in mind while having a chicken salad in pregnancy.
According to Foodsafety.Gov US, “don’t consume premade meat salads such as deli chickens. It is because it may contain Listeria”.
The germ Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, a serious infection.
The most common cause of listeriosis is eating contaminated food. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, newborns, and older adults are at the risk.
There is a specific temperature for the dairy products to be considered safe for consumption.
According to the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA), you must heat the meat until its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 °C.
The safety factor also depends on how you prepare your chicken meat for the salad. Is it partially or fully cooked?
It is highly recommended for pregnant women to have fully cooked meat whether it is chicken, seafood, or dairy meat.
As a pregnant woman, try not to consume stored chicken. Whether it is canned, prepacked, or stored.
Do not take the risk to include it in your salad. If you are in a restaurant, ask them about the ingredients in your chicken salad.
Also, ask whether the chicken and vegetables are fresh or not, and are properly washed or not.
It is your right to ask and their responsibility to tell you. The raw eggs may cause various infections like salmonella.
According to research, consumption of poultry is one of the most common causes of salmonella infection.
It is an intestinal infection and could be very serious for pregnant women.
Pregnant women should avoid consuming raw eggs and they are a part of homemade mayonnaise.
Using commercial mayonnaise is safer than homemade because it contains pasteurized eggs.
1. Risks To Consume Chicken Salad During Pregnancy
According to research, some disease outbreaks from 1992 to 2006 were due to Listeria monocytogenes infections.
It was estimated that 4% of total outbreaks were due to such infections.
The growth temperature of L. monocytogenes ranges from -1.5 to 45°C, with 30 to 37°C being optimal which is room temperature.
That is why it is risky to use canned or frozen raw chicken for your chicken salad.
There must be some serious precautions while preparing a chicken salad for yourself if you are pregnant.
All the vegetables and chicken must be washed thoroughly. All ingredients including chicken and vegetables must be fresh.
Pesticides are sprayed on the vegetables, which must be washed before they can be eaten.
Similarly, fresh chicken meat contains blood which has to be eliminated through proper washing.
A chicken salad is a safe option for pregnant women if it is prepared fresh. But high consumption of the poultry product isn’t advised.
The main reason not to consume the premade or raw meat is the bacterial infections.
Chicken meat contains nine essential amino acids and a high amount of proteins.
It is considered high nutritious food. Both the above mentioned molecules are the building blocks of muscles.
Therefore consuming chicken in early pregnancy is necessary for the nourishment of the baby.
As a pregnant lady, you need different essential nutrients. About 100g of chicken meat can fulfill 50% of your daily protein requirement.
2. Chicken Salad Brands That Are Not Safe For Pregnant Women
Numerous brands offer chicken salad But all of them are not suitable for pregnant women.
Why? Because most of the brands use canned or stored chicken meat and vegetables.
So, always select brands that offer freshly prepared chicken salad. Below is a list of brands to consider or avoid.
Costco Chicken Salad: Costco chicken salads are premade chicken salads. Once packaged, these chicken salads go into refrigerators. That is why they are not safe to consume during pregnancy.
Walmart Deli All White Meat Chicken Salad: Unfortunately Walmart deli is also premade and pre packed chicken salads that are also stored in refrigerators.
As we have discussed earlier, premade and stored deli chicken is not advised for pregnant women.
Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad Sandwich: Chick-fil-A claims that its chicken salad sandwiches include at least two servings of vegetables or fruit, and contain between 180 and 430 calories (without fat).
They also claim their chicken salads are prepared freshly in restaurants nationwide. You can ask if it is fresh before buying.
Panera Bread: According to their website, they use refrigerated salad dressing and ingredients. That is why you have to avoid their salads too.
If you want to have a chicken salad just try to prepare one at your home.
Homemade fresh food is best for your health if you are pregnant but if you want to add mayonnaise, it’s best to use a store-bought product.
3. How to Prepare a Chicken Salad for Pregnant Women
As you know there are some food safety criteria you have to follow while you are pregnant.
These food safety criteria involve proper cooking, the temperature of food, storage, and time duration.
You must keep in mind all the above things while preparing a chicken salad for pregnant women.
First thing first, buy a lump of fresh chicken meat for the salad. Now rinse the meat thoroughly.
Do the same with the vegetables. Now it’s time to boil. Take a pot with 2 quarters of water and add one tablespoon of salt to it.
Put that pot on medium heat. Always keep a thermometer while boiling. As we have discussed earlier, the minimum internal temperature of chicken must be 74°C minimum.
Always use 1 to 2 inches of chicken breast meat. They boil fast and small pieces are easy to digest.
After boiling for about 15 minutes, until it’s completely cooked, turn off the heat. Place the pot for 15 minutes to cool down.
You can use grilled or roasted chicken, but they are not as tender.Now cut the well-washed vegetables into cube-like pieces.
You can use green olives, red bell pepper, red bell pepper, and salad leaves. Add the vegetables to the bowl.
Now it’s time for the salad dressing. You can use canned or bottled mayonnaise as it is pasteurized completely.
4. Nutrition Value of Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is a protein-rich food that also contains essential amino acids and a tremendous amount of vitamins.
All of these are the best combination to have during pregnancy. A new developing baby needs complete nutrition including all the above mentioned nutrients.
That is why selecting food for yourself requires a nutritional strategy.
Chicken salad contains more than 400 calories. With other vegetables and sandwiches, this value reaches up to 600 calories.
It also contains 15 to 25 grams of fats which is also necessary.
Chicken salad mixed with edible seeds like boiled kidney beans increases the nutritional value.
With 24 grams of proteins per 100 g servings, kidney beans fulfill the protein requirement of pregnant women.
6% Vitamin A and 9% iron are in a chicken salad. Iron is one of the most essential components for a newly developing baby.
The red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to your tissues.
Your body needs more iron during pregnancy due to an increase in blood volume. Iron helps your body make more blood so that your baby can receive oxygen.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 are also found in chicken breast. A normal breast without skin contains 40 and 170 mg respectively.
While a chicken breast with skin contains 120 and 1740 mg of omega-3 and omega-6 respectively.
So do not be afraid to have a freshly prepared chicken breast salad during pregnancy.
As you can see here, there are many great benefits of a chicken salad not just for women but for anyone.
It’s a good idea to incorporate it into your diet as long as you take safety precautions.
Learn more from a similar post:Can You Eat Octopus When Pregnant
Summary
Eating chicken salad is safe for pregnant women if it is prepared through a proper process following the safety guideline.
Not only that but chicken salad is a brilliant meal for pregnant women due to the high nutritional value that it has.
If you want to have a chicken salad, then it’s best to make it at home using fresh ingredients.
While that’s true, fresh mayonnaise is best avoided as it contains raw eggs.
If you follow these simple guidelines then the answer to can I eat chicken salad while pregnant is a yes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should pregnant women eat salad?
The salad contains an enormous amount of nutrients and essential molecules.
Having a bowl full of salad in a day may fulfill most of your protein, vitamin, and other nutritional needs.
In the case of pregnant women, you just have to be careful about some points. Always use freshly prepared salad with well-washed vegetables.
If you are consuming a chicken salad, always include completely cooked meat. Following these safe tricks, pregnant women can have a salad.
What foods should be avoided in pregnancy?
No doubt, there is a long list of food items that you must avoid during pregnancy.
According to the Food Safety department in the US, these items include sushi, sashimi, raw oysters, raw clams, raw scallops, ceviche, raw chicken, etc.
All these food items have one thing in common. Their raw form is the host for many infectious bacteria like listeria and toxoplasma.
Both these bacteria may cause serious illnesses including vomiting and high fever which may affect the baby too.
It’s also best to avoid any food places which may have questionable hygiene standards.
Food poisoning is also dangerous in pregnancy so it’s best to be cautious about where you’re eating your food.
Can you eat mayonnaise when pregnant?
You may be shocked to hear that for a pregnant woman, canned or bottled mayonnaise is safer than freshly prepared mayonnaise at home.
It is because the bottled mayonnaise is always stored after complete pasteurization.
On the other hand, fresh mayonnaise contains raw eggs that are harmful to consume during pregnancy.
Raw poultry products are the source of many infectious diseases. So you may eat canned or bottled mayonnaise as a salad dressing as they are bacteria-free.
Iesha Mulla
Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.
FAQs
Why can't you eat cold chicken when pregnant? ›
If you let cooked chicken, turkey or other poultry cool before you eat it, though, it can become contaminated with listeria bacteria. The cold chicken used in sandwich bars may also be contaminated with listeria. Listeriosis infection is a mild illness for you, but it can be very harmful to your baby.
Can I eat restaurant salad while pregnant? ›Salads of all kinds are safe to enjoy while pregnant. However, raw produce should be carefully washed before enjoying it. Because washing is the key to safety, it's also best to prepare fresh, both at home and at restaurants.
How much chicken Should a pregnant woman eat a day? ›100 grams of cooked chicken meat is the recommended daily intake for a pregnant woman.
Is it safe to eat canned chicken while pregnant? ›Yes, eating canned chicken is completely safe during pregnancy as long as the can is in good condition.
Can I have chicken salad pregnant? ›The CDC recommends that you don't eat undercooked meat during pregnancy. But if you've eaten chicken salad or you ate sushi, you don't need to freak out, because most people who eat things will be just fine.
Can I eat cold chicken salad while pregnant? ›From a Deli or Store-Made: Because Listeria can grow under refrigerated conditions, pregnant women should avoid salads made in-store, such as in a supermarket or deli, and this includes chicken salad (source: FDA).
Can I eat Panera chicken salad while pregnant? ›Yes. You can eat Panera chicken salad if you are pregnant. During pregnancy, if you are going to eat chicken salad at Panera or anywhere, for that matter, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. The first is that you need to make sure the chicken salad is fully cooked.
Can I eat Subway while pregnant? ›Can Pregnant Women Eat At Subway? Subway sandwiches are safe for pregnant women to eat if they're heated until hot, rather than just warm. This means either microwaved for a few seconds or having the sandwich toasted – sometimes a little more than normal.
What salad can you not eat when pregnant? ›Avoid salads with deli meats, raw fish, raw eggs, smoked seafood and fish with high amounts of mercury. The occasional salad with canned, chunk light tuna may be OK because this type of tuna is lowest in mercury, but check with your doctor to determine a safe amount.
What foods should you limit during pregnancy? ›- Fully cook all meats and poultry before eating. Use a meat thermometer to make sure.
- Cook hot dogs and luncheon meats until they're steaming hot — or avoid them completely. ...
- Avoid refrigerated pates and meat spreads. ...
- Cook eggs until the egg yolks and whites are firm.
Can pregnant lady eat mayonnaise? ›
If you love mayo, you're in luck. You don't have to give it up during pregnancy. There are many safe, pasteurized varieties on the shelves at your local grocery store. You may even find a few egg-free types to try or get crafty with avocado as a substitute.
Are food aversions boy or girl? ›While food aversions can strike any unsuspecting mom-to-be, a small 2015 study in the journal Physiology & Behavior suggests that women carrying baby boys are more likely to experience disgust toward particular foods.
Can you eat chicken mayo when pregnant? ›Sandwiches containing mayonnaise such as chicken mayo, tuna mayo and so on can be eaten if the mayonnaise is pasteurized. Commercially-made sandwich mayo filling is usually safe for pregnant women to eat. Exercise more caution if eating at a restaurant or deli as the mayonnaise may contain raw eggs.
Can I eat hot dogs while pregnant? ›Some ready-to-eat foods, such as hot dogs, can become contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes after they have been processed and packaged at the plant. If it's not possible to reheat hot dogs, don't eat them.
Can I eat egg salad while pregnant? ›Egg salad is safe for pregnant women when it is prepared freshly at home or commercially made. Avoid egg salad, and all deli salads, that have been prepared onsite at a deli, grocery store, or restaurant because of the increased risk of dangerous bacteria.
Does chicken salad contain eggs? ›Southern style chicken salad is usually made with eggs, relish, red onion, celery, mustard, mayo and spices. Different people use slightly different ingredient in their southern chicken salad.
Can I eat chicken Caesar salad while pregnant? ›Caesar salad, if freshly made, is safe for pregnant women to eat. Caesar Salad Dressing is only safe in pregnancy if the dressing is pasteurized because it usually contains raw egg.
Can I eat cooked deli chicken when pregnant? ›Processed meats to avoid during pregnancy (unless they are heated to the proper temperature) include deli meat (turkey, ham, bologna, chicken, roast beef, prosciutto, and pepperoni), hot dogs, bacon, and sausages.
Is it OK to eat cold chicken salad? ›Chicken salad is traditionally served cold, as in chilled. Yes, it can be eaten, warm, or room temperature but the flavors have time to meld together when it's been in the refrigerator for a couple hours.
Is it safe to eat cold chicken salad? ›This is a question that many people have asked, and the answer is yes! You can eat chicken cold as long as it's cooked properly and has stayed safely refrigerated.
Is cold chicken salad safe? ›
Yes. You can eat cold chicken in a salad. Many people prefer the taste of cold chicken in a salad.
What restaurant food is safe during pregnancy? ›Go for greens and beans
Steamed veggies, a baked potato (instead of fries or onion rings) or yams are all super sides. If there's lentil, bean or vegetable soup on the menu, ask for a bowlful. Same goes for tomato-based broths — another opportunity to get in some veggies!
It is safe for pregnant women to eat eggs as long as the eggs are completely cooked or pasteurised. Pregnant women can enjoy cooked eggs however should be aware to avoid raw eggs in foods such as aioli, homemade mayonnaise, cake batter or mousse.
Should I be worried if I ate deli meat while pregnant? ›Listeria is killed by pasteurization and cooking. Cold cuts are now sprayed with a food additive that helps prevent Listeria before packaging. You don't need to panic if you are pregnant and have been eating deli meats.
Can I eat McDonald's while pregnant? ›There are many items on the McDonalds menu containing ingredients that are safe for pregnant women. However, processed food is never a great choice in pregnancy. You'll have to ensure your order is cooked fresh, and also adapt it by avoiding some ingredients.
Can I eat Taco Bell while pregnant? ›Most items on the Taco Bell menu are safe for pregnant women, because the meat in Taco Bell's products is fully cooked, and Taco Bell's cheese is a pasteurized, processed product (source: Taco Bell). Their sour cream is also made from pasteurized ingredients.
Can I eat bacon while pregnant? ›You can enjoy bacon safely during pregnancy. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly, until it's steaming hot. Avoid ordering bacon at a restaurant because you don't know how well it's cooked. If you want to avoid all risks completely, there are meat-free bacon alternatives available, like soy or mushroom bacon.
What salad dressing is OK when pregnant? ›This may sound like a lot of restriction, but the good news is that store-bought salad dressings, are safe for pregnant women to eat. This includes mayonnaise, Kraft ranch, Caesar salad dressing, bleu cheese ranch dressing, and most other dressings.
Can you eat coleslaw when pregnant? ›Avoid: Packaged salads, unless you wash them first, ready prepared dressed salads like coleslaw or potato salad. Cooked-chilled foods can carry the risk of listeria. You can eat: Cooked-chilled foods that have been thoroughly heated all the way through.
What are the symptoms of not eating enough during pregnancy? ›So when these drop, we can feel a bit dizzy, lethargic, or weak. In order to maintain balanced blood sugar levels, we need to consume enough food. As you're adjusting to the new nutrient needs as a result of your pregnancy, if you feel a bit dizzy at times, this may be a sign that you're not eating enough.
What happens if you eat grapes while pregnant? ›
Grapes are generally fine to eat during pregnancy. They are a good source of fiber and water and they contain vitamins and antioxidants. 234 "You can safely include grapes in your diet during pregnancy by adding them to salads, mixing them into yogurts or porridge, and mixing them into a smoothie," suggests Dr. Kliman.
What foods are easy during pregnancy? ›Healthy Proteins
Regularly eating high protein foods -- like fish, chicken, turkey, eggs, peanut butter, nuts and beans –– promotes your baby's healthy brain and heart development. Grains Food like brown rice, quinoa, whole-wheat pasta and oatmeal are great to eat while pregnant.
The confusion seems to come from the belief that one of the ingredients is raw eggs. It isn't. Therefore, yes, you can eat ranch dressing while pregnant. However, always look for pasteurized dressing and keep it refrigerated at all times when not in use.
Can you eat sour cream when pregnant? ›Pasteurized dairy products, including sour cream, are perfectly safe to consume during pregnancy. Be sure to look for the word “pasteurized” on the label when choosing a product, and always keep it at a safe temperature in the refrigerator.
Can I have potato salad while pregnant? ›The British National Health Service advises pregnant women to avoid pre-prepared, cold products like coleslaw and potato salad (source: NHS). The FDA also lists coleslaw as one of the foods that can be contaminated with listeria (source: FDA).
What do you crave when pregnant? ›Sometimes you might crave common foods such as chocolate cake or apples. Sometimes you might want to eat unusual food combinations or a foods that you normally don't like. Common food cravings include ice cream, chocolate, other sweet foods, fish, dairy products, and fruit.
Why don't I feel like eating while pregnant? ›Your baby is growing rapidly and filling up the uterus. Pressure on your stomach may affect your appetite. Progesterone is increasing which can cause constipation, and no one feels like eating when they are constipated.
Is it normal to go off meat pregnant? ›It's even possible to have an aversion toward a specific food at one point during your pregnancy and to crave the same food later. However, the most common aversions are toward foods with strong smells. Common pregnancy aversions include: meat.
What sandwich meat can I eat when pregnant? ›Non-dried deli meats such as bologna, roast beef and turkey breast. Dried and salted deli meats such as salami and pepperoni. Non-dried deli meats heated throughout to steaming hot.
Can I eat pizza while pregnant? ›Pizzas are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long they are cooked thoroughly and are piping hot. Mozzarella is perfectly safe but be cautious about pizzas topped with soft, mould-ripened cheeses such as brie and camembert, and soft blue-veined cheeses, such as Danish blue.
Can you eat burgers while pregnant? ›
Pregnant women can safely eat burgers, so long as food safety and cooking temperatures are kept in mind. When ordering out, ask for a well-done burger during pregnancy and hold the lettuce to help minimize your risk of foodborne illness and keep you and baby full, satisfied, and safe.
Can you eat shrimp while pregnant? ›Yes, shrimp is safe to eat during pregnancy. But don't overdo it. Stick to two to three servings of seafood (including options like shrimp) a week and avoid eating it raw. Follow these recommendations and you'll satisfy your taste buds — and cravings — without getting yourself or your baby ill.
What happens if you eat cold meat while pregnant? ›Listeria is killed by pasteurization and cooking. Cold cuts are now sprayed with a food additive that helps prevent Listeria before packaging. You don't need to panic if you are pregnant and have been eating deli meats. The probabilities are in your favor that nothing has happened.
Is it OK to eat cold rotisserie chicken when pregnant? ›Deli-counter meats and cold cuts also pose the threat of listeriosis. Avoid eating cooked rotisserie chicken and lunch meat found in the refrigerated case at the deli-meat counter. If you can't live without your cold cuts, heat the deli meat before eating it. “You have to heat the meat until it is steaming,” Dr.
Can you eat cold cooked chicken breast when pregnant? ›Food Standards
FSANZ recommends that pregnant women avoid cold, cooked, ready-to-eat meats, including barbecued chicken. The problem with cold meats (even if previously cooked) is that unborn babies are at an increased risk of listeriosis which is an illness caused by the listeria bacteria.
Should you have cold water or cold drinks during pregnancy? It is absolutely safe. Pregnancy is an extension of the physiological body and not any sickness. So, all that your body was used to or capable of doing before the pregnancy, can be done during pregnancy too.
Can I eat Subway when pregnant? ›Can Pregnant Women Eat At Subway? Subway sandwiches are safe for pregnant women to eat if they're heated until hot, rather than just warm. This means either microwaved for a few seconds or having the sandwich toasted – sometimes a little more than normal.
What kind of sandwiches can a pregnant woman eat? ›- Tuna. Fish is a good source of many vitamins and minerals. ...
- Ham and cured meats. It is safe to eat cold, pre-packed meats such as ham and corned beef. ...
- Cheese. Hard cheeses like cheddar are safe to eat during pregnancy. ...
- Mayonnaise. It is safe to eat shop-bought mayonnaise during pregnancy.
Some ready-to-eat foods, such as hot dogs, can become contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes after they have been processed and packaged at the plant. If it's not possible to reheat hot dogs, don't eat them.
What is the safest deli meat to eat while pregnant? ›Non-dried deli meats such as bologna, roast beef and turkey breast. Dried and salted deli meats such as salami and pepperoni. Non-dried deli meats heated throughout to steaming hot.
What can I substitute for deli meat while pregnant? ›
Chrisholm recommends sticking to the fresher options. "A healthier and safer option from the deli counter would be in-house freshly roasted turkey, chicken, or roast beef," she says. It's a much safer way to get the protein you and your baby need.
Can you eat fried ice cream when pregnant? ›All these cheeses, whether pasteurised or not, may contain a food poisoning bug that could harm your baby. Soft serve or fried ice cream – Sadly (for some), these are not safe dessert options during your pregnancy. Unpasteurised dairy products – Raw milk is a no-no, as it can carry disease-causing microbes.
Can you eat chicken salad cold? ›Chicken salad is traditionally served cold, as in chilled. Yes, it can be eaten, warm, or room temperature but the flavors have time to meld together when it's been in the refrigerator for a couple hours.
Can I eat Panera salads while pregnant? ›Women are generally advised to avoid bagged salad while pregnant unless you are washing it yourself. Unfortunately, because you have to trust that the restaurant is washing the bagged lettuce, it is best to avoid Panera's salads during your pregnancy.
Can I eat leftover pizza when pregnant? ›Pizzas are safe to eat in pregnancy, as long they are cooked thoroughly and are piping hot. Mozzarella is perfectly safe but be cautious about pizzas topped with soft, mould-ripened cheeses such as brie and camembert, and soft blue-veined cheeses, such as Danish blue.
Can I take a shower at night while pregnant? ›Many women also wonder is it safe to take a shower at night while pregnant. There is no difference between showering at night, or earlier in the day - the most important thing is to listen to your bodies cues, and recognize if you are overheating.
What can't pregnant moms eat? ›- Fully cook all meats and poultry before eating. Use a meat thermometer to make sure.
- Cook hot dogs and luncheon meats until they're steaming hot — or avoid them completely. ...
- Avoid refrigerated pates and meat spreads. ...
- Cook eggs until the egg yolks and whites are firm.