Classic Chicken Salad Recipe: Creamy, Versatile & Delicious
This chicken salad recipe combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing for the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making sandwiches for lunch, preparing a light dinner, or serving at a gathering, this versatile recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can have this delicious chicken salad ready in just 20 minutes!
Classic chicken salad with grapes, celery and fresh herbs
Chicken Salad Ingredients
This classic chicken salad recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that combine to create a delicious blend of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: 2 cups (450g) cooked chicken, diced or shredded. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience.
- Celery: 1 cup (100g) diced celery (about 2-3 stalks) for essential crunch.
- Green Onion: 2-3 stalks, thinly sliced for mild onion flavor.
- Grapes: 1 cup (150g) red grapes, halved, for a sweet juicy contrast.
- Nuts: ½ cup (50g) toasted pecans or almonds, chopped, for texture and nutty flavor.
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup (120ml) for creaminess.
- Yogurt: ¼ cup (60ml) plain Greek yogurt to lighten the dressing.
- Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a touch of Dijon mustard to taste.
How to Make Chicken Salad
This easy chicken salad comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow along for perfect results every time:
- Prepare the chicken: If using rotisserie chicken, remove the meat from the bones and dice into bite-sized pieces. If cooking chicken breasts, cool completely before chopping.
- Chop the vegetables: Dice the celery, slice the green onions, and halve the grapes.
- Toast the nuts: In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast the pecans or almonds until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Cool and chop coarsely.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Whisk until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chicken, celery, green onions, grapes, and toasted nuts.
- Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: For best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Chicken Salad Variations
One of the best things about chicken salad is how customizable it is. Here are some delicious variations to try:
Fruity Chicken Salad
Add diced apples or pears, dried cranberries, and walnuts for a sweet-savory combination.
Mediterranean Style
Mix in diced cucumber, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh oregano for a Greek-inspired twist.
Curry Chicken Salad
Add curry powder, golden raisins, cashews, and a touch of honey for an exotic flavor profile.
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Serving Suggestions
Chicken salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways:
- Classic Sandwich: Serve between slices of toasted bread with lettuce and tomato.
- Croissant Sandwich: Fill buttery croissants for an elegant lunch option.
- Lettuce Wraps: Spoon into large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- On a Bed of Greens: Serve over mixed salad greens for a light meal.
- With Crackers: Offer as a dip with assorted crackers for a quick snack.
- Stuffed Avocado: Fill avocado halves for a nutritious lunch.
- In a Wrap: Roll up in a tortilla with extra veggies for a portable meal.
Chicken salad served three ways: on a croissant, in lettuce cups, and with crackers
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Chicken salad is perfect for meal prep and makes weekday lunches a breeze. Here’s how to store it properly:
Refrigerator Storage
Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as they have time to meld together.
Freezing (Not Recommended)
Chicken salad with mayonnaise-based dressing doesn’t freeze well as the dressing can separate and the vegetables lose their crunch. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Meal Prep Ideas
For meal prep, consider storing the chicken salad separately from breads, crackers, or greens to prevent sogginess. Assemble just before eating for the best texture.
Pro Tip: If making chicken salad for meal prep, you can slightly underdress it initially, then add a small amount of extra dressing just before serving to refresh the texture and flavor.
Customization Options
Adapt this chicken salad recipe to suit different dietary needs with these simple modifications:
- Skip the grapes and substitute with diced cucumber
- Use all mayonnaise instead of mayo-yogurt mix
- Serve in lettuce cups instead of bread
- Add extra celery for more crunch without carbs
- Include avocado for healthy fats
Low-Carb Version
- Use dairy-free mayonnaise
- Replace yogurt with mashed avocado
- Add extra lemon juice for tanginess
- Include more fresh herbs for flavor
- Try adding a splash of olive oil for richness
Dairy-Free Option
- Add curry powder for Indian-inspired flavor
- Mix in chipotle powder for smoky heat
- Include fresh jalapeño for a kick
- Try herbs like tarragon or basil for different profiles
- Add a dash of smoked paprika for depth
Spice Variations
Nutritional Information
This chicken salad recipe provides a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and serving size.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 320 | 16% |
| Total Fat | 22g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g | 18% |
| Cholesterol | 65mg | 22% |
| Sodium | 380mg | 17% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10g | 4% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Sugars | 7g | – |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 2 cups (450g) cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup (100g) celery, diced
- 2-3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (150g) red grapes, halved
- ½ cup (50g) pecans or almonds, toasted and chopped
- ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60ml) plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Dice cooked and cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop celery, slice green onions, and halve grapes.
- Toast nuts in a dry skillet until fragrant, then chop.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, mustard, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, celery, green onions, grapes, and nuts.
- Pour dressing over chicken mixture and gently fold until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes (plus chilling time)
Servings
4-6 servings
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve on bread, croissants, lettuce wraps, or with crackers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned chicken in a pinch. Drain it well and gently fold it into the other ingredients to maintain its texture. The flavor won’t be quite as rich as using freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken, but it makes for a quick and convenient option.
How do I prevent my chicken salad from being dry?
To prevent dry chicken salad, make sure you’re using enough dressing for the amount of chicken. Start with the recommended amounts and add more mayonnaise or yogurt if needed. Also, allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the chicken absorb some moisture from the dressing.
What’s the best way to cook chicken for chicken salad?
While rotisserie chicken is the most convenient option, you can also poach chicken breasts in simmering water with aromatics like onion, celery, and bay leaf for about 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method keeps the chicken moist and tender. Let it cool completely before chopping.
Can I make chicken salad ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Chicken salad actually improves in flavor when made a day ahead. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. If serving on bread or croissants, assemble those just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
Perfect Your Chicken Salad Recipe
This classic chicken salad recipe offers the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh flavors. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, meal prep for the week, or serving at your next gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility – feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins and make it your own!
Enjoy this versatile chicken salad recipe for any occasion
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