Classic Chicken Salad – With its blend of tender chicken, creamy dressing, and a touch of crunch from fresh veggies, this salad is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or even on its own.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
This chicken salad is all about:
- Creamy texture with a balance of mayo and Greek yogurt
- Fresh crunch from celery and red onions
- Zesty flavor with Dijon mustard and a hint of lemon juice
- Simplicity and ease—ready in under 20 minutes!
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect classic chicken salad:
- Cooked Chicken: Poached, roasted, or rotisserie chicken works best. Dice or shred the meat for a consistent texture.
- Mayonnaise: For creamy richness, but feel free to balance it with some Greek yogurt for added tang.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds a light tanginess and lowers the overall calories.
- Celery: Adds that essential crunch.
- Red Onion: Provides a hint of sharpness without overpowering the salad.
- Dijon Mustard: For a subtle tang that enhances the flavors.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and keeps it fresh-tasting.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the salad to perfection.
- Optional Add-ins: Fresh herbs, grapes, apples, nuts, or even hard-boiled eggs for extra flavor.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh celery, onion, and high-quality mayonnaise make all the difference.
- Chill for Extra Flavor: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
- Adjust Texture: For a creamier salad, use a potato masher to break down the chicken slightly.
- Balance Flavors: A dash of lemon juice or a small amount of sugar can bring out the best flavors.
- Perfectly Poached Chicken: If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, poach it in seasoned water to keep it tender and juicy.
Delicious Variations to Try
The beauty of chicken salad lies in its versatility. Here are some delightful variations:
- Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad: Add dried cranberries and chopped walnuts for a sweet, nutty twist.
- Avocado Chicken Salad: Replace some of the mayonnaise with mashed avocado for a creamy, heart-healthy version.
- Apple and Grape Chicken Salad: Add diced apples and halved grapes for extra sweetness and texture.
- Curried Chicken Salad: Mix in a dash of curry powder and some golden raisins for a mildly spicy, exotic flavor.
- Herb-Lover’s Chicken Salad: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for a burst of freshness.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad
Chicken salad is wonderfully versatile! Here are some ideas for serving:
- On Sandwiches: Serve on whole-grain bread, croissants, or toasted baguettes.
- With Crackers: For a quick snack or appetizer, serve with crackers or pita chips.
- In Lettuce Cups: For a low-carb option, spoon the salad into crisp lettuce leaves.
- Stuffed in Tomatoes or Avocados: Hollow out tomatoes or avocados and fill with chicken salad for a unique presentation.
- Over a Bed of Greens: Make it a salad topping! Pair with fresh greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes for a light meal.
How to Store Classic Chicken Salad
Proper storage is key to keeping chicken salad fresh and delicious. Here’s what you need to know:
- In the Refrigerator: Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing Chicken Salad: While technically possible, freezing may alter the texture, especially if mayonnaise is used. If you must freeze it, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo, and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
- Serving After Storing: If the salad looks a bit dry after storage, freshen it up with a small spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make chicken salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chicken salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
How can I make my chicken salad healthier?
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option, or mix the two for a balanced, creamy taste. You can also add more vegetables, like diced bell peppers or cucumbers, for added fiber and nutrients.
What type of chicken works best for chicken salad?
Poached or rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. Avoid heavily seasoned or fried chicken, as it can change the classic flavor profile.
Can I add eggs to chicken salad?
Yes! Chopped hard-boiled eggs are a great addition that adds extra protein and richness to the salad.
Why does my chicken salad turn watery?
If your chicken salad is watery, it could be due to the vegetables releasing moisture. To prevent this, pat the veggies dry before mixing and avoid storing it with too many watery add-ins like cucumbers.
What can I do if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
Substitute with plain yogurt, sour cream, or even cottage cheese, although each will slightly alter the taste and texture.
Classic Chicken Salad
Classic Chicken Salad - With its blend of tender chicken, creamy dressing, and a touch of crunch from fresh veggies, this salad is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or even on its own.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
- 1 cup celery, halved lengthwise and sliced (from 2-3 stalks)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 medium onion)
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
Instructions
- Toast the Pecans: In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast pecans for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a cutting board, coarsely chop, and let cool.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, mix the diced chicken, halved grapes, sliced celery, chopped red onion, and cooled pecans.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and fresh dill.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients (use all or to taste) and stir until everything is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 471Total Fat 33gSaturated Fat 6gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 25gCholesterol 85mgSodium 399mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 3gSugar 11gProtein 29g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Wrapping It Up: A Classic Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again
This Classic Chicken Salad recipe is a true kitchen staple, beloved for its simplicity and deliciousness. From its creamy texture to its adaptable nature, it’s the kind of recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Try out a few variations, experiment with your own add-ins, and find the perfect version that suits your taste!
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