Best Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that brings together the flavors of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for busy days. Not only is it delicious, but this salad is highly customizable, allowing you to add personal twists to suit your taste.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 250
Protein: 25 grams
Carbohydrates: 10 grams
Fat: 12 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Sugar: 3 grams
Sodium: 450 mg
Why Make Best Chicken Salad
The Best Chicken Salad is an excellent choice for a nutritious and balanced meal. Packed with protein from the chicken and filled with crunchy vegetables like celery and red onion, this salad is both hearty and refreshing. It’s a great way to sneak in fruits, with juicy red grapes adding a sweet twist. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—whether served in a wrap, on a bed of greens, or with crackers, you can enjoy it in multiple ways!
How to Make Best Chicken Salad Step by Step
Ingredients
Cooked Chicken: 3 cups, chopped or shredded
Celery: ¾ cup, finely diced
Red Grapes: 1 cup, halved
Pickles or Relish: ⅓ cup
Red Onion: ¼ cup, finely diced
Mayonnaise: ½ cup
Greek Yogurt: ¼ cup
Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Optional Add-Ins: Chopped nuts, fresh herbs, or hard-boiled egg
Directions
Chill your mixing bowl if desired. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, add chicken, celery, red onion, pickles, and any add-ins. Pour dressing over the mix and stir gently to combine. Fold in grapes carefully to avoid bruising. Adjust seasoning to taste. Chill for 30 minutes. Serve in sandwiches, wraps, or with crackers.
How to Serve Best Chicken Salad
For a delightful meal, try serving the Best Chicken Salad in a whole-grain wrap, alongside a fresh garden salad. You can also enjoy it with a side of kettle-cooked chips for a satisfying crunch. For something light, serve on a bed of lettuce with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.
How to Store Best Chicken Salad
Store the Best Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If you wish to freeze it, avoid adding the grapes until you’re ready to serve, as they don’t freeze well.
Expert Tips for Cooking Best Chicken Salad
- Use leftover roast chicken for added flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy addition.
- Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the salad’s flavor.
- For a spicy kick, include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Consider substituting Greek yogurt with avocado for a creamy, dairy-free option.
Delicious Variations of Best Chicken Salad
For a Spicy Chicken Salad, mix in some diced jalapeños and a splash of Sriracha. An Herbed Chicken Salad can be made by adding a variety of fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a fragrant twist. If you prefer a lighter option, a Citrus Chicken Salad with orange segments and a splash of orange juice can brighten this classic dish.
In conclusion, the Best Chicken Salad is a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make meal. With its adaptable ingredients and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So go ahead, whip up this delicious salad and enjoy all its delightful variations!
Best Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked Chicken, chopped or shredded Use leftover roast chicken for added flavor.
- ¾ cup Celery, finely diced
- 1 cup Red Grapes, halved Avoid freezing these until ready to serve.
- ⅓ cup Pickles or Relish
- ¼ cup Red Onion, finely diced
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek Yogurt Consider substituting with avocado for a dairy-free option.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped nuts, fresh herbs, or hard-boiled egg Experiment with nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy addition.
Instructions
Preparation
- Chill your mixing bowl if desired.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, add chicken, celery, red onion, pickles, and any add-ins.
- Pour dressing over the mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Fold in grapes carefully to avoid bruising.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Chill for 30 minutes.
Serving
- Serve in sandwiches, wraps, or with crackers.
- Consider serving in a whole-grain wrap or alongside a fresh garden salad.
- For a lighter option, serve on a bed of lettuce with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.
