A Chicken Salad is a versatile and delicious dish, perfect for a light lunch or as a side. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Here’s a simple, classic recipe for a creamy chicken salad:
Classic Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped) — rotisserie chicken works great
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grapes or apple, sliced (optional, for sweetness and crunch)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pecans) (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill (optional, for added flavor)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions:
- Cook and shred the chicken:
If using raw chicken, cook it by boiling, grilling, or baking until fully cooked (about 20-25 minutes for boneless breasts). Once cooked, shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. - Make the dressing:
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), lemon juice, and honey (if using). Stir until smooth and well combined. - Mix the salad ingredients:
Add the chopped chicken, celery, red onion, grapes (or apple), and nuts (if using) into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until well coated. - Season:
Taste and season with salt and pepper. You can also add some fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor. - Chill and serve:
For best flavor, cover the chicken salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve it on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, in a wrap, or with crackers.
Enjoy:
This Chicken Salad is creamy, flavorful, and customizable. You can add more veggies (like cucumbers or bell peppers) or swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version. It’s a perfect dish for meal prep, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner!
Let me know how it turns out, or if you’d like any variations!