Chicken salad is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether tucked between two slices of bread for a quick sandwich, scooped onto a bed of crisp greens, or served with crackers as a light snack, this recipe never goes out of style. Its versatility and fresh flavors make it a go-to for picnics, lunchboxes, and light dinners.
This particular recipe is a healthier take on the classic chicken salad, perfect for those seeking a balance between indulgence and nutrition. It’s creamy, crunchy, and tangy, with just the right blend of textures and flavors. If you’ve been on the hunt for a chicken salad that’s easy to prepare yet packed with flavor, you’re in the right place!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy days when you need a meal in minutes.
- Light and Healthy: A guilt-free version of the classic dish.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins to make it uniquely yours.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time, and enjoy it all week long.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (use light mayo if preferred)
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- Optional mix-ins: sliced almonds, dried cranberries, or diced apple
How to Make Classic Chicken Salad:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start with Fresh Ingredients:
Begin by prepping your ingredients. Dice or shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the celery, red onion, and parsley to ensure every bite has that delightful crunch and herby freshness. - Make the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy, tangy base is what ties all the flavors together. - Combine It All:
Add the chicken, celery, red onion, and parsley to the bowl of dressing. Gently mix everything until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. - Taste and Adjust:
Take a little taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want a bit more salt, a pinch of pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. - Chill (Optional):
For the best flavor, cover the chicken salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld beautifully. - Serve Your Way:
Serve as a sandwich filling, on a bed of fresh greens, in lettuce wraps, or simply on its own. It’s delicious no matter how you enjoy it!
Helpful Tips:
- Chicken Options: Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe for added convenience. If you’re cooking chicken specifically for this dish, poaching or baking are great methods to keep it tender.
- Texture Matters: Dice your ingredients evenly to ensure each bite has the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to experiment with mix-ins like chopped apples, walnuts, or a sprinkle of dried cranberries for a sweet and savory twist.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Notes:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative or additional mayo.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While freshly cooked chicken gives the best texture and flavor, canned chicken can be a quick substitute. Just make sure to drain it well before mixing.
Q: Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors have time to meld.
Q: What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
A: You can replace mayonnaise with more Greek yogurt or use an avocado mash for a healthier alternative.
Storage Instructions:
Keep the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the creamy dressing doesn’t thaw well.
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Conclusion:
This Classic Chicken Salad recipe is a delightful mix of creamy, crunchy, and refreshing flavors. It’s simple enough for a quick weekday lunch yet versatile enough to serve at a gathering. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this dish has stood the test of time—it’s a true crowd-pleaser.
Enjoy it your way, and don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments below!
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Classic Chicken Salad
Description
Chicken salad is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether tucked between two slices of bread for a quick sandwich, scooped onto a bed of crisp greens, or served with crackers as a light snack, this recipe never goes out of style. Its versatility and fresh flavors make it a go-to for picnics, lunchboxes, and light dinners.
This particular recipe is a healthier take on the classic chicken salad, perfect for those seeking a balance between indulgence and nutrition. It’s creamy, crunchy, and tangy, with just the right blend of textures and flavors. If you’ve been on the hunt for a chicken salad that’s easy to prepare yet packed with flavor, you’re in the right place!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (use light mayo if preferred)
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- Optional mix-ins: sliced almonds, dried cranberries, or diced apple
Instructions
- Start with Fresh Ingredients:
Begin by prepping your ingredients. Dice or shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the celery, red onion, and parsley to ensure every bite has that delightful crunch and herby freshness. - Make the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy, tangy base is what ties all the flavors together. - Combine It All:
Add the chicken, celery, red onion, and parsley to the bowl of dressing. Gently mix everything until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated with the creamy dressing. - Taste and Adjust:
Take a little taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want a bit more salt, a pinch of pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. - Chill (Optional):
For the best flavor, cover the chicken salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld beautifully. - Serve Your Way:
Serve as a sandwich filling, on a bed of fresh greens, in lettuce wraps, or simply on its own. It’s delicious no matter how you enjoy it!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative or additional mayo.
