Chicken salad is a classic dish that is both versatile and delicious. It can be served as a sandwich, on a bed of lettuce, or as a dip with crackers. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for lunch, picnics, or a light dinner, chicken salad is a go-to recipe that everyone will love. Follow this guide to make a mouthwatering chicken salad that is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients for Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves, for serving (optional)
- Bread, crackers, or croissants, for serving (optional)
How to Make Chicken Salad
- Prepare the Chicken:
- If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, you can poach, roast, or grill it. To poach, place chicken breasts in a pot of simmering water and cook for about 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to cool, then dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the dressing is smooth.
- Chop the Vegetables:
- Finely chop the celery and red onion. Halve the red grapes and chop the fresh parsley. These ingredients will add crunch, sweetness, and freshness to the chicken salad.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the diced or shredded chicken, chopped celery, red onion, halved grapes, and sliced almonds or chopped pecans to the bowl with the dressing. Mix everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season and Adjust:
- Taste the chicken salad and season with salt and pepper to your preference. You can also add more lemon juice, mustard, or any other ingredient to adjust the flavor to your liking.
- Chill and Serve:
- For the best flavor, cover the chicken salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce, as a sandwich on your favorite bread or croissants, or with crackers as a dip.
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken:
Chicken is the star of this salad, providing a lean source of protein. Using cooked chicken, whether poached, roasted, or grilled, ensures that the salad is tender and flavorful. Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken can also be used for convenience.
Mayonnaise and Greek Yogurt:
The combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt creates a creamy and tangy dressing. Mayonnaise provides richness, while Greek yogurt adds a lighter, tangier note. Together, they make a balanced dressing that complements the chicken and vegetables.
Dijon Mustard and Lemon Juice:
Dijon mustard adds a sharp, slightly spicy flavor that enhances the dressing, while lemon juice provides acidity and brightness. These ingredients help to balance the richness of the mayonnaise and yogurt, giving the salad a well-rounded flavor.
Celery and Red Onion:
Celery adds a crisp texture and a refreshing crunch to the salad, while red onion provides a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Both vegetables contribute to the overall texture and flavor profile of the chicken salad.
Red Grapes:
Red grapes bring a touch of sweetness and juiciness to the salad, balancing the savory ingredients. Their vibrant color also adds visual appeal to the dish.
Nuts (Almonds or Pecans):
Sliced almonds or chopped pecans add a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. They also provide a contrast to the creamy dressing and tender chicken.
Fresh Parsley:
Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and a pop of color to the salad. It also provides a mild herbaceous flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Chicken salad is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste. You can add other ingredients such as apples, cranberries, or avocado for additional flavor and texture. Whether enjoyed on its own, as a sandwich, or with crackers, this chicken salad recipe is sure to be a hit. Its combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy dressing makes it a delicious and satisfying meal that you can enjoy any time of the day.
