Looking for a refreshing and versatile meal option? This Classic Chicken Salad is a perfect choice! It combines tender shredded chicken with crunchy celery, red onions, and fresh herbs, all coated in a creamy dressing. Ideal for sandwiches, wraps, or served over greens, this chicken salad is a timeless recipe that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 celery stalks, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Lettuce leaves (optional, for serving)
Directions:
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, diced celery, red onion, and chopped fresh dill.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Mix and Adjust: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Serve: Chill the chicken salad before serving. Enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, wrap, or over a bed of lettuce.
Serving Tips:
Sandwiches: Serve the chicken salad between slices of whole grain or crusty bread for a classic sandwich. Add lettuce, tomatoes, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
Wraps: Roll the chicken salad in a soft tortilla or lettuce wrap for a lighter, gluten-free option.
Salad Bowls: Serve over a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a fresh, healthy salad. Add toppings like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or sliced almonds for added crunch.
Crackers or Crostini: Use as a dip for crackers, pita chips, or crostini for a quick and easy appetizer.
Stuffed Avocados: Spoon chicken salad into halved avocados for a low-carb, nutrient-packed meal.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
Chilling: For the best flavor and texture, chill the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the ingredients meld together and enhances the taste.
Separation of Ingredients: If preparing in advance, store the dressing separately and mix with the chicken right before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Freezing: While freezing chicken salad is not recommended due to the mayonnaise and sour cream base, you can freeze the shredded chicken alone and make fresh salad when ready to use.
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- Best Recipe For Chicken Salad
- The Best Chicken Salad You’ll Ever Make
- Tropical Coconut Pineapple Salad Recipe
FAQs:
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this chicken salad recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe! It’s a convenient option and adds a bit of extra flavor. Simply shred or chop the chicken and follow the rest of the recipe as written.
Can I make chicken salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chicken salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, allowing it to chill for a few hours helps the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with more sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a combination of both for a lighter version. Avocado is also a great mayo substitute if you’re looking for a healthier, creamy alternative.
How long does chicken salad last in the refrigerator?
Chicken salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Make sure to stir it before serving to redistribute the dressing and refresh the flavors.
Conclusion:
This Classic Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also highly adaptable. Try it with your favorite mix-ins or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or a picnic dish, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the creamy goodness and fresh flavors of this classic dish!
📖 Recipe:
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Classic Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Classic Chicken Salad is a creamy and flavorful dish made with tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, and fresh herbs. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or serving over greens, it’s a quick and easy meal that’s ideal for lunch or dinner. With a refreshing tang from Dijon mustard and lemon juice, this chicken salad is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re meal-prepping or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 celery stalks, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Lettuce leaves (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, red onion, and fresh dill.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve chilled on its own, in a sandwich, wrap, or over a bed of lettuce.
Notes
You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option.
Add grapes, walnuts, or almonds for extra texture and sweetness.
Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
This salad pairs well with whole grain bread, crackers, or croissants.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Lunch
- Method: Mixing, No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 250 kcal
