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.
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!
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.