Looking for a go-to chicken salad recipe that’s perfect for any occasion? This is The Best Chicken Salad You’ll Ever Make is a delightful mix of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing, making it a versatile dish that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re serving it on its own, in a sandwich, or over a bed of greens, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 celery stalk, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries or grapes, halved
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, diced celery, chopped red onion, cranberries (or grapes), nuts, and parsley to the bowl. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Season to Taste: Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Chill: Refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
Serve: Enjoy the chicken salad on its own, in a sandwich, or over a bed of fresh greens.
Serving Tips:
Classic Sandwich: Pile the chicken salad onto your favorite bread or a croissant for a delicious sandwich. Add lettuce, tomato, and avocado for extra freshness.
Over Greens: Serve the chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens, baby spinach, or arugula for a light and refreshing meal. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or extra lemon juice for added flavor.
In a Wrap: For a portable option, wrap the chicken salad in a tortilla or lettuce leaf. This is perfect for a quick lunch or picnic.
With Crackers: For a snack or appetizer, serve the chicken salad with an assortment of crackers or pita chips. It’s a great option for entertaining or a light bite.
Stuffed in Vegetables: Hollow out tomatoes or bell peppers and stuff them with the salad for a creative and healthy presentation.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop even more after sitting, making it tastier the next day.
Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery when thawed, affecting the texture and flavor.
Serving Leftovers: Before serving leftovers, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing. If it seems a bit dry, you can refresh it with a little extra mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
Keep it Cool: If you’re serving this salad at a gathering or picnic, keep it chilled in a cooler or on ice to maintain freshness, especially in warm weather.
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FAQs:
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great option for this salad. It adds extra flavor and saves time. Just shred or dice the meat and mix it with the other ingredients as directed.
Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making the salad ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together even more. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt with something else?
If you prefer not to use Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with an additional 1/4 cup of mayonnaise for a creamier texture, or use sour cream for a similar tangy flavor. Keep in mind that using mayonnaise alone will make the salad richer.
How can I make this chicken salad healthier?
To make this salad healthier, you can use low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. Additionally, you can reduce the amount of nuts or replace them with a lower-calorie option like chopped celery or additional veggies.
Conclusion:
This chicken salad is not only delicious but also easy to make with simple ingredients. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing creates a dish that is satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or preparing it for a gathering, this chicken salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the best chicken salad you’ll ever make!
📖 Recipe:
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The Best Chicken Salad You’ll Ever Make
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Discover the ultimate chicken salad recipe with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a standalone dish, this versatile and delicious chicken salad is sure to become a favorite. Ideal for meal prep, lunch, or gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 celery stalk, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries or grapes, halved
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken, celery, red onion, cranberries (or grapes), nuts, and parsley to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the chicken salad on its own, as a sandwich filling, or over a bed of greens.
Notes
Serving Suggestions: This chicken salad is versatile and can be served on bread, in a wrap, over greens, or with crackers.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze as it may affect the texture of the dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
