“`html
If you’ve ever longed for that perfect, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that brings a burst of flavor and freshness to your table, look no further than this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe. With its creamy dressing, crisp celery, and just the right hint of tang from lemon and Dijon mustard, this salad effortlessly balances savory and bright notes. It’s a true crowd-pleaser—whether for a quick lunch, a picnic favorite, or a light dinner—and it’s so simple to put together, you’ll wonder why it hasn’t been your go-to recipe all along.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is actually the key to nailing the perfect taste and texture of your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy mayo or Greek yogurt that binds everything to the crunchy celery and bright red onion that keep the salad fresh and lively.
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast: The star of the salad, shredded or diced for easy bites and an excellent protein base.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt): Provides creaminess; Greek yogurt adds a lighter, tangier twist.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle, sophisticated sharpness that lifts the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Injects brightness and freshness to keep things lively.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers comforting, savory undertones without overwhelming the flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the savory notes with gentle sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for seasoning all the ingredients just right.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a mild kick and warmth.
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped: Adds crunch and a refreshing contrast to the creamy salad.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Delivers a sharp, colorful bite that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish (optional): Introduces a hint of sweetness and tang for extra flavor complexity.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, herbal garnish that brightens the whole dish.
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped grapes or apple: Adds a juicy sweetness and fun texture if you want to shake things up.
How to Make Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by making sure your chicken breast is perfectly cooked. Whether you bake it in the oven, boil for tenderness, or sauté for a little extra flavor, the goal is juicy, fully cooked chicken. Then you’ll shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces that blend wonderfully into the salad, creating a hearty, protein-packed base.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple mixture combines into a creamy dressing that is bursting with flavor, enveloping every bite of chicken with a smooth, tangy richness.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
Add the shredded chicken, celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish if you choose to use it, into the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated, marrying creaminess with crunch and a pop of tang.
Step 4: Optional Add-Ins
If you’re feeling adventurous or want a touch of fruitiness, fold in chopped grapes or apple. This addition brings a juicy sweetness and an unexpected texture contrast that makes this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe even more exciting and fresh.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish your salad with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve it chilled for the best flavor and texture. This salad is incredibly versatile—try it piled high in sandwiches, nestled in crisp lettuce leaves for wraps, or spooned onto a bed of fresh greens for a lighter meal.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a fantastic, simple garnish that adds a pop of green and a mild herbal note, elevating the presentation and flavor without overpowering the salad’s balanced flavors. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top can also add that extra visual and taste appeal.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think crunchy vegetable sticks, light pita chips, or a crisp green salad to keep the meal fresh and inviting. If you want to serve it for a heartier meal, try it alongside roasted potatoes or a warm bread roll for a satisfying combination.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, present your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe in avocado halves or inside hollowed-out tomatoes. You can also serve it atop toasted crostini for an impressive appetizer. Another idea is to turn it into sliders using mini buns for a crowd-friendly option that’s colorful and irresistibly tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to three days. Give it a quick stir before serving to refresh the texture.
Freezing
When it comes to freezing, this salad is best enjoyed fresh. Because the dressing contains mayonnaise or Greek yogurt and fresh vegetables, freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture and flavor, making it less appetizing once thawed.
Reheating
This recipe is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you’d like a warm dish, consider keeping the chicken separate and warming it before adding the salad ingredients. Otherwise, enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds delicious flavor and saves time. Just shred or dice it, and it’s ready to be mixed into your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe.
Is it possible to make this salad dairy-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free mayo alternative, and you can omit any optional ingredients containing dairy. The salad will still be creamy and flavorful.
How long does this chicken salad last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this chicken salad will stay fresh and tasty for about three days. After that, the texture of the celery and onions may soften.
Can I add nuts or seeds for extra crunch?
Definitely! Toasted almonds, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds can add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the salad beautifully.
What’s the best bread to use for chicken salad sandwiches?
Soft sandwich breads like brioche or whole wheat rolls work wonderfully, but you can also get creative with croissants, ciabatta, or multigrain breads to enhance the taste and texture experience.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those beloved dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple to make, comforting, and endlessly versatile. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether a weeknight meal or a special gathering. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
“`
Print
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (if cooking chicken)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Classic Chicken Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish made with tender cooked chicken breast, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or as a refreshing side, this easy-to-make salad combines savory and slightly sweet ingredients for a balanced, satisfying meal or snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish (optional for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped grapes or apple for a touch of sweetness and texture
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: If not already cooked, bake, boil, or sauté the chicken breast until fully cooked. Then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces, ensuring it is cool before mixing with other ingredients.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a balanced dressing base.
- Combine the Salad: Add the shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish if using to the bowl with the dressing. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Optional Add-Ins: If desired, gently fold in the chopped grapes or apple to introduce extra sweetness and a crunchy texture to the salad.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the salad chilled, either on sandwich bread, in lettuce wraps, or over a bed of fresh greens for a light and refreshing meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Adjust the salt and pepper to taste depending on your preference.
- Adding fruits like grapes or apples adds natural sweetness and texture but is optional.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can be customized with other fresh herbs like dill or tarragon for a flavor twist.
