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
Scale
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.
