Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
Classic Chicken Salad is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for sandwiches, salads, or a quick snack. Creamy and tangy with a bit of crunch, it’s a versatile favorite for any season.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup diced celery (¼” dice)
- ⅓ cup diced red onion (or shallots, ⅛” dice)
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (or chives)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced red onion, sliced green onions, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Step 2: Stir everything together until well mixed and the salad reaches your desired consistency.
- Step 3: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add chopped toasted nuts like pecans or almonds.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Mix in diced apples or grapes for a sweet twist.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation.
Storage
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving. It’s best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature if preferred. Avoid freezing as the mayonnaise can separate.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just keep it covered and refrigerated to maintain freshness.
What are good ways to serve chicken salad?
Chicken salad is delicious on sandwiches, stuffed into pita pockets, served over greens as a salad, or with crackers as a snack.
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Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Classic Chicken Salad is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful dish perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served on a bed of greens. Made with tender cooked chicken, crisp celery, sharp red onion, and fresh green onions, all tossed in a Dijon mustard and lemon juice-infused mayonnaise dressing. It’s a quick, no-cook recipe that’s ideal for lunch or light dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup diced celery (¼” dice)
- ⅓ cup diced red onion (or shallots, ⅛” dice)
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (or chives)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Salad: In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced red onion, sliced green onions, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly until well combined and the salad reaches your preferred creamy consistency.
- To Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if desired. Serve the chicken salad immediately or cover it tightly and refrigerate until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful option.
- Diced celery adds a nice crunch; finely chopping or omitting is fine if preferred softer texture.
- Red onion or shallots provide a subtle sharpness; soak diced onions in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor if desired.
- Dijon mustard can be substituted with whole grain mustard for texture variation.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with bread, crackers, or over a green salad for a light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: classic chicken salad, chicken salad recipe, easy chicken salad, no-cook chicken salad, lunch recipe, creamy chicken salad
