Description
A classic, creamy chicken salad combining tender cooked chicken with fresh fruit, crunchy celery, and nuts, all tossed in a tangy mayonnaise and lemon dressing. Perfect as a sandwich filling, served in lettuce cups, or alongside crackers for a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper, or to taste
Salad
- 4 cups cooked and diced chicken
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved or quartered depending on size
- 1 cup red apple, chopped
- 1 cup celery ribs, chopped (about 2 stalks)
- 1 cup pecans (or walnuts or almonds), chopped or sliced
- Bread, croissants, lettuce cups, pita bread, or crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy to form the dressing.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the cooked, diced chicken with the halved or quartered grapes, chopped red apple, chopped celery, and chopped or sliced pecans (or your chosen nuts). Gently toss to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir carefully to ensure the dressing coats all the components evenly.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least one hour. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and improves the texture.
- Serve: Once chilled, serve the chicken salad as a filling in sandwiches made with bread or croissants, or scoop it into lettuce cups for a lighter option. It can also be enjoyed with pita bread or crackers as a snack or light meal.
- Store Leftovers: Place any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Consume within up to 3 days for optimal freshness and safety.
Notes
- For a healthier twist, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light mayo.
- Add herbs like dill or tarragon for extra flavor variation.
- Toast the pecans or nuts lightly to enhance their crunch and flavor.
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- The apple can be substituted with pears or other crisp fruits according to preference.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooled before mixing to maintain crispness of other ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken Salad, Easy Chicken Salad, Creamy Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad Sandwich, Summer Salad, Light Meal
