home made chicken salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best home made chicken salad recipe

I’ve been making homemade chicken salad for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family and friends. I think what I love most about this recipe is the simplicity of it – just a few ingredients, but each one is carefully chosen to bring out the best in the dish. The first time I made this recipe, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the combination of flavors and textures.

The chicken is tender and juicy, the celery adds a nice crunch, and the dressing brings everything together. My kids love helping me make this recipe because they get to use their favorite kitchen tools, like the meat grinder and the food processor. We always have so much fun making it together as a family, and it’s a great way to spend quality time together while creating something delicious.

As for where this recipe comes from, I’m not entirely sure – I think my mom may have passed it down to me from her mother. Regardless of its origins, this recipe has become a staple in our household, and we make it for special occasions like holidays and family gatherings, as well as for everyday meals. One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize – you can add your favorite fruits or nuts to make it more interesting.

We’ve also experimented with different types of chicken, like rotisserie chicken or even leftover chicken from last night’s dinner. This versatility makes it easy to adjust the recipe to suit our tastes and dietary needs. In terms of health benefits, this recipe is a great way to get more protein into your diet while avoiding processed meats.

The celery adds fiber and vitamins A and K, while the dressing brings in healthy fats from the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.

Homemade Chicken Salad

4.7 from 1994 votes

A classic chicken salad recipe made with tender chicken, creamy mayo, and crunchy celery. Perfect for sandwiches or as a light meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Salad

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup grapes, halved (optional)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For Serving

4 slices whole grain bread
1 head lettuce
1 tomato, sliced

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the chicken breasts, reduce heat to medium, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle and the juices run clear.
3Remove from heat and let the chicken cool in the pot for 10 minutes.
4Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, transfer it to a cutting board and dice into small pieces.
Set aside.
5In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, plain yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
6Mix well until smooth.
7Add the diced chicken, chopped celery, red onion, grapes, and parsley to the bowl.
8Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
9Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10To serve, toast the bread if desired.
11Wash and dry the lettuce leaves.
12Layer the lettuce, tomato slices, and chicken salad on the bread to make sandwiches.
13Serve immediately and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a healthier option, use low-fat mayonnaise and yogurt. You can also add other ingredients like chopped apples, nuts, or dried fruits to customize the salad to your liking.

This homemade chicken salad recipe has become a staple in our household – we make it regularly for special occasions like holidays and family gatherings as well as everyday meals. It’s perfect for potlucks or picnics because it’s easy to transport and serves a crowd nicely.

When storing leftovers, be sure to keep them refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below within two hours of preparation. You can reheat leftover chicken salad by placing it in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until heated through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Salad

Q: What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

A: You can use any type of chicken you like – boneless breasts, thighs, or even leftover roast chicken work well in this recipe.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the salad up to a day in advance – simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Q: What if I don’t have any celery on hand?

A: You can omit the celery altogether or substitute with another crunchy vegetable like carrots or bell peppers.

Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

A: Yes, Greek yogurt works beautifully in place of mayonnaise – simply adjust the amount according to taste.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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