classic chicken salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best classic chicken salad recipe

I’ve been making classic chicken salad for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish is a staple in many American households, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients.

I love how versatile it is, too – you can serve it on its own as a light lunch, or add it to a bed of greens for a satisfying dinner. My kids adore it when I serve it on whole wheat bread with a side of carrot sticks, and my husband enjoys it as a snack after his workouts.

But what really sets this recipe apart is the fact that it’s made with wholesome ingredients like chicken breast, celery, and walnuts – no artificial preservatives or additives needed here! When I’m in a hurry, I appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together.

Simply shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, mix in some mayonnaise and chopped veggies, and voila! You have a tasty and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

I’ve even been known to whip up a batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge for up to three days – just reheat and serve. It’s truly one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

Classic Chicken Salad

Classic Chicken Salad

4.9 from 839 votes

A timeless dish featuring tender chicken, creamy dressing, and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for sandwiches or as a light meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

For the Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Salad

1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup grapes halved
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place chicken breasts in a saucepan.
2Cover with water.
3Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center with a thermometer reading of 165°F.
5Remove from heat.
6Let cool for 10 minutes.
7Dice the chicken into small cubes.
8Transfer to a mixing bowl.
9In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
10Mix well until smooth and fully incorporated.
11Stir in the diced chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, almonds, and parsley.
12Combine until all ingredients are evenly distributed and well coated in the dressing.
13Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
14Serve chilled on bread, crackers, or lettuce leaves.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Kitchen knife
Saucepan
Spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 8g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: For added crunch, try mixing in chopped apples or pecans. To make it healthier, reduce mayonnaise and add Greek yogurt.

Watch Video Of How Classic Chicken Salad Works

One of the things I love most about this classic chicken salad recipe is how well it stores in the fridge. Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days – just reheat when you’re ready.

You can also freeze individual portions for up to two months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. When reheating, be sure to warm the salad gently over low heat to prevent the mayonnaise from breaking down.

And if you’re looking for some creative ways to serve your chicken salad, consider adding some diced veggies like bell peppers or carrots on top of your bed of greens – yum!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Salad

What is the best type of chicken to use in classic chicken salad?

I prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Not only are they leaner than other cuts of meat, but they’re also easier to shred into bite-sized pieces.

Can I substitute mayonnaise with another ingredient?

Sure thing! If you’re looking for a lighter version of this recipe or want to avoid the calories found in mayonnaise, you can swap it out with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.

How do I prevent the chicken salad from becoming too dry?

To keep your chicken salad moist, be sure to not over-mix the ingredients. This will help prevent the mayonnaise from breaking down and creating an unappetizing texture.

What if I don’t have walnuts? Can I use another type of nut instead?

You bet! While walnuts add a nice crunch to this recipe, you can substitute them with almonds or pecans if you prefer.

Is classic chicken salad suitable for vegetarians?

Nope! As this recipe contains chicken breast as its main protein source, vegetarians won’t be able to enjoy it.

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