Chicken Salad is a classic for a reason, offering a versatile, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for lunches, picnics, or light dinners. This recipe provides a straightforward way to create a delicious chicken salad that’s both budget-friendly and customizable.
Key Ingredients for Classic Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely diced (rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (use your favorite brand, from full-fat for creaminess to lighter options)
- ¼ cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Optional additions: ¼ cup chopped pickles, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or a pinch of curry powder for a twist.
How to Make Classic Chicken Salad:
Whip up this delicious and satisfying Chicken Salad in no time! This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunches, and results in a wonderfully creamy and flavorful dish that’s a delightful departure from plain chicken. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Ensure your cooked chicken is ready. If you’re shredding or dicing by hand, make sure the pieces are bite-sized and uniform in size. If using rotisserie chicken, this step is already done for you!
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard. Whisk these together until they are well combined and smooth. This creates the creamy base for your Chicken Salad.
- Add Aromatic Vegetables: Gently fold in the finely chopped celery and red onion into the mayonnaise mixture. The celery adds a pleasant crunch, while the red onion provides a subtle, sharp flavor that cuts through the richness.
- Incorporate Herbs and Seasonings: Stir in the fresh dill, salt, and black pepper. Dill is a classic pairing with chicken, offering a bright, slightly anisey flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to your personal preference.
- Mix in the Chicken: Add the prepared cooked chicken to the bowl. Using a spatula or a spoon, gently fold the chicken into the dressing until it is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken mushy.
- Add Optional Mix-ins (if using): If you’re incorporating any optional ingredients such as chopped pickles for a tangy bite, fresh parsley for an extra burst of green flavor, lemon juice for brightness, or curry powder for a unique twist, now is the time to gently fold them in.
- Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Chicken Salad for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Chicken Salad:
This Chicken Salad is a true crowd-pleaser thanks to its perfectly balanced creamy texture and refreshing taste, making it a standout compared to drier or bland versions. It’s an incredibly economical meal to prepare at home, saving you money compared to store-bought alternatives. The simple yet effective combination of fresh dill, crisp celery, and tangy red onion elevates it beyond the ordinary, creating a delightful party in your mouth.
Every spoonful offers a satisfying blend of tender chicken and vibrant flavors that’s both comforting and invigorating. This recipe is your new go-to for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion, just like a homemade tuna salad but with a delightful chicken twist. Give this wonderful Chicken Salad a try for your next lunch or gathering!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Properly storing your Chicken Salad is key to enjoying its freshness.
- Refrigeration: Transfer any leftover Chicken Salad to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge.
- Freezing: While Chicken Salad can be frozen, it’s important to note that the texture of the mayonnaise might change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the Chicken Salad in individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
- Reheating (Not Recommended): Chicken Salad is best served cold and is not typically reheated. If you have frozen Chicken Salad, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If the texture seems a bit off after thawing, consider using it as a filling for wraps or in a different dish where texture is less critical.
Final Thoughts:
This Chicken Salad is a testament to simple ingredients creating something truly delicious and satisfying. We encourage you to try this recipe at home and discover just how easy and rewarding it is to make your own perfect batch. Enjoy every bite!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Ensure your cooked chicken is ready. If you’re shredding or dicing by hand, make sure the pieces are bite-sized and uniform in size. If using rotisserie chicken, this step is already done for you!2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely diced
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard. Whisk these together until they are well combined and smooth. This creates the creamy base for your Chicken Salad.½ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Gently fold in the finely chopped celery and red onion into the mayonnaise mixture. The celery adds a pleasant crunch, while the red onion provides a subtle, sharp flavor that cuts through the richness.¼ cup finely chopped celery, 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- Stir in the fresh dill, salt, and black pepper. Dill is a classic pairing with chicken, offering a bright, slightly anisey flavor. Adjust salt and pepper to your personal preference.1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Add the prepared cooked chicken to the bowl. Using a spatula or a spoon, gently fold the chicken into the dressing until it is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken mushy.2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely diced
- If you’re incorporating any optional ingredients such as chopped pickles for a tangy bite, fresh parsley for an extra burst of green flavor, lemon juice for brightness, or curry powder for a unique twist, now is the time to gently fold them in.¼ cup chopped pickles, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 pinch curry powder
- For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Chicken Salad for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.