Chicken Salad

Lucy

Discover the delicious secrets of Chicken Salad Chick with this easy, healthy recipe perfect for lunch or dinner. Quick, tasty, and full of flavor!

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course dinner, lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

2 cups shredded chicken breast – For the best texture use cooked, shredded chicken. You can easily use rotisserie chicken for added flavor or poach your own for a leaner option.
1/2 cup mayonnaise – The creamy base of your dressing. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option or a combo of both for the perfect balance.
2 tbsp Dijon mustard – Adds a bit of tanginess and depth to the dressing.
1 tbsp lemon juice – Brightens up the flavor and helps balance the richness of the mayo.
1/4 cup celery diced – For a nice crunch and a refreshing flavor that balances the creaminess.
1/4 cup grapes halved – Sweet, juicy bites that add a lovely contrast to the savory ingredients.
1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts – Adds a nutty crunchy element for extra texture.
Salt & pepper – To taste for enhancing the overall flavor.

1/4 cup chopped red onion – For a bit of bite and color.
1/4 cup dried cranberries – If you prefer a sweet-and-savory mix cranberries bring a wonderful pop of sweetness.
1/2 avocado diced – For extra creaminess and richness.
Fresh herbs dill, parsley, or chives – A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the flavor and add a burst of color.

Shred the Chicken – Start by shredding your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, it’s a great shortcut! If not, poach or bake your chicken and then shred it. The goal is tender, juicy chicken that will soak up all the delicious flavors in the dressing.
Tip: For the perfect texture, use a fork or your hands to shred the chicken, making sure it’s not too fine or too chunky.

Combine the Base Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. This trio creates a smooth and creamy base for your salad.
Season to Taste – Add salt and pepper as needed. Feel free to include a dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika for added flavor. You can always adjust to your taste, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Consistency Tip: If you like a richer, thicker dressing, add more mayo. For a lighter version, you can substitute some mayo with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado.

Add Crunch – Stir in the celery for that perfect crunch. If you enjoy a bit of extra flavor, feel free to add red onions or even some fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Balance with Sweetness – Gently fold in the grapes, dried cranberries, or even apple slices for a touch of natural sweetness. This contrast will really make your chicken salad pop!
Extra Texture: Toss in some toasted pecans or walnuts to add a crunchy, nutty layer that complements the creamy dressing.

Add your shredded chicken to the bowl with the dressing and veggies, mixing everything together until well combined. The dressing should coat the chicken and veggies evenly, creating that signature creamy texture.
Pro Tip: If you want an even creamier texture, let it sit for a few minutes after mixing to let the flavors meld together. The chicken will absorb some of the dressing, making it even tastier!

Chill for Flavors to Blend – Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. Chilling will allow the flavors to blend together, creating a rich, cohesive dish.
Serve – Now, the best part! Serve your chicken salad on croissants, in lettuce wraps, or even as a salad over greens. You can also pair it with crackers, or use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.
Tip for Meal Prep: Chicken salad makes a great meal prep option—it keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, so feel free to make it ahead of time!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Keyword Chicken Salad, Easy Chicken Salad Recipe, Healthy Chicken Salad