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Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crisp lettuce cradles this classic chicken salad, blending tender shredded chicken with creamy mayo and crunchy celery. Fresh herbs and a hint of lemon zest elevate this timeless dish, promising a satisfying lunch you’ll savor with every delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 3 cups (720 ml) cooked chicken, shredded

Creamy Base and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables and Herbs:

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped onion
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Optional:

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  1. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring no large chunks remain for a consistent texture throughout the salad.
  2. Dice the celery and onion into fine, uniform pieces to distribute flavor evenly and provide a crisp crunch.
  3. In a spacious mixing vessel, gently fold the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt into the shredded chicken, creating a creamy base.
  4. Incorporate the finely chopped celery, onion, and fresh dill into the chicken mixture, stirring carefully to maintain an even distribution.
  5. Add Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, blending thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are harmoniously combined.
  6. Cover the salad with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap, then place in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
  7. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the ingredients and ensure optimal taste and texture.
  8. Present the chicken salad as a standalone dish, nestled between slices of bread, atop crisp crackers, or wrapped in fresh, crisp lettuce leaves.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality, freshly cooked chicken breast for the best texture and flavor in your salad.
  • Experiment with Greek yogurt ratios to create a lighter, tangier version of the classic chicken salad.
  • Finely dice celery and onions to ensure even distribution and prevent large, overpowering chunks in each bite.
  • Prepare chicken salad ahead of time and store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days for convenient meal prep.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg