Best Chicken Salad

Craving a lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor, keeps you healthy, and is ready in minutes? Our Best Chicken Salad recipe is your new best friend. It’s packed with lean protein, wholesome ingredients, and a burst of taste that will brighten your day. Honestly, after a long day juggling work and kids, this is my go-to for a delicious and satisfying meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. I think you’ll love it too!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

My grandmother, Nana Jo, used to make chicken salad every summer for our family picnics. Her recipe was simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. This Best Chicken Salad is my homage to her culinary spirit – a classic recipe with a few modern twists, it’s a guaranteed hit that brings back wonderful memories with every bite. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a connection to my past and a way to share that joy with you.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup grapes, halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe

1. In a large bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken.
2. Add in the mayonnaise, chopped celery, red onion, and halved grapes.
3. Sprinkle in the fresh parsley.
4. Drizzle with lemon juice and add Dijon mustard.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Gently mix all ingredients until well combined.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Best Chicken Salad

This Best Chicken Salad recipe is a quick and easy recipe packed with flavor, lean protein, and wholesome ingredients. A classic dish with a few modern twists, perfect for a healthy and satisfying lunch.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Lunch

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup celery finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
• 1/4 cup grapes halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

• Large bowl

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, add the shredded cooked chicken.
2. Add in the mayonnaise, chopped celery, red onion, and halved grapes.
3. Sprinkle in the fresh parsley.
4. Drizzle with lemon juice and add Dijon mustard.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Gently mix all ingredients until well combined.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Opting for high-quality ingredients truly makes a difference. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Don’t overmix the salad; gentle mixing preserves the texture of the ingredients. Feel free to experiment with add-ins like toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture, or cranberries for a touch of sweetness. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences; a little extra lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce can brighten up the flavors. If you let the salad sit in the fridge for a few hours, the flavors will blend together beautifully.

Expert Tips for Best Results

To achieve the very Best Chicken Salad, opting for high-quality ingredients truly makes a difference. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and an extra layer of flavor, or bake or poach your own chicken breasts for a healthier alternative. Don’t overmix the salad; gentle mixing preserves the texture of the ingredients. Feel free to experiment with add-ins like toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture, or cranberries for a touch of sweetness. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences; a little extra lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce can brighten up the flavors. If you let the salad sit in the fridge for a few hours, the flavors will blend together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

The beauty of this Best Chicken Salad lies in its versatility. Pair it with crisp lettuce cups for a light and refreshing lunch, or spread it between slices of toasted whole-wheat bread for a classic sandwich. It’s also delicious served atop crackers, with a side of fresh fruit, or even as a scoop on a green salad. For an elegant presentation, fill avocado halves with the chicken salad and sprinkle with fresh herbs. It’s a delightful addition to picnic baskets, potlucks, or a simple afternoon snack. Get creative and explore various combinations; the possibilities are endless. No matter how you enjoy it, this chicken salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion

This Best Chicken Salad recipe isn’t just a quick fix; it’s a delicious and healthy way to nourish your body and soul. It is a simple dish to prepare and is great served in so many ways. From my Nana’s picnics to your own kitchen, this recipe is a reminder that simple ingredients, when combined with love, can create something truly special. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this incredible chicken salad and savor every single bite. I know you’ll agree – it’s the Best Chicken Salad you’ve ever tasted.