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If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish to brighten up your lunch or light dinner, this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of crunchy, it brings together tender shredded chicken and fresh ingredients in a way that feels timeless and totally comforting. Whether you’re packing a picnic or need a quick meal prep option, this recipe checks all the boxes for deliciousness and ease, making it a true kitchen staple you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the creamy base to the crisp vegetables and fresh herbs, these simple components come together to make a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The star of your salad, providing protein and a tender, juicy texture.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that binds the salad together beautifully.
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt: Lightens the dressing while contributing a pleasant, creamy tang.
- ¼ cup chopped celery: Offers a fresh crunch and a burst of color to every bite.
- ¼ cup chopped onion: Brings a mild bite and a bit of sharpness that complements the other ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill: Infuses the salad with a bright, herbaceous note that feels delightfully fresh.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dressing’s flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making sure nothing tastes flat or dull.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just a touch of warmth and peppery kick.
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Introduces a crunchy texture and a subtle nutty richness if you like a bit of extra contrast.
How to Make Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Core Ingredients
Start by placing your shredded cooked chicken into a large bowl. Add the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, chopped celery, onion, and fresh dill. These ingredients form the creamy, crunchy, herbaceous base that makes this salad so inviting.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Enhancers
Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. This step layers the salad with balanced seasoning, ensuring every bite bursts with subtle yet vivid flavors.
Step 3: Incorporate Crunchy Nuts (Optional)
If you’re craving a bit of extra texture, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans now. These nuts add a delightful crunch and a toasty note that pairs beautifully with the creamy chicken mixture.
Step 4: Adjust and Chill
Give your salad a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—maybe a pinch more salt or pepper, or a little extra mustard if you like. You can serve immediately, but chilling the salad for about 30 minutes lets all the flavors meld together for an even more harmonious result.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little visual appeal and an extra flavor pop, sprinkle a pinch of fresh dill or chopped parsley on top just before serving. A few whole walnuts or pecan halves for garnish also look stunning and invite guests to dig in.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, fresh fruit like grapes or apple slices, or even a bowl of your favorite soup for a fuller meal. Light crackers or a crusty baguette also complement the creamy texture perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe inside crisp lettuce cups or fill up ripe avocado halves. It also makes a fantastic sandwich filling or a colorful topping for crackers, making it perfect for both casual lunches and stylish gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making the dish even more delicious, but freshness is key to keep the texture crisp and enjoyable.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and yogurt base, freezing the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is not recommended. It tends to separate and lose its creamy texture once thawed, so best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmed, consider heating the cooked chicken before mixing but avoid reheating the entire salad once combined to preserve its fresh texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is actually a fantastic shortcut that saves time without compromising flavor for your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe.
Is it possible to make this salad dairy-free?
You can substitute the plain Greek yogurt with an equal amount of dairy-free yogurt or omit it completely and just increase the mayonnaise slightly for a dairy-free version.
What other herbs work well in this chicken salad?
If you’re not a fan of dill, try fresh parsley, tarragon, or chives for a deliciously different but equally fresh flavor profile.
Can I add fruit to this chicken salad?
Definitely! Chopped apples, grapes, or dried cranberries can add a lovely sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with the creamy and savory ingredients.
How can I make this recipe more keto-friendly?
Simply skip the walnuts or pecans if you want to reduce carbs further, and make sure to use full-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to keep it rich and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and endlessly satisfying about a good Classic Chicken Salad Recipe, and it’s truly a dish that feels like home no matter the season. Easy to whip up, endlessly adaptable, and bursting with fresh flavors, I sincerely hope you give this recipe a try soon. Once you do, I have a feeling it might just become one of your go-to favorites too!
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Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This classic chicken salad recipe is a quick and easy dish perfect for lunch or light dinner. Made with tender shredded chicken, creamy mayonnaise, tangy Greek yogurt, crunchy celery and onion, and fresh dill, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Optional nuts add an extra crunch, making it a versatile and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup chopped celery
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, chopped celery, chopped onion, and fresh dill until well combined.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to the mixture to enhance the flavor.
- Incorporate Nuts: If desired, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans to add a crunchy texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chicken salad and adjust the salt or pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately, or cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld for a tastier experience.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with more Greek yogurt.
- Chilling the salad for 30 minutes improves the flavor fusion.
- Add grapes or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast.
- Serve on bread, with crackers, or on a bed of greens for variety.
- Use rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
