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Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Nostalgic chicken salad brings pure comfort from grandmother’s kitchen to modern tables. Creamy mayonnaise, tender chicken, crisp celery, and subtle herbs create a timeless dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken, cooked and shredded or diced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • ½ cup (120 ml) celery, diced
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) red onion or shallots, diced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) green onions or chives, sliced

Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper

Instructions

  1. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized, tender pieces using two forks, ensuring an even texture for a smooth, cohesive salad mixture.
  2. Finely dice the celery and red onion into uniform, small cubes to distribute a crisp, fresh crunch throughout the protein-rich base.
  3. Chop the green onions into delicate, thin rounds, releasing their mild, aromatic essence into the creamy blend.
  4. In a spacious mixing vessel, combine the chicken, freshly chopped vegetables, and aromatic herbs with a generous dollop of mayonnaise.
  5. Drizzle Dijon mustard and a splash of zesty lemon juice over the ingredients, introducing a tangy brightness to the classic preparation.
  6. Season the mixture with a precise pinch of salt and a graceful sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  7. Gently fold and stir the components using a silky folding motion, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated and harmoniously integrated.
  8. Taste the salad and make nuanced adjustments to the seasoning, allowing the individual flavors to dance and complement each other.
  9. Serve immediately on soft bread, crisp greens, or alongside crunchy crackers, or refrigerate to let the flavors meld and intensify.

Notes

  • Customize the texture by adjusting mayonnaise for a creamier or lighter salad.
  • Leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly, making this a quick weeknight meal.
  • Chop ingredients finely for the best bite and even distribution of flavors.
  • Chill for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to meld and enhance overall taste.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for maximum freshness.
  • Use this versatile recipe as a base and experiment with additional herbs or nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg