Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Description
Classic Chicken Salad is a creamy, fresh, and protein-rich salad made with cooked chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, herbs, salt, and black pepper. It is simple to prepare and can be served in sandwiches, wraps, croissants, lettuce cups, or as a light side dish.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl.
- Mix well until the dressing becomes smooth.
- Add chopped chicken, celery, red onion, and parsley.
- Stir gently until the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover and chill for 20 minutes.
- Serve cold with bread, croissants, crackers, lettuce, or wraps.
Notes
Use roasted, boiled, grilled, or leftover chicken. Shredded chicken gives a softer texture, while chopped chicken gives a chunkier salad. For a lighter version, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Tips
For extra crunch, add chopped cucumber, walnuts, almonds, or apple.
For more flavor, add garlic powder, paprika, dill, or a little honey.
Do not add too much lemon juice, as it can make the salad watery.
Chill before serving for better taste and texture.
Nutritional Information
Approximate value per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Benefits
Classic Chicken Salad is high in protein, which helps support muscle repair and keeps you full for longer. Celery and onion add freshness, crunch, and small amounts of fiber. Lemon juice adds brightness and helps balance the creamy dressing. It is also a useful meal-prep recipe because it can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Q/A
Q: Can I make chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes. You can make it a few hours before serving. It tastes better after chilling.
Q: How long can I store it?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I use canned chicken?
Yes. Drain it well before mixing.
Q: Can I make it healthier?
Yes. Use Greek yogurt instead of some mayonnaise and add more vegetables.
Q: What can I serve with chicken salad?
Serve it with bread, croissants, crackers, lettuce cups, wraps, or toasted sourdough.
Q: Can I freeze chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended because mayonnaise can separate after thawing.