Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chicken salad is not only quick to prepare, but it’s packed with fresh flavors and textures. The creamy mayonnaise, tangy Dijon mustard, and crunchy celery and green onions create a delightful contrast with the tender chicken. It’s a light, healthy option that’s satisfying without being too heavy. Plus, you can easily customize it with fruits like grapes or apples, or add some nuts for extra crunch. It’s a perfect go-to meal when you need something fast but delicious!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (chopped or shredded)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 rib celery (diced)
- 1 green onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt (more to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill (or ¼ teaspoon dried dill, optional)
Directions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, green onion, Dijon mustard, seasoned salt, black pepper, and dill (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve: Serve the chicken salad as a sandwich, over a salad, or wrapped in a tortilla for a quick, easy meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Use Different Herbs: If you don’t like dill, you can use parsley, tarragon, or thyme for a different flavor.
- Add Fruit: For a touch of sweetness, add chopped grapes or peeled apples to the chicken salad. This adds a fresh, juicy bite that pairs well with the creamy base.
- Add Crunch: Chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts give the salad a great crunch. Add 2 tablespoons to enhance the texture.
- Make it Lighter: Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a light mayo option to make the recipe healthier while still maintaining its creaminess.
Storage
This chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prep, and you can serve it on sandwiches, salads, or wraps throughout the week.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great option because it’s already cooked and adds more flavor to the salad. Just shred it and use it in place of freshly cooked chicken.
2. Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, this chicken salad is perfect for making ahead. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prepping.
3. Can I use a different type of mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute it with yellow mustard, spicy mustard, or even honey mustard for a slightly sweeter flavor.
4. Can I make this chicken salad without mayonnaise?
Yes, if you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even avocado for a creamy texture.
5. Can I add other vegetables to the chicken salad?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like diced cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers to customize the salad to your liking.
6. Is this chicken salad gluten-free?
Yes, this chicken salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it on gluten-free bread or wraps if you need a gluten-free option.
7. Can I make this chicken salad spicy?
Yes! If you like a bit of heat, you can add some diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a little hot sauce to the mix.
8. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just be sure to cook it thoroughly and allow it to cool before shredding it for the salad.
9. Can I use a food processor to shred the chicken?
Yes, you can use a food processor to shred the chicken quickly, but make sure not to over-process it, as it could become too finely shredded.
10. Can I add cheese to this chicken salad?
Yes, adding a little shredded cheese, like cheddar or Swiss, can add more flavor to your chicken salad.
Conclusion
This Classic Chicken Salad is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you enjoy it as a sandwich, wrap, or over a fresh salad, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your tastes, making it a meal you’ll come back to time and time again!
Classic Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Chicken Salad is a simple, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy mayonnaise, crunchy vegetables, and a hint of Dijon mustard. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or salads and is quick to make with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken (chopped or shredded)
½ cup mayonnaise
1 rib celery (diced)
1 green onion (thinly sliced)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon seasoned salt (more to taste)
⅛ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill (or ¼ teaspoon dried dill, optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, green onion, Dijon mustard, seasoned salt, black pepper, and dill (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired.
- Serve the chicken salad as a sandwich, over a salad, or wrapped in a tortilla for a quick, easy meal.
Notes
For a lighter version, swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a light mayo option.
For a touch of sweetness, add chopped grapes or peeled apples.
Chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or walnuts add extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
