Description
This creamy Chicken Salad recipe combines tender chicken, crunchy celery, fresh herbs, and a flavorful homemade dressing for an easy and satisfying meal. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or lettuce cups, this classic chicken salad is ideal for meal prep, picnics, and quick family lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or almonds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook and cool the chicken completely, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Finely chop the celery, red onion, and parsley for even texture and flavor distribution.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the chicken, celery, onion, and parsley to the bowl and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Fold in the grapes and chopped nuts if using for added sweetness and crunch.
- Taste the chicken salad and adjust seasoning if needed with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
- Cover and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
- Serve chilled on sandwiches, croissants, crackers, wraps, or lettuce cups.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for quick preparation and extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- Store chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Add nuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Chicken salad should always be served chilled for best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg