If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, look no further than the Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe. This timeless dish brings together tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, tangy dressing that’s perfectly balanced by crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and a hint of zest from lemon. It’s easy to whip up, incredibly satisfying, and versatile enough to serve at lunch, picnics, or casual dinners. Each bite is a harmony of flavors and textures that will quickly make this your go-to chicken salad recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to achieving that perfect balance of creaminess, crunch, and freshness. Each component here is simple yet essential in bringing the Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe to life, whether it’s the juicy chicken, tangy Greek yogurt, or crunchy nuts.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or diced, about 2 medium breasts, the star protein that makes the salad hearty and satisfying.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and richness that ties all the flavors together.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: Offers a lighter tang and helps balance the mayo for a fresher taste.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle spicy kick that brightens the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings a zesty freshness that cuts through the richness perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional): Adds a touch of natural sweetness to round out the flavors.
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced: Crunchy texture that keeps each mouthful lively and refreshing.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced: Adds sharpness and depth, balancing the creamy dressing.
- 1/4 cup grapes, halved (optional): Sweet bursts that play beautifully with the savory ingredients.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional): For an extra crunch and nutty flavor that elevates every bite.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the full flavor of the salad.
How to Make Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If you don’t have cooked chicken ready, start by boiling, grilling, or roasting two medium chicken breasts until perfectly cooked through. Once cooled, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces — tender chunks are fundamental to that satisfying texture in the Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and honey if you’re using it. Stir this mixture until it’s smooth and well combined. This dressing is the heart of the salad, marrying creaminess with bright, tangy notes that make every forkful delightful.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Veggies
Add the shredded chicken into the bowl with your dressing. Then toss in the finely diced celery and red onion for that necessary crunch and burst of flavor. If you opted to include grapes and nuts, fold those in gently. Stir everything carefully to make sure each bit of chicken and veggie is evenly coated with that luscious dressing.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper are the unsung heroes here. Sprinkle in according to your preference and mix thoroughly so the seasoning is well distributed throughout. Proper seasoning ensures your Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe will taste balanced and crave-worthy.
Step 5: Chill for Flavor Fusion
Cover your prepared chicken salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This short chill time is magical — it lets the flavors meld and intensifies the overall taste, while giving the salad a refreshingly cool texture that’s perfect for warm days.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Now it’s time to relish your hard work. Whether piled high on crunchy lettuce leaves, sandwiched between your favorite bread, wrapped in a tortilla, or spooned onto crackers, this Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe shines in any form. Each bite is comfort on a plate.
How to Serve Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprucing up your chicken salad with a few garnishes can elevate the presentation and add extra layers of texture. Consider a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or celery leaves for color, or even a few toasted nuts on top for a visual and crunchy contrast.
Side Dishes
The versatility of the Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe means it pairs wonderfully with many sides. Fresh fruit slices, crisp garden salads, or even simple pickles make excellent companions. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside crusty bread or a bowl of your favorite soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next gathering? Try filling avocado halves with the chicken salad for a fresh twist, or serve it in hollowed-out tomatoes. You can also make small canapé bites using crackers or miniature toasts — these creative presentations are sure to get your friends asking for the recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken salad should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and tasty for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to give it a quick stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and yogurt in the dressing, freezing this chicken salad is not recommended. The texture and flavor can change dramatically when frozen and thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Instead, prepare it fresh or enjoy your stored portions chilled straight from the fridge for the best taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and works wonderfully in the Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe. Just shred the meat, making sure to remove skin and bones, and you’re good to go.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Definitely. Swapping out some or all of the mayonnaise for extra plain Greek yogurt lowers fat and calories while keeping great creaminess. You can also add more veggies like diced cucumbers or shredded carrots for extra nutrition.
Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe?
Yes! If you have allergies or preferences, walnuts and almonds can be swapped with pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for a different crunch and flavor profile.
How long should I chill the chicken salad before serving?
At least 30 minutes is ideal to allow the flavors to blend perfectly. If you have time, chilling for an hour or even overnight enhances the taste even more.
Is it okay to omit the grapes?
Of course! Grapes add lovely sweetness and juiciness, but if you’re not a fan or allergic, feel free to leave them out. The Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe still shines bright with just the savory ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about the Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite. Easy to prepare, flexible to personalize, and delicious in every bite, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
Print
Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Best Classic Chicken Salad recipe is a versatile, creamy, and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or refreshing snack. Made with tender cooked chicken, crisp celery, and a tangy dressing of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, it’s easy to prepare and can be served in sandwiches, wraps, or on a bed of greens. Optional ingredients like grapes and nuts add sweetness and crunch, making it a well-balanced and satisfying salad.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 2 medium chicken breasts)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup grapes, halved (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional, for crunch)
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If not already cooked, boil, grill, or roast the chicken breasts until fully cooked. Once cooled, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and honey if using. Stir well until the ingredients emulsify into a smooth and creamy dressing.
- Add the vegetables and chicken: Add the shredded or diced chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, and nuts into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold to combine everything thoroughly without breaking the ingredients.
- Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, then mix again to evenly incorporate the seasoning throughout the salad.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become cool and refreshing.
- Serve: Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich or wrap, or alongside crackers for a delicious meal or snack.
Notes
- For a lighter version, reduce or omit mayonnaise and increase the amount of Greek yogurt.
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Substitute walnuts or almonds with pecans or sunflower seeds for different textures.
- Adjust honey depending on your preference for sweetness or omit for a more savory salad.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
