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

Scale

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

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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.