If you’re searching for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both wholesome and packed with flavor, this Chicken Salad Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for! Juicy chicken, creamy dressing, and a satisfying blend of crunchy veggies, sweet grapes, and toasted nuts come together to form a light yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re planning a lunch with friends, prepping ahead for weekday snacks, or just hoping to jazz up your sandwich game, this classic version—with its perfect balance of textures and flavors—will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this Chicken Salad Recipe is how just a handful of simple ingredients can create such vibrant taste and color. Each component builds flavor and brings a unique crunch, creaminess, or pop of freshness—so don’t skip a thing!
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups): The heart of the salad—use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for extra ease and tenderness.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Gives that classic creamy texture and rich flavor that everyone expects in a traditional chicken salad.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): A secret ingredient for adding tangy brightness and a lighter, protein-packed twist to the dressing.
- Celery stalk, finely diced (1): For unbeatable crunch and fresh, mild pepperiness with every forkful.
- Red onion, finely diced (1/4 cup): Adds sharpness and beautiful color without overpowering the mix.
- Seedless red grapes, halved (1/2 cup): A touch of juicy sweetness that balances the savory chicken and creamy dressing.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/4 cup): Toasted nuts add incredible crunch and a subtle earthy richness—both options are delicious!
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens everything up and keeps the flavors lively and fresh.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Just a hint gives depth and gentle heat to the dressing.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Finish with some seasoning to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Whisk everything together until it’s completely smooth—this creamy base is where all the flavor magic begins! The lemon juice adds zest, the yogurt gives a bit of tang, and Dijon mustard introduces subtle complexity that ties the dressing together beautifully.
Step 2: Combine Chicken and Crunchy Mix-ins
Add the chopped or shredded cooked chicken right into the bowl, along with the finely diced celery, red onion, juicy halved grapes, and your chopped pecans or walnuts. These mix-ins are what turn this from an ordinary salad into a truly irresistible Chicken Salad Recipe. Every bite should offer a little bit of everything: creamy, crunchy, savory, and sweet.
Step 3: Gently Fold Everything Together
Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold the dressing and chicken mixture together. You want every piece to be evenly coated without smashing the grapes or making the salad mushy. Take your time here, as this step ensures each bite is filled with layers of flavor and texture.
Step 4: Season and Chill
Once everything is mixed, season with salt and black pepper to taste—a little at a time is key! Don’t be shy with pepper if you like a bit of a kick. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; this little nap in the fridge helps the flavors blend beautifully and creates that signature chilled freshness everyone loves about a great Chicken Salad Recipe.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Now comes the best part: Enjoy your creation! Whether piled onto a crisp bed of greens, tucked into a sandwich, or scooped up with crackers, this salad is ready to shine. Just give it one last stir, and you’re good to go—so easy, so satisfying!
How to Serve Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches can make your Chicken Salad Recipe look as great as it tastes! Sprinkle on fresh chopped parsley or chives for a burst of green color, or a few extra toasted nuts for added crunch. Even a pinch of smoked paprika or lemon zest can give your salad a gourmet feel—get creative and make it your own!
Side Dishes
Chicken salad is endlessly versatile when it comes to sides. Try pairing it with crisp lettuce leaves, crunchy crackers, or slices of toasted baguette for scooping. It’s also lovely next to a bowl of bright fruit salad, a handful of sweet potato chips, or even a light vegetable soup. The creamy, savory notes of your Chicken Salad Recipe play well with a variety of accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to take things up a notch, try serving your Chicken Salad Recipe in halved avocados or mini bell pepper boats for an eye-catching appetizer. You can also wrap it up in a tortilla or stuff it into pita pockets for a grab-and-go lunch. For an elegant party twist, spoon it onto cucumber rounds or endive leaves—pretty, poppable, and always a hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Chicken Salad Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks. Before enjoying leftovers, give it a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Freezing
While technically possible, freezing chicken salad can sometimes change the texture of the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients, especially the grapes and celery. For best results, I recommend enjoying your Chicken Salad Recipe fresh from the fridge and making only as much as you’ll need for several days.
Reheating
Chicken salad is meant to be served chilled, not heated. If you prefer a slightly warmer bite (say, in a melt or wrap), only gently warm up the chicken before adding to the other ingredients, but avoid microwaving the finished salad to keep the lovely textures intact.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Chicken Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds wonderful flavor. Just shred or chop it and use as you would cooked chicken breast.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, substitute additional Greek yogurt for mayonnaise or try a mixture of yogurt and a squeeze of lemon juice for tang. The salad will still be creamy and delicious.
Is it necessary to let the salad chill before serving?
Yes, letting your Chicken Salad Recipe chill for at least 30 minutes gives all the flavors time to meld together, resulting in a much tastier and harmonious salad. It’s worth the wait!
How do I make this Chicken Salad Recipe dairy-free?
Simply use a dairy-free yogurt alternative in place of Greek yogurt, and check that your mayonnaise is dairy-free. The taste and texture are every bit as creamy and satisfying.
Can I add more fruits or vegetables to my chicken salad?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped apples, dried cranberries, diced bell peppers, or even sliced green onions. It’s a wonderfully flexible recipe, so make it your own.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting brunch, prepping lunchboxes, or just craving something fresh and satisfying, this Chicken Salad Recipe delivers every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a new favorite in your own kitchen!
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Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Salad Recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and nutty pecans, all tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing summer meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
For the Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare the dressing: Combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth.
- Add the salad ingredients: To the dressing, add chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, and nuts. Gently fold everything together until coated.
- Season and chill: Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled on lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
- For a lighter option, use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Try adding chopped apples or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
