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Hey there, fellow food lovers! Anna here, your go-to gal for simple, joyful cooking, especially when it comes to chicken. You know those days when you just need something delicious and easy for lunch, something that doesn’t involve a long list of ingredients or a ton of time? That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share my absolute favorite
Table Of content
Why You’ll Love This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Seriously, this
- Super Speedy: We’re talking 10 minutes, people! It’s a no-cook wonder, perfect for when you’re starving and don’t want to fuss.
- Taste Sensation: It’s got that perfect creamy, savory, and fresh flavor combo that just hits the spot every single time.
- Mix and Match Magic: This isn’t just for sandwiches; you can totally change it up!
Quick and Easy Preparation
The best part? You can whip this up in literally 10 minutes flat. No cooking required, which is a huge win in my book. Just chop a few things, stir it all together, and boom – lunch is served! It’s so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you ever bought pre-made chicken salad before. Seriously, it’s that simple. Perfect for those days when cooking feels like too much of a chore, but you still want something wholesome and delicious.
Deliciously Flavorful
This isn’t your average bland chicken salad, oh no! It’s got this amazing creamy texture from the mayo, balanced perfectly with a little tang from the Dijon mustard. The fresh celery and green onion give it a lovely crunch and a hint of sharpness, while optional dill adds this wonderful fresh, almost bright note. It’s savory, a little zesty, and just incredibly satisfying. Every bite is a little party in your mouth!
Incredibly Versatile
What I love most is how adaptable this recipe is. Sure, it’s divine piled high on some crusty bread for a classic sandwich. But it’s also amazing served over a bed of crisp lettuce for a lighter meal, or even scooped up with crackers as a tasty appetizer. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some red grapes or chopped apple for a sweet surprise, or some crunchy nuts for extra texture. It’s your canvas, really!
Gathering Your Ingredients for Classic Chicken Salad
Alright, let’s get down to business and talk about what you’ll need to make this amazing
Core Ingredients for Classic Chicken Salad
For the heart of our salad, you’ll want about 2 cups of cooked chicken. I love using rotisserie chicken for ease, or just some leftover cooked chicken you might have. Make sure it’s chopped or shredded, whatever you prefer! Then comes the creamy goodness: ½ cup of mayonnaise. For that little bit of crunch and freshness, grab one rib of celery and dice it up small, and thinly slice one green onion. A teaspoon of Dijon mustard adds just the right zing, and we’ll season with ¼ teaspoon of seasoned salt and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, a teaspoon of fresh dill or ¼ teaspoon of dried dill is totally optional but adds a lovely herbaceous note.
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor
Now, this is where you can really play with your food! If you like a little sweetness and texture, stir in 1 cup of chopped red grapes or about 1 cup of chopped peeled apple. It adds a wonderful juicy burst that’s just divine. And for those who love a good crunch, try adding 2 tablespoons of chopped nuts – pecans and almonds are my favorites here. They give the salad a lovely little bite. These extras aren’t essential, but trust me, they take this classic salad to a whole new level of delicious!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Alright, let’s get this delicious
Combining the Ingredients
First things first, grab a medium-sized bowl. Into this bowl, dump your 2 cups of cooked, chopped chicken. Then, add in your ½ cup of mayonnaise, the diced celery (don’t forget that little bit of crunch!), your thinly sliced green onion, and that teaspoon of Dijon mustard. If you’re using dill, toss that in now too. Now, give it all a good mix! You want to make sure everything is nicely coated in that creamy dressing. I like to use a spoon or a spatula and gently fold everything together. We don’t want to mash up the chicken too much, just get it all evenly distributed.
Tasting and Adjusting Seasoning
This is probably the most important step, in my opinion! Once everything is mixed, take a little taste. Does it need more salt? A bit more pepper? This is your chance to make it perfect for *your* taste buds. Add a little more seasoned salt or black pepper if you think it needs it, and give it another gentle stir. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Getting the seasoning just right is key to making this
Serving Your Classic Chicken Salad
And just like that, you’re done! Your delicious classic chicken salad is ready to be enjoyed. Spoon it into sandwiches, pile it high on a bed of fresh greens, or serve it with some crackers for dipping. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Alright, let’s make sure your
Choosing Your Chicken
The type of chicken you use really matters! My absolute favorite is rotisserie chicken for ease, or just some leftover cooked chicken you might have. Make sure it’s cooled before you chop it up. If you’re in a pinch and use canned chicken, drain it really well and try mixing the dressing first, then gently folding in the chicken. This helps keep it from getting too mushy.
Achieving the Perfect Texture
Nobody wants a mushy chicken salad, right? The key is to not over-mix! When you’re combining the ingredients, be gentle. Use a fork or a spatula and fold everything together rather than vigorously stirring. Also, make sure your cooked chicken isn’t too finely pureed; slightly larger chopped pieces give you a much nicer texture. And don’t overdo the mayo – start with the amount in the recipe and add a tiny bit more only if you really need it. You want it creamy, not soupy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Classic Chicken Salad
Got questions about whipping up this easy Classic Chicken Salad Recipe? I’ve got you covered! Here are some things people often ask:
How long does this classic chicken salad recipe last?
This delicious chicken salad is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for making a big batch to last you through a few lunches!
Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I think it tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld for a few hours in the fridge. Just make it according to the recipe, pop it in a covered container, and it’s ready when you are!
What are some healthy substitutions for mayonnaise?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can totally swap out some or all of the mayonnaise. Plain Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for that creamy texture and adds a bit of protein. Mashed avocado also works wonderfully, giving it a rich flavor and healthy fats!
Storing and Reheating Your Classic Chicken Salad
So, you made a big batch of this amazing
Proper Storage Guidelines
The best way to keep your leftover chicken salad fresh is to pop it into an airtight container. Make sure it’s sealed up tight! Then, pop it in the fridge. It should stay perfectly yummy for about 3 to 4 days. I usually try to finish it up by day 4 just to be safe!
Reheating Leftovers
Honestly, this chicken salad is usually so good, it doesn’t last long enough to *need* reheating! Most people enjoy it cold, straight from the fridge, whether it’s on a sandwich or over greens. If you really prefer it slightly warmer, you can gently warm it in a covered dish in the microwave for just a few seconds, but be careful not to overcook it, or it can get a bit mushy. Enjoy it cold for the best texture!
Nutritional Information for Classic Chicken Salad
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re working with in a serving of this delicious
Estimated Nutritional Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 20g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 400mg |
Share Your Classic Chicken Salad Creations!
I just love seeing how you all put your own spin on my recipes! If you try this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe, I’d be absolutely thrilled if you shared your experience. Maybe you added some fun ingredients or served it in a unique way? Let me know in the comments below or tag me on social media. I can’t wait to see your tasty creations!
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Amazing Classic Chicken Salad Recipe: 10 Minute Prep
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious classic chicken salad recipe perfect for sandwiches or salads. This recipe uses common ingredients and comes together quickly for an easy meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken or shredded chicken
- 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
- Optional add-ins: 1 cup chopped red grapes or 1 cup chopped peeled apple; 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (pecans or almonds)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add chicken, mayonnaise, celery, green onion, mustard, salt, pepper, and dill if using. Mix well to combine.
- Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve as a sandwich or over salad.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken.
- If using canned chicken, mix dressing first, then gently fold in drained chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
