Classic Chicken Salad

πŸ•’ Prep: 15 min
πŸ”₯ Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Classic Chicken Salad is the kind of dish that never goes out of style. It's perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing dinner, and it's a great way to use up leftover chicken. This recipe is all about fresh flavors and a creamy, dreamy texture.

Ingredients for Classic Chicken Salad

Chicken breast is the star here, providing a hearty and lean protein base. You'll want it cooked and diced, making this a fantastic use for leftovers. Mayonnaise adds creaminess and binds everything together, while celery brings that essential crunch and a hint of freshness. The red onion offers a mild zing that cuts through the creaminess. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors and the Dijon mustard adds a bit of tang and depth. Seasoning with salt and black pepper ensures everything is tasty and well-balanced. Finally, fresh dill and parsley elevate the dish with their aromatic, herbaceous notes.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra layer of flavor, try roasting the chicken breast with a sprinkle of garlic powder before dicing it.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, swap half of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.
  • Make sure your celery and onion are finely chopped for the best texture.
  • Don't skip the chilling stepβ€”it really helps the flavors develop.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it on a bed of mixed greens for a light meal, or scoop it onto a croissant or whole grain bread for a satisfying sandwich. It also makes a great filling for lettuce wraps if you're looking to cut down on carbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, just make sure to remove the skin and bones before dicing.
How long does the chicken salad last in the fridge?
It will keep well for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Can I freeze the chicken salad?
It's not recommended, as the mayonnaise can separate and the texture might become unappealing.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by taking a large mixing bowl and combining your diced chicken breast, mayonnaise, celery, and red onion. Make sure everything is evenly coated with the mayo, as this will be the base for your salad.

Next, add the lemon juice and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together until the lemon juice and mustard are well incorporated, which will give your salad a lovely, zesty undertone.

Season your mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember, seasoning is key, so don't be shy with the tasting spoon. Adjust as needed to suit your palate.

Now, gently fold in the chopped dill and parsley. These herbs are delicate, so mixing them in gently will help keep their flavors fresh and vibrant.

Pop the salad into the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This not only melds the flavors together but also gives the salad that refreshing coolness that's so delightful on a warm day.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, even on a busy day.
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures.
  • Customizable with your favorite add-ins or swaps.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken breast, mayonnaise, celery, and red onion.
2. Add the lemon juice and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine.
3. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Gently fold in the chopped dill and parsley.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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