Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad brings a touch of nostalgia with its classic flavors, perfect for a light lunch or picnic. With simple ingredients and straightforward prep, it's a timeless dish that everyone loves.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad

Chicken breast is the star here, providing a lean protein base that's perfect for absorbing flavors. Using mayonnaise gives the salad its creamy texture, while celery adds a fresh, crunchy contrast. The dill pickles introduce a tangy note, balancing the richness of the mayo. A splash of lemon juice brightens everything up, while salt and black pepper enhance the overall flavor. Onion powder offers a subtle depth without overpowering the dish. Finally, fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of earthiness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep.
  • Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to suit your preference — less for a lighter salad, more for a creamier texture.
  • Chill the salad overnight for deeper flavor development.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it on a bed of fresh greens for a light meal or spoon it onto a croissant for a hearty sandwich. It's also perfect for stuffing into a pita or wrapping in a tortilla for a portable lunch option. Pair with a side of fresh fruit or a light soup to complete the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative, providing a similar creamy texture with added protein.
How long does this chicken salad last in the fridge?
It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to throw in some grapes, nuts, or apple chunks for added texture and flavor.

Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the cooked chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces — aim for consistency so everything mixes well. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken with the mayonnaise, ensuring each piece is well-coated for that creamy texture.

Add the diced celery and chopped dill pickles to the bowl. These ingredients will add a nice crunch and tang to the salad, so give them a good stir to incorporate. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice directly into the mix. This not only brings out the freshness but also helps balance the flavors.

Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Finally, gently fold in the chopped fresh parsley. This step adds a pop of color and a fresh taste, finishing off the salad beautifully.

Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, making the salad even more delicious.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare with minimal cooking required.
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Great for meal prep — makes a big batch for multiple meals.
  • Customizable to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Ingredients

2 lbs cooked chicken breast, diced
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and dill pickles.
2. Add lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and onion powder to the mixture.
3. Stir the ingredients together until well combined.
4. Gently fold in the chopped fresh parsley.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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