Timeless Chicken Salad

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a timeless classic that never fails to please — Timeless Chicken Salad. This recipe combines tender chicken with a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Timeless Chicken Salad

Cooked chicken breast forms the hearty base of our salad. This lean protein is filling and pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Using mayonnaise creates a creamy texture, binding everything together, while Dijon mustard adds a subtle tangy depth. A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors, giving it a fresh finish. Celery brings a satisfying crunch, and red onion provides a mild, savory bite. Grapes, with their natural sweetness, add a surprising contrast to the savory ingredients, and sliced almonds offer an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor. Finish it off with salt and pepper to season to your liking.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken for added flavor and convenience.
  • Toast the almonds for a nuttier, deeper flavor.
  • For a lighter version, substitute some of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
  • Dice the chicken while it's still slightly warm for easier handling.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it on a bed of fresh greens for a light lunch or scoop it onto a croissant or your favorite bread for a more substantial meal. It also pairs well with whole grain crackers for a quick snack. For a more elegant presentation, serve it in hollowed-out tomatoes or avocados.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance. The flavors only improve as they blend together.
How long will this chicken salad keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the mayonnaise and celery will change when thawed.

Timeless Chicken Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by taking a large mixing bowl, which will ensure you have ample space to mix everything without making a mess. Add in the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Use a whisk or a fork to mix these ingredients until they are smooth and uniform. This will be the dressing that holds your salad together.

Next, gently fold in the diced chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, and almonds. Take your time with this step to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Use a spatula to scoop from the bottom and fold over the top, which helps keep the ingredients intact.

Once mixed, season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, it's always easier to add more seasoning than to take it away, so start with a little and adjust as needed.

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, elevating the overall taste of your salad.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare.
  • Perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet.
  • Ideal for meal prep or a quick lunch.
  • Customizable to suit your taste preferences.
  • Light and satisfying, yet filling.

Ingredients

2 lbs cooked chicken breast, diced
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 stalks celery, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup grapes, halved
1/4 cup almonds, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
2. Add the diced chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, and almonds into the bowl.
3. Gently fold the ingredients until they are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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