Chicken salad—it’s like the little black dress of the culinary world. You can dress it up with walnuts and cranberries or keep it simple with just a touch of mayo and celery. Honestly, I stumbled upon this recipe after forgetting to buy my usual sandwich fixings, and it turned out to be the best mistake ever.
Steps
- Begin by chopping or shredding cooked and cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add diced celery and thinly sliced green onion for added crunch and flavor.
- In a separate bowl, combine the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, seasoned salt, black pepper, and optional dill. Stir these together until well mixed.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss everything thoroughly so the chicken, celery, and onions are evenly coated.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the chicken salad as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, or alternatively, spoon it over a bed of lettuce for a light salad option.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, chopped 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
- ? teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill or ¼ teaspoon dried dill, optional
- Optional: 1 cup chopped red grapes or 1 cup chopped peeled apple
- Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (pecans or almonds)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 412 | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 724mg | Potassium: 274mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 144IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- Can I use canned chicken for this chicken salad recipe?
- Yes, you can use canned chicken. It’s best to mix all the other ingredients first and then gently fold in the drained canned chicken to maintain the salad’s texture.
- What are some add-ins that can be included in the chicken salad?
- You can add a variety of items to change the flavor or texture, such as chopped apples, grapes, or nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Fresh herbs like dill can also be added for extra flavor.
- How can I make this chicken salad recipe healthier?
- To lighten the recipe, you can replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which reduces the calorie content while maintaining a creamy texture.
- Can this chicken salad be stored in the freezer?
- While the prepared chicken salad doesn’t freeze well, you can dice and freeze the chicken separately. When you’re ready to make the salad, just combine the thawed chicken with the other ingredients.
- What are some serving suggestions for chicken salad?
- Chicken salad can be served on any type of bread, including croissants, or it can be spooned over greens or into lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. It also pairs well with crackers for a simple snack.
Tips
- For a lighter version of chicken salad, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This will maintain the creaminess while reducing calories.
- Enhance the flavor by experimenting with fresh herbs like dill or adding ranch dressing for a different taste profile.
- For added texture and taste, consider including chopped apples, grapes, or a variety of nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
- If you’re using canned chicken, mix all the ingredients except the chicken first, and then gently fold in the drained chicken to maintain its texture.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls – A set of medium to large mixing bowls for combining the ingredients.
- Chef’s Knife – A sharp knife for chopping chicken, celery, and other add-ins.
- Cutting Board – A durable cutting board for preparing the ingredients.
- Salad Spinner – If serving over greens, a salad spinner can be useful for washing and drying the lettuce.
- Airtight Containers – For storing leftovers in the refrigerator.
