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The Best Chicken Salad Recipe

The Best Chicken Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Culinary magic happens when homemade chicken salad meets fresh ingredients in this irresistible classic. Crisp celery, tender chicken, and creamy mayo blend perfectly, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 cups cooked chicken, diced

Fruits and Vegetables:

  • 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved or quartered
  • 1 cup red apple, chopped
  • 1 cup celery, chopped (about 2 stalks)

Nuts and Dressing:

  • 1 cup pecans, walnuts, or almonds, chopped or sliced
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty dressing by whisking mayonnaise, lemon juice, finely chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper in a medium mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended.
  2. Chop cooked chicken into uniform bite-sized cubes in a spacious bowl, ensuring consistent pieces for balanced texture.
  3. Add halved grapes, diced crisp apple, thinly sliced celery, and roughly chopped nuts to the chicken, creating a vibrant mixture with varied textures and colors.
  4. Gently pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, carefully folding and stirring to ensure every component is evenly coated and seasoned.
  5. Seal the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap, then refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop depth.
  6. After chilling, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
  7. Serve chilled as a versatile dish – nestled between soft croissant halves, tucked into crisp lettuce cups, or scooped atop crunchy crackers for a satisfying meal or appetizer.

Notes

  • Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, protein-packed version with reduced calories and added nutrition.
  • Toast nuts like almonds or pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch to the salad.
  • Experiment with different herbs like dill or tarragon to add unexpected layers of fresh, aromatic complexity to the classic recipe.
  • For a gluten-free option, serve the chicken salad in hollowed cucumber boats or crisp lettuce wraps instead of traditional bread.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 470 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg