Description
Creamy classic chicken salad brings together tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, and tangy mayonnaise in a delightful blend of flavors. Served on fresh bread or lettuce, this timeless dish offers a perfect balance of texture and taste you’ll absolutely adore.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 cups (960 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 1 cup (150 g) chopped celery
- 1 cup (150 g) red grapes, halved
- 1/3 cup (50 g) chopped red onion
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (30 g) toasted sliced almonds
- 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture for optimal flavor distribution.
- Finely dice crisp celery and sweet red grapes to provide a balanced crunch and juicy contrast in the salad.
- Mince red onions to add a subtle sharp undertone without overpowering the delicate chicken flavor.
- Gently toast sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant, releasing their nutty essence.
- Whisk together creamy mayonnaise with freshly squeezed lemon juice to create a bright, tangy dressing base.
- Season the dressing with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve a harmonious flavor profile.
- Combine all ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, gently folding to ensure even coating without breaking the delicate components.
- Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serve on soft croissants, rustic bread, or atop crisp salad greens for a versatile meal option.
- Garnish with delicate fresh dill sprigs for an aromatic finishing touch.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Choose tender, freshly cooked chicken for the most succulent texture, preferably using rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken.
- Chop ingredients uniformly to ensure balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
- For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a blend of Greek yogurt and light mayo to reduce calories.
- Customize the salad by adding different herbs like tarragon or chives for a unique flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 570 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg