Hey there, my friend. If you love a quick and easy meal, this chicken salad recipe is for you. It’s fresh, creamy, and packed with all the good stuff. The best part? You can whip it up in no time with just a few simple ingredients.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Fork (for shredding chicken)
Important Info
- Servings: 4 cups
- Estimated Cost: Making this recipe costs around $10, depending on ingredient prices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using pre-cooked chicken)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 250
- Cook Method: No-Cooking Required
- Season: Any season
- Courses: Lunch, Main Course, Salad
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: LowCalorieDiet, LowFatDiet, LowSaltDiet, GlutenFreeDiet
Ingredients You Need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup grapes, halved
- ¼ cup almonds, sliced
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | Greek yogurt |
| Dijon mustard | Yellow mustard |
| Lemon juice | Apple cider vinegar |
| Celery | Cucumber |
| Red onion | Green onion |
| Grapes | Dried cranberries |
| Almonds | Walnuts or pecans |
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, and almonds to the bowl.
- Gently mix everything together until the chicken is well coated with the dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes for better flavor.
Notes
- If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, you can use rotisserie chicken or quickly boil and shred some chicken breasts.
- Letting the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes helps the flavors blend better.
- Use a fork to shred the chicken for a softer texture.
- If you prefer a healthier version, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.
- Toasting the almonds before adding them gives extra crunch.
What to Serve with Chicken Salad
- Toasted bread or croissants
- Crackers or pita chips
- Lettuce wraps
- Sliced cucumbers or bell peppers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a stir before serving.
How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, canned chicken works if you drain and shred it well before mixing.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt or avocado mash are great substitutes for a healthier version.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
No, it’s not recommended. The mayonnaise and fresh ingredients don’t freeze well and may become watery when thawed.
