Are you ready to whip up a delicious Chicken Salad that will have your family asking for seconds? This recipe is not only simple but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for quick family dinners or a light lunch. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover shredded chicken! Let’s dive into this delightful Chicken Salad Recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile ingredients that you can customize to your taste.
- Great for meal prep, making it a fantastic option for healthy dinner options.
- Can be served in various ways, from a classic Chicken Salad Sandwich to a refreshing salad bowl.
- Perfect for summer picnics or potlucks!
Ingredients
To make this scrumptious Chicken Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 large stalk celery (diced, about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 medium red onion (finely diced, or 3 medium scallions)
- 1/2 cup seedless red grapes (optional, quartered)
- 1/2 medium lemon (juiced, about 1 tablespoon)
- 4 sprigs fresh dill (picked and coarsely chopped, about 1/4 cup)
- 1 lb. shredded cooked chicken (about 3 cups)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (or 1/2 cup Greek yogurt plus 1/4 cup mayonnaise)
- 1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp. celery seeds (optional)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these 10 easy steps to create your Chicken Salad:
- Gather all your ingredients in a medium bowl for easy mixing.
- Dice the celery and red onion (or scallions) into small pieces.
- If using, quarter the grapes and add them to the bowl.
- Juice the lemon to yield about 1 tablespoon and add to the bowl.
- Chop the dill fronds and add to the bowl.
- Add the shredded chicken to the bowl.
- In the same bowl, mix in mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt and mayonnaise), Dijon mustard, and celery seeds, if using.
- Stir all ingredients until well combined. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving for the best flavor.
- Serve your chicken salad as desired!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to elevate your Chicken Salad:
- For a healthier twist, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped apples, nuts, or even some diced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Make sure to let the salad chill for at least an hour; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- If you’re looking for a quick family dinner, serve this Chicken Salad over a bed of greens or in a wrap.
- For a delightful twist, try adding some citrus chicken for a refreshing flavor boost!
How to Serve
This Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve it on a bed of mixed greens for a light lunch.
- Make a classic Chicken Salad Sandwich using your favorite bread or croissants.
- Pair it with crackers or pita chips for a delightful snack.
- Use it as a filling for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- For a fun twist, serve it alongside some Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Chinese Takeout!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best results, keep the salad chilled until you’re ready to serve.
- If you’re planning to make it ahead of time, consider adding the grapes just before serving to keep them fresh.
- For a quick weeknight dinner idea, pair it with some Weight Watchers Burrito Bowls for a complete meal!
Now that you have this easy Chicken Salad Recipe in your back pocket, you can enjoy a delicious, healthy meal any day of the week. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a quick family dinner, this recipe is sure to please. Happy cooking!
Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl for easy mixing.
- Dice the celery and onion (or scallions), then add to the bowl.
- Juice the lemon and add the juice to the mixture.
- Add chopped dill, shredded chicken, mayonnaise, mustard, and celery seeds. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper, then chill for at least 1 hour before serving.