How To Make Classic Chicken Salad

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

If you haven’t cooked the chicken yet, here are a few options:

• Poach the chicken: Gently simmer chicken breasts in water or broth for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Shred the chicken once it’s cool enough to handle.
• Use leftover chicken: Chicken salad is a great way to repurpose leftover roasted or grilled chicken. Just chop it up into bite-sized pieces.
• Store-bought rotisserie chicken: For a shortcut, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store—it’s delicious and saves time.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Chop the celery and red onion finely. These ingredients add a fresh crunch and a little zing to your chicken salad. If you’re adding grapes, slice them in half to make them easier to mix in. You can also toast the nuts (if using) for added flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir well until smooth. This mixture forms the creamy base for your salad dressing, giving the chicken salad a tangy, rich flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Add the chopped chicken, celery, onion, and any optional ingredients like grapes or nuts into the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, cover the chicken salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Serve the chicken salad on a bed of greens, in a sandwich with your favorite bread, in a wrap, or in lettuce cups for a lighter option. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Variations to Try:

While the classic recipe is simple and satisfying, there are plenty of ways to customize your chicken salad to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations:

1. Curry Chicken Salad

Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder to the dressing for a warm, spicy kick. You can also toss in raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness and a contrast in texture.

2. Avocado Chicken Salad

Substitute half of the mayonnaise with mashed avocado for a creamy, healthier alternative. This adds richness and a dose of healthy fats.

3. Apple and Pecan Chicken Salad

For a sweet and savory twist, add diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) and chopped pecans to the salad. The apples provide crunch and natural sweetness, while the pecans add a toasty flavor.

4. Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Incorporate cucumber, olives, feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice into the mix for a Mediterranean flair. Swap the mayo for Greek yogurt and add fresh herbs like oregano or parsley for more flavor.

5. Spicy Chicken Salad

Add a touch of hot sauce, chopped jalapeños, or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a bit of heat. This version pairs wonderfully with avocado and a cilantro garnish.

Conclusion

Classic chicken salad is a deliciously easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a picnic, or as part of a larger spread, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. The beauty of chicken salad is its flexibility—you can make it your own by adjusting the ingredients to suit your personal preferences.

Now that you know how to make the perfect classic chicken salad, get creative with variations and enjoy this timeless dish all year long. Happy cooking!