Chicken salad is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a sandwich filling, a topping for greens, or on its own as a light meal. It combines tender cooked chicken with a creamy dressing and a variety of crunchy vegetables and herbs. This recipe for chicken salad is quick to prepare and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether served for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer, this chicken salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Here’s how to make a delicious chicken salad:
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped (about 2 small chicken breasts)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetables:
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup bell pepper (any color), finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cucumber, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup carrot, finely chopped or grated (optional)
- Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (adjust amount based on desired creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (optional, for added creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Herbs (optional):
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- Extras (optional):
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
- Lettuce leaves or bread for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Cook and Prepare Chicken
- Cook Chicken: If not using leftover cooked chicken, cook chicken breasts in boiling water or bake in the oven until fully cooked, about 20-25 minutes. Season with salt and pepper while cooking.
- Shred or Chop Chicken: Allow cooked chicken breasts to cool slightly, then shred or chop them into small pieces. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prepare Vegetables and Herbs
- Chop Vegetables: Finely chop celery, red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, and carrot (if using). Add them to the bowl with the shredded chicken.
- Chop Herbs: If using fresh herbs, finely chop parsley, dill, and chives. Add them to the bowl with the chicken and vegetables.
Step 3: Make Dressing
- Mix Dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetables in the large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve: Serve chicken salad chilled on a bed of lettuce leaves, as a sandwich filling, or with your favorite bread. Optionally, garnish with additional herbs, dried cranberries or raisins, chopped nuts, or freshly ground black pepper.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Salad
- Chicken Texture: Ensure the chicken is cooked until tender and fully cooked through. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces for easier mixing and eating.
- Dressing Consistency: Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to achieve your desired creaminess level. The yogurt adds tanginess and extra creaminess without being overly heavy.
- Flavor Variations: Customize your chicken salad with additional ingredients like dried fruits for sweetness, nuts for crunch, or different herbs for added freshness.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Stir well before serving leftovers, as the dressing may settle.
Conclusion
This chicken salad recipe offers a delicious blend of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing with a hint of tanginess. It’s a perfect dish for picnics, lunches, or quick dinners, providing both flavor and nutrition in every bite. Experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences, and enjoy this versatile chicken salad however you like best!