chicken salad Recipe

Life gets busy, and sometimes you need a meal that’s both quick and satisfying. That’s exactly what this 10-minute chicken salad recipe offers. It’s ideal for a fast lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner after a long day. This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in a flash. You’ll quickly see why so many people love this chicken salad. We focus on making it easy to make and full of great taste, making it an easy chicken salad for anyone, no matter your cooking skill. This ultimate chicken salad recipe is all about getting a delicious meal on the table fast, without losing any of that classic flavor. It’s a game-changer for quick meal solutions.

Key Benefits

Making this chicken salad offers many good things for your daily routine. It’s a healthy chicken salad option, especially if you use Greek yogurt as your base. This simple swap makes it lighter while still tasting great. It’s also great for meal prep, saving you precious time throughout your busy week. You can whip up a big batch and have quick lunches ready to go. This chicken salad provides a high protein meal, keeping you feeling full and satisfied for longer. This helps avoid those mid-afternoon energy crashes. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it in various ways, from a classic chicken salad sandwich to a light green salad. This flexibility makes it a great recipe for different meals and preferences. It’s an easy to make dish that fits perfectly into any schedule, whether you’re rushing out the door or planning ahead.

Ingredients

To make your ultimate chicken salad, gather these simple ingredients. The quality of your ingredients makes a big difference in the final taste.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, either diced chicken or shredded chicken. For ultimate speed, use rotisserie chicken. You can also poach skinless chicken breasts or bake chicken breasts if you prefer. Leftover chicken works perfectly here, making this a great way to use up a whole roasted chicken. If you’re in a real pinch, using canned chicken is also an option, though fresh is always preferred for the best flavor.
• 1/2 cup mayo. For a lighter, tangier version, you can use Greek yogurt, or combine both for a balanced flavor and texture. For a healthy chicken salad, fat-free Greek yogurt is a good choice.
• 1/4 cup celery, finely diced. This adds a crucial crunch.
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced. If you want a milder flavor, green onion is a good substitute. Be sure to dice the onion small for even distribution.
• 1/2 cup grape, halved. Sweet grapes like red grapes or even juicy grapes add a lovely burst of sweetness. Sweet red grapes are a favorite.
• 1/4 cup pecan, chopped. Toasted pecans offer a deeper, nuttier flavor and extra crunch. If you don’t have pecans, almond can also be used.
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped. This herb adds a fresh, slightly tangy note.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped. Another essential fresh herbs for brightness.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard (or regular mustard). Dijon adds a subtle zing.
• Salt and pepper to taste. You will want to season with salt and pepper carefully. Always add salt and pepper gradually until it tastes just right. You can add salt and pepper to taste at the end.

Optional additions: For more variety, consider adding diced apples, dried cranberries (or cranberry), or more sliced almond. These add extra texture and flavor.

Instructions

Making this best chicken salad is quick and easy to follow. You’ll have it ready in just a few steps.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Your first step is to get your cooked chicken ready. If you’re not starting with pre-cooked chicken, you’ll need about 2-3 chicken breast halves. You can bake chicken breasts until cooked through, or you can poach chicken until tender. For the quickest option, use an air fryer to cook chicken. An air fryer chicken breast cooks fast and stays juicy. If you have leftover chicken, this is the perfect time to use it. A whole roasted chicken or even shredded chicken from a store-bought rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. If using a whole chicken, make sure to remove the chicken from the bones. Let the cooked chicken cool slightly before dicing. You want to dice the chicken into small, even pieces. Aim for tender chicken. If you use canned chicken, just drain it well.
2. Combine Ingredients: Now, get a large bowl. Add your diced chicken to the bowl. Then, add the mayo (or Greek yogurt, or both), the finely diced celery, and the finely diced red onion (or green onion). Next, add the halved grape (sweet grapes work great here), the chopped pecan, fresh dill, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and dijon mustard.
3. Mix Well: Gently stir all the ingredients together. Use a spoon or spatula to mix until everything is well combined. Make sure the mayo or yogurt evenly coats all the pieces of chicken breast, vegetables, and fruits. You want the salad to be creamy and uniform.
4. Season: This is where you adjust the taste. Add salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper, then taste the salad. If it needs more, add a little at a time until the flavors are just right. You want to add salt and pepper to enhance all the other ingredients.
5. Chill: For the best flavor, let the chicken salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors blend and develop fully. If you are really short on time, you can eat it right away. The salad will stay fresh. Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This salad in an airtight container keeps well for several days.

Pro Tips and Variations

Here are some ways to make your chicken salad even better or adjust it to your liking:

• For Extra Creaminess and Flavor: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the base. A mix of mayo and Greek yogurt gives you both rich creaminess and a pleasant tang. Just a teaspoon of dijon or dijon mustard can add a subtle, savory kick that elevates the whole dish.
• Speed Up Your Prep: The ultimate trick for a quick and easy chicken salad is to start with pre-cooked shredded chicken. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is perfect for this, or you can use leftover rotisserie chicken. This means the salad comes together in minutes. If you have leftover chicken, use it!
• Boost the Crunch: While celery and pecan add great texture, you can add more. Try finely diced water chestnuts, toasted almond slivers, or even a handful of crushed potato chips right before serving for an unexpected crunch.
• Add Sweetness: For a touch of natural sweetness, increase the amount of grape or include some diced apples. Dried cranberries or cranberry also work well, offering a chewy texture and sweet-tart flavor.
• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Don’t skip the fresh herbs like dill and parsley. They bring a brightness that dried herbs just can’t match. You could also try a little fresh chives or tarragon if you want to change things up.
• Healthy Swaps: To make this a truly healthy chicken salad, use fat-free Greek yogurt instead of all mayo. This maintains creaminess while reducing fat and boosting protein. A splash of chicken broth to keep the salad moist if you go very low on mayo or yogurt. This makes the salad a fantastic high protein lunch option.
• Brighten with Citrus: A generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving really makes all the flavors pop. It adds a fresh zing.
• Meal Prep King: This classic chicken salad recipe is great for meal prep. Make a larger batch at the start of the week and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh and delicious for several days, providing an easy to make lunch option. This salad in an airtight container is perfect for grab-and-go meals.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile chicken salad can be enjoyed in so many delicious ways. It’s truly a great recipe for flexibility.

• Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich: The most popular way to enjoy this. Pile a generous amount onto toasted bread, a soft roll, or for a special treat, a flaky croissant. Add a crisp piece of lettuce for extra freshness. Croissant sandwiches are always a hit.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, spoon the chicken salad into large, sturdy lettuce leaves, like butter lettuce or romaine hearts. This makes a refreshing lunch option.
• Over Salad Greens: Transform it into a full meal by serving a scoop of the chicken salad over a bed of mixed salad greens. You can add extra fresh vegetables like sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for a vibrant green salad.
• With Crackers or Chips: It makes a fantastic dip or spread for your favorite crackers, pita chips, or even vegetable crisps. This is perfect for a quick snack or light appetizer.
• Stuffed Avocado: Cut an avocado in half, remove the pit, and fill each half with a generous scoop of the chicken salad. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the savory salad, making for a healthy and satisfying meal.
• On Cucumber Slices: For a crisp, cooling, and low-carb bite, serve the chicken salad on thick slices of cucumber. This is a refreshing alternative to bread.
• As a Side Dish: This chicken salad makes a perfect side for a picnic or barbecue. It pairs well with grilled foods or other light summer dishes.
• Pasta Salad Addition: Stir some into cooked and cooled pasta with a little extra mayo or olive oil for a quick pasta salad.
• Portable Lunch: Pack it in an airtight container for work or school. It’s an easy to make lunch that travels well, especially since the salad will stay fresh. The salad in an airtight container is perfect for on-the-go. The combination of grapes and celery adds lovely texture no matter how you serve it.

Conclusion

This easy chicken salad recipe truly shows that incredibly delicious meals don’t need to take a lot of time. With just a few simple ingredients and a few quick steps, you can create a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a fast lunch, a high protein meal solution, or something you can easily prepare ahead for meal prep, this ultimate chicken salad is an outstanding choice. It’s a great recipe that people consistently love this recipe because it’s so easy to follow and incredibly tasty. Go ahead and enjoy making and eating this perfect homemade chicken salad sandwich or whatever way you choose to serve it! It’s a quick win for your kitchen.

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Chicken Salad Recipe

Chef Julia

Make the best 10-minute chicken salad with this chicken salad recipe! A classic chicken salad with celery & simple ingredients. Perfect on lettuce!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Lunch, Main Course, Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked chicken either diced chicken or shredded chicken. For ultimate speed, use rotisserie chicken. You can also poach skinless chicken breasts or bake chicken breasts if you prefer. Leftover chicken works perfectly here, making this a great way to use up a whole roasted chicken. If you’re in a real pinch, using canned chicken is also an option, though fresh is always preferred for the best flavor.
• 1/2 cup mayo. For a lighter tangier version, you can use Greek yogurt, or combine both for a balanced flavor and texture. For a healthy chicken salad, fat-free Greek yogurt is a good choice.
• 1/4 cup celery finely diced. This adds a crucial crunch.
• 1/4 cup red onion finely diced. If you want a milder flavor, green onion is a good substitute. Be sure to dice the onion small for even distribution.
• 1/2 cup grape halved. Sweet grapes like red grapes or even juicy grapes add a lovely burst of sweetness. Sweet red grapes are a favorite.
• 1/4 cup pecan chopped. Toasted pecans offer a deeper, nuttier flavor and extra crunch. If you don’t have pecans, almond can also be used.
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped. This herb adds a fresh, slightly tangy note.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped. Another essential fresh herbs for brightness.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens all the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard or regular mustard. Dijon adds a subtle zing.
• Salt and pepper to taste. You will want to season with salt and pepper carefully. Always add salt and pepper gradually until it tastes just right. You can add salt and pepper to taste at the end.

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Chicken: Your first step is to get your cooked chicken ready. If you’re not starting with pre-cooked chicken, you’ll need about 2-3 chicken breast halves. You can bake chicken breasts until cooked through, or you can poach chicken until tender. For the quickest option, use an air fryer to cook chicken. An air fryer chicken breast cooks fast and stays juicy. If you have leftover chicken, this is the perfect time to use it. A whole roasted chicken or even shredded chicken from a store-bought rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. If using a whole chicken, make sure to remove the chicken from the bones. Let the cooked chicken cool slightly before dicing. You want to dice the chicken into small, even pieces. Aim for tender chicken. If you use canned chicken, just drain it well.
• Combine Ingredients: Now, get a large bowl. Add your diced chicken to the bowl. Then, add the mayo (or Greek yogurt, or both), the finely diced celery, and the finely diced red onion (or green onion). Next, add the halved grape (sweet grapes work great here), the chopped pecan, fresh dill, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and dijon mustard.
• Mix Well: Gently stir all the ingredients together. Use a spoon or spatula to mix until everything is well combined. Make sure the mayo or yogurt evenly coats all the pieces of chicken breast, vegetables, and fruits. You want the salad to be creamy and uniform.
• Season: This is where you adjust the taste. Add salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper, then taste the salad. If it needs more, add a little at a time until the flavors are just right. You want to add salt and pepper to enhance all the other ingredients.
• Chill: For the best flavor, let the chicken salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors blend and develop fully. If you are really short on time, you can eat it right away. The salad will stay fresh. Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This salad in an airtight container keeps well for several days

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated)

Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on exact brands and quantities of ingredients used.

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Vitamin A: 5% Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 15% DV
• Calcium: 5% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

Keyword Chicken salad, easy, grapes, Greek yogurt, healthy, high protein, Lemon Sandwich Cookies, lunch, meal prep, quick, rotisserie chicken, sandwich

FAQs

Here are some common questions people ask about making and enjoying chicken salad: