Chicken Salad is a classic dish known for its creamy texture and rich flavors. It typically consists of cooked boneless chicken, crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. This versatile salad is a fantastic option for summer, requiring just under 30 minutes to whip up. It can be enjoyed in various ways, whether as a delightful sandwich filling or as a light lunch or dinner paired with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber.
The recipe provided offers clear and concise instructions, guiding you through the process of creating a delectable Chicken Salad. To further assist you, a detailed video tutorial is also available below, showcasing the steps visually.
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What is Chicken Salad?
Chicken Salad is a classic and creamy salad loaded with flavors. This salad combines tender cooked chicken, celery, spring onions, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and almonds that are tossed in a creamy mayo dressing. It is one of the bests salads that can be served over a bed of fresh greens or enjoy it as a mouthwatering sandwich filling. It's an ideal choice for a light lunch or a refreshing side dish for picnic.
Not only does Chicken Salad delight the taste buds, but it also serves as a crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings. Its versatility makes it a classic dish that everyone enjoys. Whether served as a centerpiece for a dinner or lunch buffet or as a delightful addition to a potluck, this Chicken Salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and colorful presentation.
This Chicken Salad combined with the enticing flavors of the ingredients, will leave you wanting more. So gather the ingredients, whip up the dressing, and enjoy the mouthwatering goodness of this classic Chicken Salad.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The ingredients you require for making this Chicken Salad are fresh produce and creamy mayo dressing. So let's see what are they below.
- Cooked chicken: Using boneless shredded chicken from poached chicken, leftover rotisserie, roasted whole chicken, baked chicken breast, or thighs are great options. This chicken offers savory and juicy meat that adds a rich and satisfying taste to the salad
- Celery: Provides a refreshing and crisp texture with a mild, slightly tangy flavor, adding a crunch to the salad
- Spring onions: Imparts a mild onion flavor with a hint of sweetness, enhancing the overall taste of the salad
- Cherry tomatoes (or regular tomatoes or black grapes): Cherry tomatoes offer a juicy and slightly sweet taste, while regular tomatoes can add a more robust and tangy flavor. Alternatively, black grapes can provide a burst of sweetness and a unique twist to the salad
- Black olives: Contribute a briny and salty flavor, adding depth and a savory note to the salad
- Almonds (sliced): Introduce a pleasant crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients, enhancing the overall texture and taste of the salad
- For the dressing: Basic ingredients like mayo, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dill leaves, black pepper, and salt. The combination of creamy mayo, tangy lemon juice, zesty Dijon mustard, aromatic dill leaves, and the warmth of black pepper and salt creates a flavorful dressing that brings all the ingredients together, adding a creamy and tangy element to the salad
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Chicken Salad at Home?
The recipe I have shared here is a creamy Chicken Salad featuring tender, seasoned chicken combined with crisp veggies and a flavorful dressing. This refreshing salad is perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below
Dressing Preparation
- Prep the dressing: In a bowl, add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dill leaves, black pepper, and salt, ensuring all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Set the dressing aside for future use
Prepare Chicken Salad
- Chop spring onions: Begin by selecting two spring onions from a bunch, ensuring they are washed and patted dry. Trim the root part of the spring onions and slice them into small pieces. Reserve the sliced spring onions for later use
- Dice Celery: Dice the celery, discard the ends, and keep it aside for later use as well
- Prep Cherry tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside
- Assemble the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, sliced spring onions, diced celery, halved cherry tomatoes, olives, and sliced almonds.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the prepared creamy dressing over the ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss the mixture to ensure the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.
- Chill then serve: Your creamy Chicken Salad is now ready to be served. For optimal flavor blending, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving
Please note that the provided recipe yields about 6 cups of Chicken Salad, which can comfortably serve 12 people. Each serving is considered to be ½ cup, ensuring an ample portion for each individual. This portion size allows for a balanced and satisfying serving of the delicious Chicken Salad.
Tips
- Choose high-quality chicken: Opt for fresh chicken or use leftover boneless cooked chicken for your salad. Ensure it is properly cooked, seasoned, and cooled before adding it to the salad. Leftovers from the rotisserie, roasted whole chicken, baked chicken breast, or thighs are great options
- Add a variety of vegetables: Include a colorful mix of fresh veggies such as celery, spring onions, bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, or cherry tomatoes. This adds crunch, texture, and nutrients to the salad
- Consider different textures: Incorporate a combination of ingredients with varying textures, such as crispy lettuce, creamy avocado, or crunchy nuts. This adds depth and interest to the salad
- Prepare a flavorful dressing: Create a delicious dressing by combining ingredients like mayonnaise, lemon juice, herbs, and seasonings. Adjust the flavors to your preference, ensuring it complements the chicken and vegetables.
- Allow flavors to meld: After combining all the ingredients, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and the ingredients to marinate, resulting in a more flavorful salad
Storage Suggestions
When it comes to storing classic Chicken Salad, I recommend keeping it in the refrigerator for a period of 4 to 5 days to maintain its quality and safety. To store, transfer the salad to an airtight container. This will help preserve its freshness and prevent any odors from permeating.
Ensure the container is tightly sealed to minimize exposure to air and moisture, which can lead to spoilage. Finally, place the sealed container of Chicken Salad in the refrigerator promptly. By following these steps, you can enjoy your creamy Chicken Salad for several days while ensuring its flavor and texture remain intact.
Serving Suggestions
When serving a classic creamy Chicken Salad, you can pair it with a variety of complementary dishes to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some ideas:
- Bread or Rolls: Serve the Chicken Salad with fresh bread or rolls to make sandwiches. You can choose crusty baguettes, soft rolls, sliced bread, or croissant based on your preference. You might also consider toasting or grilling the bread for added texture and flavor
- Salad Greens: Serve the creamy chicken salad on a bed of salad greens such as lettuce, spinach, or mixed greens. This adds freshness and color to the plate while providing a lighter option
- Sliced Tomatoes and Cucumbers: Include some sliced tomatoes and cucumbers on the side. They offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken salad and provide a nice crunch
- Fresh Fruit: Add a touch of sweetness to your meal by serving fresh fruit alongside the salad. Options like sliced strawberries, grapes, or melon can balance the flavors and add a vibrant touch
- Crackers or Chips: Offer a crunchy element by providing a selection of crackers or chips. Choose varieties like whole-grain crackers, pita chips, or tortilla chips to complement the salad
- Soup: If you're looking for a heartier meal, consider pairing the salad with a warm soup. Cream-based soups like tomato or corn chowder can be an excellent choice
- Pickles or Olives: Include some pickles or olives on the side to add a tangy and briny flavor
- Quinoa or Couscous: For a more substantial option, serve the salad with a side of cooked quinoa or couscous. These grains are nutritious and can help make the meal more filling
Related Recipes
You can also find similar recipes below and more at salad recipes and chicken recipes.
- Salmon Salad
- Shrimp Salad
- Tuna Salad
- Cobb Salad
- Cucumber Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Greek Salad
- Coleslaw
- Fruit Salad
- Chickpea Salad
- Pasta Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- Potato Salad
Chicken Salad Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Chicken Salad recipe below that I hope will help you to make a simple salad at home. You can also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
Chicken Salad
Ingredients
For Chicken Salad
- 4 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded from the rotisserie, baked chicken breast, or thighs
- 2 ribs Celery, diced
- 2 sprigs Green Onions, chopped
- ¾ cup Cherry Tomato, halved
- 2 tbsp Black Olives
- 3 tbsp Almonds, sliced
For Dressing
- 2 cups Mayonnaise
- 1½ tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 2 tbsp Dill Leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- ¾ tsp Black Pepper, powder
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
To prepare the Dressing:
- In a bowl, add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dill leaves, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure a homogeneous mixture. Set aside the dressing for later use
To make the Chicken Salad:
- Start by selecting two spring onions from a bunch. Wash them thoroughly and pat them dry. Trim the root part of the spring onions and slice them into small pieces. Reserve the sliced spring onions for later use
- Dice the celery, discarding the ends, and set it aside for later use
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and keep them reserved
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sliced spring onions, diced celery, halved cherry tomatoes, olives, and sliced almonds. Drizzle the prepared creamy dressing over the ingredients in the bowl
- Gently toss everything together to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. The delicious and creamy chicken salad is now ready to be served. For optimal flavor melding, you can refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving
To serve:
- Serve the Chicken Salad with a crusty or soft bread to enjoy it as a sandwich. Alternatively, you can also serve it over lettuce leaves along with cucumbers and sliced tomatoes
Video
Notes
- Choose high-quality chicken: Opt for fresh chicken or use leftover boneless cooked chicken for your salad. Ensure it is properly cooked, seasoned, and cooled before adding it to the salad. Leftovers from the rotisserie, roasted whole chicken, baked chicken breast, or thighs are great options
- Add a variety of vegetables: Include a colorful mix of fresh veggies such as celery, spring onions, bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, or cherry tomatoes. This adds crunch, texture, and nutrients to the salad
- Consider different textures: Incorporate a combination of ingredients with varying textures, such as crispy lettuce, creamy avocado, or crunchy nuts. This adds depth and interest to the salad
- Prepare a flavorful dressing: Create a delicious dressing by combining ingredients like mayonnaise, lemon juice, herbs, and seasonings. Adjust the flavors to your preference, ensuring it complements the chicken and vegetables.
- Allow flavors to meld: After combining all the ingredients, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and the ingredients to marinate, resulting in a more flavorful salad
Nutrition
FAQ
You can try Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mashed avocado as creamy alternatives that add their own unique flavors. These options offer a healthier twist without compromising the deliciousness of your Chicken Salad.
Chicken Salad pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it as a filling for sandwiches, on a bed of fresh lettuce with tomatoes and cucumber for a light lunch, or as a side dish alongside crusty bread or pita chips. The options are versatile, allowing you to customize your meal to your preference.
In addition to the main ingredients, there are several add-ins you can include to enhance the flavor and texture of your chicken salad. Consider incorporating diced apples or grapes for a touch of sweetness, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of tanginess, and fresh herbs such as parsley or basil to add a fresh and aromatic element. These add-ins will add depth and complexity to your chicken salad, making it even more delicious and satisfying.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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