Enjoy this creamy, rich Chicken Salad, made with tender chicken, fresh veggies, herbs, and a smooth mayo dressing. Ready in 30 minutes, it's ideal as a sandwich filling or a light, refreshing meal with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber. Perfect for summer!
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dill leaves, black pepper, and a dash of salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a smooth, creamy dressing. Let it rest while you prepare the salad, allowing the flavors to meld.
Making Chicken Salad
Start with fresh spring onions. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Carefully trim off the root ends, then finely slice the onions, using both the white and green parts for added flavor and color. Set these aside in a small cup.
Next, take ribs of celery. Slice off the rough ends, then dice the ribs into small, bite-sized pieces. This adds a nice crunch to your salad. Place the diced celery in a separate bowl.
For a burst of color and sweetness, halve ripe cherry tomatoes and keep it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken (preferably chilled) with the prepared spring onions, celery, and cherry tomatoes. Add in some pitted and sliced olives for a savory touch and a handful of thinly sliced almonds for extra crunch.
Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss with a large spoon or salad tongs, ensuring even coating. This is essential for blending the flavors. For optimal taste, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
Serving
Enjoy this salad as a stand-alone dish or pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal. For more pairing ideas, please refer to the serving suggestions section.
Notes
Here are some valuable tips to make perfect Chicken Salad:
Select Quality Chicken: Fresh chicken is best, but if you have cooked chicken leftovers, they work well too. Make sure it's seasoned and cooled. Leftover rotisserie, roasted, or baked chicken breast are excellent choices.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or dill can significantly boost the flavor profile of your salad. They add freshness and a vibrant aroma.
Balance the Flavors: Aim for a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and umami flavors. Add a hint of sweetness with honey or fruit, a touch of sourness with vinegar or citrus, and umami with a dash of soy sauce or Parmesan.
Consider Fruit Additions: Fruits like grapes, apples, or dried cranberries offer a sweet contrast and can enhance the overall taste and texture of the salad.
Mix Textures: Use ingredients with different textures to make your salad more interesting. Think crispy lettuce, creamy avocado, or crunchy nuts for varied mouthfeel.
Squeeze Out Excess Juice: To reduce moisture in your salad, you can optionally squeeze out excess juice from halved cherry tomatoes. Keep these halves in a separate container until you're ready to mix them into your salad.
Toast the Nuts: If you're adding nuts, toasting them slightly in a dry pan can bring out their flavors and add an extra crunch.
Mayo Substitute: Experiment with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mashed avocado instead of mayo for a unique flavor twist in your Chicken Salad. These healthier options maintain the deliciousness while adding their own distinctive tastes.
Serving Size: This base Chicken Salad recipe yields approximately 6 cups, comfortably serving 12 people. With each serving being ½ cup, it ensures a generous and satisfying portion for everyone, making it a balanced and delightful choice for your meal.