Chicken Salad Recipe

This Chicken Salad is the kind of dish that brings everyone running to the kitchen the second it hits the table. Packed with tender, juicy chicken, crunchy celery, the sweet pop of grapes, and the satisfying bite of sliced almonds, it’s creamy, vibrant, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you need an easy lunch, a picnic showstopper, or a light dinner, this Chicken Salad never disappoints. You’ll want to scoop it onto croissants, pile it on a bed of lettuce, or simply enjoy forkfuls straight from the bowl—no judgment here!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of classic, humble ingredients come together to make Chicken Salad sing. Each component contributes a unique flavor or texture, from savory to tangy, crunchy to creamy, so don’t skip a thing!

• Cooked Chicken: The star of the show! Rotisserie chicken works like magic here for quick prep and fantastic flavor.
• Celery Ribs: Give your Chicken Salad those iconic crunchy, fresh bites in every forkful.
• Green Onions: These add a gentle, peppery warmth—if you like a stronger flavor, try red or yellow onions too.
• Seedless Grapes: Slice them in half for sweet, juicy bursts that contrast perfectly with the savory chicken.
• Sliced Almonds: A sprinkle for a nutty crunch, and they add beautiful texture without overpowering the salad.
• Mayonnaise: This creamy base binds everything together—feel free to swap half for plain Greek yogurt for extra tang and a lighter touch.
• Dijon Mustard: Just a teaspoon brings subtle heat and depth to the dressing.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing all the other flavors—taste as you go!
• Pepper: Freshly ground pepper perks up the whole salad.

How to Make Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

If you’re using rotisserie chicken, simply shred or chop it into bite-size pieces—a few minutes and you’re set! Prefer to cook your own? Poach chicken breasts until just tender, then let them cool before chopping. Whichever path you take, don’t forget a generous sprinkle of salt while cooking for juicy, well-seasoned chicken.

Step 2: Chop and Slice the Produce

Dice the celery ribs and slice those green onions thinly to keep every bite balanced. For the grapes, halve them so their sweetness infuses each scoop of Chicken Salad with just the right amount of juicy flair. If you’re using larger almonds instead of pre-sliced, give them a rough chop for an even bite.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything’s smooth, creamy, and thoroughly blended. This simple dressing is the glue that will hold all those amazing flavors together.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Combine the chicken, celery, onions, grapes, and sliced almonds in a big mixing bowl. Pour your irresistibly creamy dressing over the top and toss gently until every single piece is lightly coated. Take a quick taste now—you can always adjust for more salt or pepper before chilling.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and chill your Chicken Salad in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This isn’t just for food safety—it actually makes the salad better, since the flavors meld together and the chicken gets even more delicious. When you’re ready, spoon it onto croissants, lettuce leaves, or crackers for the perfect bite.

How to Serve Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Elevate your Chicken Salad with fresh, colorful garnishes! Try a sprinkle of extra sliced almonds for crunch, thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color, or a few extra grape halves right on top. For a bright finish, add a scatter of chopped fresh parsley or dill.

Side Dishes

Chicken Salad pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, a bowl of summer fruit, or classic potato chips for a satisfying crunch. Try it alongside a cup of soup in cooler months, or serve with crackers and cut veggies for an easy picnic spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Move beyond the traditional sandwich! Serve mounds of Chicken Salad in avocado halves for a light, modern lunch, or scoop it onto cucumber rounds for party-friendly bites. Little jars make for fun picnic servings, or impress guests with mini Chicken Salad croissant sliders.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—just give it a gentle stir before serving to reincorporate any dressing that may have separated.

Freezing

Mayonnaise-based salads like this Chicken Salad don’t freeze well, unfortunately; the creamy texture can turn grainy as it thaws. For best results, enjoy it freshly made or chilled from the fridge rather than freezing.

Reheating

Chicken Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you prefer it slightly less chilled, remove from the refrigerator 10–15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, Chicken Salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors mingle. Just keep it covered and add fresh garnishes right before serving.

What’s the best chicken to use for Chicken Salad?

Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver and adds fantastic flavor, but any cooked, shredded chicken will work perfectly. If poaching your own, be sure to season well for the most delicious result.

Can I use something besides grapes?

Definitely! Diced apples or pear, dried cranberries (craisins), or even chopped dried apricots are great alternatives that still deliver sweetness and a fun bite in your Chicken Salad.

How can I lighten up the dressing?

Try swapping half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. You’ll get a tangier, protein-rich Chicken Salad with a little extra zip, especially with that Dijon mustard.

Is this Chicken Salad gluten free?

Yes, the Chicken Salad itself is naturally gluten free! Just be sure to serve with gluten free bread or crackers if needed for a fully gluten free meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s something utterly timeless about a big bowl of creamy, colorful Chicken Salad. Every bite is packed with flavor, texture, and so much comfort—trust me, you’ll want to make this recipe again and again. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it disappears faster than you expect!

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