If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy day, the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant, creamy salad bursts with fresh flavors and satisfying textures, making it a versatile go-to whether you’re packing a lunch, serving a light dinner, or hosting a picnic with friends. With tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, and a zesty hint of Dijon mustard all bound together by a luscious blend of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, this salad hits all the right notes—comforting, refreshing, and irresistibly delicious all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavor and texture. From the creamy base to the crunchy veggies and aromatic herbs, these ingredients come together effortlessly to create a balanced and delightful chicken salad.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The star of the dish, providing hearty protein and a tender bite.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Adds rich creaminess and helps bind the salad together perfectly.
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt: Brings tang and a lighter texture, balancing the mayonnaise.
- ¼ cup chopped celery: Offers a refreshing crunch that keeps each bite lively.
- ¼ cup chopped onion: Delivers sharpness and depth without overpowering the salad.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill: Infuses a fragrant herbal brightness that elevates the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and complexity to the flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors for a perfectly seasoned salad.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle warmth and balance.
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Introduces a delightful crunch and nutty undertone if you like a bit of texture contrast.
How to Make Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Main Ingredients
Start by placing your shredded chicken in a large bowl. Add the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, chopped celery, onion, and fresh dill. These ingredients form the creamy, crunchy base of your salad, so taking a moment to combine them well ensures every bite is flavorful and well balanced.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters
Next, stir in the Dijon mustard along with salt and black pepper. The mustard adds a tangy depth, while the salt and pepper bring out the brightness of the herbs and vegetables. Give everything a good mix so the flavors meld beautifully throughout the salad.
Step 3: Fold in Nuts for Extra Texture
If you love a little extra crunch, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans now. This step is optional, but these nuts add a wonderful nutty crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken and crisp celery perfectly.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Give your salad a quick taste and tweak the seasoning if needed. Maybe a touch more salt or an extra grind of pepper will bring out the flavors even more. This is your chance to customize the salad to just the way you like it.
Step 5: Chill and Serve or Enjoy Right Away
You can serve the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe immediately for a fresh, vibrant flavor, or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to let all those lovely ingredients mingle and develop an even deeper taste. Both ways are delicious!
How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra fresh dill or finely chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh look and taste. A few whole walnut halves or pecans can also make an attractive garnish while hinting at the crunch inside.
Side Dishes
Pair your chicken salad with crusty bread, crispy crackers, or a bed of fresh greens to complement its creamy texture. Light soups or roasted vegetables are also wonderful companions, making for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe into stuffed avocados or tomatoes. Spoon it into crisp lettuce cups for a light, handheld treat. You can also transform it into a sandwich with your favorite bread or wrap it in a tortilla for a portable, delicious lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Classic Chicken Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually improve over time, making leftovers taste just as fantastic as fresh-made.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and yogurt, freezing isn’t recommended for this chicken salad as it can affect the texture and cause separation. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored chilled for a short period.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply let leftovers come to room temperature for about 10 minutes if you prefer, then enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works beautifully for the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s a convenient option that adds great flavor and saves time on prep.
Is it necessary to use both mayonnaise and Greek yogurt?
Using both mayonnaise and Greek yogurt gives you that perfect balance of creaminess and tang, but you can adjust ratios or substitute based on your preference for a lighter or richer salad.
What can I use instead of dill if I don’t have any?
Fresh tarragon, parsley, or chives make excellent substitutes for dill, lending a slightly different but delightful herbal note to your chicken salad.
Can this salad be made vegan or vegetarian?
This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe relies on chicken and dairy, but to make a vegan or vegetarian version, consider substituting shredded jackfruit or chickpeas and using vegan mayo and yogurt alternatives.
How to prevent the salad from becoming watery?
Be sure to drain any excess liquid from the cooked chicken and celery, and maintain the proper balance of mayo and yogurt. Refrigerating before serving also helps everything set nicely without becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the comforting, fresh flavors of the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe to brighten your meal routine. Whether you’re serving it up for a family lunch or sharing with friends at a picnic, this salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!
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Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Chicken Salad is a quick and easy recipe perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing snack. Combining shredded cooked chicken with creamy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, crisp celery, and fresh dill, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Optional nuts add a pleasant crunch. Ready in just 10 minutes and serving four, it’s a versatile and tasty dish that can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for deeper flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup chopped celery
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Combine main ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, chopped celery, chopped onion, and fresh dill to create the base of the salad.
- Add seasonings. Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper thoroughly to evenly distribute flavors throughout the salad.
- Include optional nuts. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans carefully to add crunch and texture.
- Adjust seasoning. Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or mustard according to your preference for balanced flavor.
- Serve or chill. Serve the chicken salad immediately for a fresh taste, or refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop further.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or increase the Greek yogurt proportion.
- Substitute fresh dill with dried dill if unavailable, but use half the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Serve on fresh bread, in a wrap, or over salad greens for variety.
- Leftover salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors further if desired.
