The Best Chicken Salad
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Get ready to elevate your lunch game with this irresistible Chicken Salad! It’s a medley of tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy walnuts, and creamy dressing that will make your taste buds dance with delight.
The Best Chicken Salad
This chicken salad holds a special place in my heart—it’s one of those comforting, old-time favorites I learned to make years ago. It’s a nostalgic nod to my early cooking days, but the recipe I’m sharing today isn’t my original one. This is my husband’s take on the classic dish, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. He’s fine-tuned the recipe over time, making it a cherished family favorite that’s always a hit at our table.
Imagine a lunch that hits all the right notes of flavor and texture, balancing the sweetness of red grapes, the savory, tender chicken, and the earthy crunch of walnuts. It’s a symphony of flavor, brought together by a creamy dressing that has just the right tanginess from ground mustard and dill. It’s my go-to recipe when I want a delicious, filling lunch that brings joy to my day. This is more than just a chicken salad, it’s a beloved family recipe that I’m excited to share with all of you.
Pro Tip
To ensure the best flavor, use freshly cooked chicken rather than canned or pre-cooked chicken. The dressing also benefits from chilling time, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Chicken: The main protein of your salad. You can use leftover roasted or grilled chicken, or even canned chicken in a pinch.
- Celery & Onion: These two add a delightful crunch and a bit of bite to the salad.
- Red Grapes: They bring in a sweet contrast to the savory ingredients, which can make the salad feel more refreshing and balanced.
- Walnuts: You can substitute with pecans if desired. They add an additional layer of texture and a slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the grapes.
- Salt, Pepper, & Mustard: Basic seasonings to elevate all the flavors. You can adjust to your liking.
- Dill: This herb adds a unique tanginess that complements the creaminess of the salad.
- Worcestershire Sauce: It adds a complex, savory, and slightly tangy flavor.
- Mayonnaise: The binder that holds everything together and adds creaminess. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Optional Toppings: Lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber slices add freshness and can make your salad feel more like a complete meal if you’re serving it on its own.
I’m going to show you how to whip up my husband’s signature chicken salad – it’s ridiculously easy to make and downright delicious. Trust me, it’s a lunchtime game-changer.
Start by tossing all your ingredients, from the chicken to the Worcestershire sauce, together in one large bowl. Remember, we’re going for uniformity here, so mix well!
Now, cover your masterpiece with plastic wrap and let it take a little chill break in the fridge for at least an hour. After its cool-down, it’s ready to be the star of your sandwiches or wraps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this chicken salad recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds a delicious flavor to the salad. Just be sure to remove the skin and bones before dicing it up.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise? I’m not a fan.
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a healthier alternative. It gives the chicken salad a slightly tangier flavor, which can be a pleasant twist!
I’m not fond of walnuts. Can I leave them out or substitute them?
Of course! Feel free to omit the nuts altogether, or replace them with something you prefer like almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
You bet! The flavors actually meld together better when it’s made in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and it should be good for about 3-5 days.
How can I serve this chicken salad other than in sandwiches or wraps?
There’s a multitude of ways to serve chicken salad! You can serve it on a bed of greens for a low-carb option, stuff it into tomatoes or avocados, or even enjoy it with some hearty crackers as a snack or serve it on croissants.
Expert Tips
- Chill for Flavor: Don’t skip chilling your chicken salad in the refrigerator! It allows the flavors to meld together and intensify. Even an hour can make a huge difference.
- Quality Counts: When it comes to a simple recipe like chicken salad, the quality of your ingredients really shines through. Opt for high-quality, organic chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- Texture Contrast: For a fun texture contrast, consider adding some diced apple or dried cranberries. They’ll give a sweet tang and a bit of crunch that can elevate your chicken salad to the next level.
- Season to Taste: Everyone’s taste buds are different. So, feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and ground mustard to suit your palate. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
- Mayo Substitutes: Not a fan of mayo? No worries. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or avocado for a healthier option that’s just as delicious.
Storage
To store this delightful chicken salad, simply pop it into an airtight container and slide it into the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-5 days.
Now, if you’re looking to freeze it, I’d advise against it. Mayo-based salads like this one tend not to freeze well – you’ll likely end up with a watery, less appetizing result once defrosted. So, to maintain that fantastic flavor and texture, it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh and refrigerated.
Discover More Chicken Recipes
- Loaded Chicken Salad Sandwiches with Guacamole
- Avocado Chicken Croissants
- Garlic and Paprika Chicken
- Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Salad
- Korean BBQ Chicken
- Chopped Mexican Chicken Salad
- Firecracker Chicken Meatballs
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
The Best Chicken Salad
Video
Ingredients
- 2½ cups cooked chicken (diced)
- ½ cup celery (finely chopped)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup red seedless grapes (halved or quartered)
- 1 cup walnuts (or pecans, chopped)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon dill (dry)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
Optional Toppings
- cucumber (sliced)
- lettuce
- tomatoes
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add all the ingredients together and toss well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Serve in sandwiches or wraps.
Notes
- Cooked Chicken: Leftover grilled or roasted chicken works well for this recipe. Alternatively, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- Mayonnaise: You can use low-fat or regular mayonnaise based on your preference. You could also use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Customizable: Feel free to add or replace any of the ingredients to match your preference. Sliced apples, cranberries, or even hard-boiled eggs could add a lovely flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad can be enjoyed as a sandwich filling, atop a green salad, or straight up with a fork!
- Preparation Time: Keep in mind that the preparation time does not include cooking the chicken.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
Recipe originally shared July 2012.
