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Chicken salad is a timeless dish that combines tender, flavorful chicken with creamy mayo and fresh vegetables. This classic chicken salad recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry. Whether served on a sandwich, as a salad topping, or with crackers, it’s a versatile dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy celery, and aromatic green onions, along with the rich, creamy mayo, creates a deliciously balanced flavor profile. A dash of Dijon mustard and fresh dill adds just the right amount of zing to this simple yet delicious salad. This recipe is great for meal prepping, picnics, or a quick lunch during the week.

With its straightforward ingredients and minimal prep time, this chicken salad is a go-to meal that you can make in no time. It’s the perfect dish to have on hand for a light, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making and eating this chicken salad!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This recipe takes only a few minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a quick meal or a last-minute lunch. You only need to chop a few ingredients and mix everything together.

2. Customizable

Feel free to adjust the recipe to your preferences. You can swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt, add different herbs like parsley, or even throw in some grapes or apples for a sweet touch.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

This classic chicken salad is ideal for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in the fridge for several days, ensuring you always have a quick and easy meal on hand.

4. Versatile Serving Options

Whether you prefer to serve it on bread, in a wrap, or over a bed of greens, this chicken salad is incredibly versatile. You can even enjoy it with crackers for a light snack.

5. Healthy and Filling

Packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the veggies, this salad is a nutritious and filling option that keeps you satisfied throughout the day.

Ingredients

Cooked, chopped or shredded chicken
Mayonnaise
Celery (diced)
Green onion (thinly sliced)
Dijon mustard
Seasoned salt
Black pepper
Fresh dill (optional)

Variations

Add Crunch: Try adding nuts such as sliced almonds or chopped walnuts for an extra crunchy texture.
Make It Light: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative.
Add Sweetness: For a touch of sweetness, mix in some diced apples or grapes.
Herb Variations: If you don’t have fresh dill, you can substitute with parsley, thyme, or tarragon for a different flavor profile.
Spicy Twist: Add a little heat by mixing in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

In a medium bowl, add the cooked and chopped chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, sliced green onion, Dijon mustard, seasoned salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Mix Well

Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. If using, add the chopped fresh dill or dried dill for extra flavor.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Taste the chicken salad and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the chicken salad on bread for a sandwich, over a bed of greens for a light salad, or with crackers for a simple snack. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken from another meal, this is the perfect recipe to use it up. You can even use rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
Chill Before Serving: Let the chicken salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Use a Good Mayo: The mayonnaise is a key ingredient, so choose a high-quality mayo for the best flavor. You can also use a lighter version if you prefer.
Adjust Consistency: If you find the salad too thick, add a small amount of milk or extra mustard to thin it out.

How to Serve

Chicken salad can be served in a variety of ways:

On Bread: Serve it on your favorite sandwich bread or a croissant for a quick, delicious lunch.
In a Wrap: Spread the chicken salad onto a tortilla and roll it up for a portable option.
Over Salad Greens: Serve it over a bed of leafy greens for a light, healthy salad.
With Crackers: Pair the chicken salad with your favorite crackers for an easy snack or appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating.

Freezing

Chicken salad doesn’t freeze well due to its mayo-based dressing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge.

Reheating

This dish is typically served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Simply enjoy it straight from the fridge.

FAQs

1. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, you can easily substitute turkey for chicken in this recipe. It’s a great way to use up leftover turkey.

2. Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even mashed avocado for a different flavor and texture.

3. How can I make this chicken salad spicier?

Add a few dashes of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to give the chicken salad a spicy kick.

4. Can I add fruits like apples or grapes?

Yes, diced apples or grapes add a nice sweetness to the chicken salad and pair well with the savory flavors.

5. How long can I store the chicken salad in the fridge?

It can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Always check for freshness before eating.

6. Can I make this recipe with cooked chicken breast?

Yes, cooked chicken breast works perfectly in this chicken salad recipe.

7. Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Yes, dried dill works well if you don’t have fresh dill. Use about 1/4 teaspoon instead of 1 teaspoon of fresh dill.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this chicken salad is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers.

9. Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can add other veggies such as chopped carrots, bell peppers, or cucumber for extra flavor and crunch.

10. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, chicken salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge.

Conclusion

This classic chicken salad recipe is a perfect go-to dish for busy days when you need a quick and satisfying meal. It’s simple to prepare, customizable, and can be served in many different ways. Whether you enjoy it in a sandwich, on a salad, or with crackers, this chicken salad will become a favorite in your kitchen. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, making it easy to have a healthy and delicious meal ready whenever you need it. Enjoy!