Description
Classic Chicken Salad is a versatile, creamy dish made with shredded chicken breast mixed with a tangy dressing of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, combined with crunchy celery, red onion, and optional sweet pickle relish. Perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or served on its own, this salad offers a refreshing and protein-packed option for lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish (optional for sweetness)
Optional Add-ins & Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped grapes or apple for a touch of sweetness and texture (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: If your chicken breast is not yet cooked, either bake, boil, or sauté it until fully cooked through. Once done, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ready to be mixed into the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency that will coat the salad ingredients evenly.
- Combine the Salad: Add the shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Stir thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated by the dressing.
- Optional Add-Ins: If you like extra sweetness and texture, gently fold in chopped grapes or apple at this stage to balance the savory flavors and add freshness.
- Serve: Garnish the chicken salad with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve chilled, either on sandwich bread, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or on a bed of greens for a light, refreshing meal.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Adjust seasoning levels to your taste, especially salt and pepper.
- You can prepare this salad a day in advance; flavors meld beautifully overnight in the refrigerator.
- Try adding nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before mixing it with the dressing to maintain freshness.
