Ah, the classic chicken salad! This dish has been a kitchen staple in my home for as long as I can remember. It’s one of those recipes that seamlessly blends ease and deliciousness, making it a perfect go-to for meal prep or a quick lunch. I remember sitting at my grandma’s kitchen table, eagerly waiting for her to whip up that creamy, flavorful chicken salad while telling stories of her adventures. The savory aroma alone would send my taste buds into a frenzy!
What I love most about this chicken salad is its versatility. You can serve it in so many ways—scoop it onto a bed of greens, sandwich it between slices of crusty bread, or even enjoy it straight from the bowl (no judgment here!). Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving; you can swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Let me take you through the recipe!
What’s in Classic Chicken Salad?
Cooked Chicken: The star of the show! Shredded or diced, I usually opt for rotisserie chicken for convenience. It’s juicy and requires no effort—win-win!
Mayonnaise: This is what brings all the flavors together. I prefer using a good quality mayo like Hellmann’s for the creamiest texture, but Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitution if you’re looking for something lighter.
Celery: Chopped for a delightful crunch! Celery adds a refreshing bite that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess of the mayo.
Red Onion: A splash of sharpness that gives the salad depth. If you’re not a raw onion fan, you can lightly sauté it or skip it altogether!
Grapes: Sweet and juicy, they add a burst of flavor that elevates the whole dish. You can substitute these with apples for a different twist!
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten everything up. My secret ingredient? A sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor!
Is Classic Chicken Salad Good for You?
Absolutely! While chicken salad can be indulgent, the ingredients still provide several health benefits.
Chicken: A great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body maintenance. If you choose skinless chicken, you save on excess fat, too.
Celery: Low in calories and packed with vitamins A, C, and K, this crunch factor also delivers hydration thanks to its high water content.
Grapes: Loaded with antioxidants, they contribute to heart health and are full of vitamins. Plus, their natural sweetness can satisfy cravings for something sugary!
However, it is important to keep an eye on how much mayo you use. Heavy mayonnaise can quickly increase the calorie count. Opting for yogurt or a lighter mayo makes it a more balanced choice.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
– 1/2 cup celery, chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
– 1/2 cup grapes, halved (or 1 apple, chopped)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Squeeze of lemon juice
This recipe serves about 4 portions, making it perfect for meal prep!
How to Make Classic Chicken Salad?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and mayonnaise (or yogurt). Stir well until the chicken is well-coated and creamy.
2. Add the chopped celery, diced red onion, and halved grapes (or chopped apple). Mix gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
3. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, season with salt and pepper, and add a splash of lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all those glorious flavors to meld together.
5. Serve your chicken salad over a bed of greens, on toast, or in a wrap, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions & Fun Variations
Feeling adventurous? You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste! Try adding nuts like walnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture, or incorporate herbs like dill or parsley for a fresh twist. For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños.
I also love using it as sandwich filling or as a topping for baked potatoes. Got leftover chicken? Use it! This salad is perfect for meal prepping and can last for 3-5 days in the fridge.
I can’t wait for you to try this classic chicken salad! It’s a comforting, flavorful dish that brings back so many warm memories for me, and I hope it does the same for you. Let me know how your chicken salad turns out—I’d love to hear your variations! Happy cooking!