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Classic chicken salad with shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, and onions in a bowl.

Chicken Salad

A simple and flexible chicken salad recipe that’s creamy, crunchy, and perfect for quick meals or lunches.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped Rotisserie chicken is a great option.
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Use a good quality mayonnaise you like.
  • 2 to 3 stalks celery, diced Add more for crunch.
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, diced Soak in water for a milder flavor if desired.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Optional but adds tang.
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice Brightens the flavor.
  • to taste teaspoons salt Adjust according to taste.
  • to taste teaspoons black pepper Adjust according to taste.
Optional Extras
  • 1/2 cup grapes, halved For sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup chopped pickles For tang.
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds For crunch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Chop or shred about 3 cups of cooked chicken.
  2. Dice 2 to 3 celery stalks and about 2 tablespoons of red onion.
Mixing
  1. In a large bowl, stir together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice.
  2. Add the chicken, celery, onion, and any extras like grapes or nuts, and stir until everything is coated.
Seasoning
  1. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
Chilling
  1. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld, if time allows.

Notes

For an extra creamy texture, add a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt. This chicken salad is versatile and can be customized with various add-ins based on your preference.