Classic Chicken Salad
A fresh and creamy chicken salad bursting with flavors from tender chicken, crunchy celery, and sweet grapes, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Make sure chicken is cooled before mixing.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- salt Sprinkle to taste.
- pepper Sprinkle to taste.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder Optional for extra flavor.
- 1 teaspoon paprika Optional for extra flavor.
Liquids/Dairy
- ½ cup mayonnaise For creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Add richness.
Aromatics & Vegetables
- ½ cup celery, chopped Add crunch.
- ¼ cup onion, chopped For flavor.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- ¼ cup sliced almonds For texture.
- ¼ cup grapes, halved For sweetness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by shredding 2 cups of cooked chicken. Ensure there are no bones or skin left.
- In a large bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Stir until creamy.
- Add ½ cup diced celery and ¼ cup diced onion to the bowl. Mix until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper to taste, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir thoroughly.
- Gently fold in the shredded chicken, ensuring every piece is coated with the dressing.
- If using, add the ¼ cup halved grapes and ¼ cup sliced almonds. This will add extra flavor and texture.
- Cover your salad and refrigerate for about 20 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavors; plus, it’s refreshing!
Notes
Enhance the flavor with a dash of garlic powder or fresh herbs like dill. For customization, try adding chopped apples or dried cranberries for sweetness.