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Classic Chicken Salad

A timeless and versatile chicken salad combining tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or serving straight from the bowl.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option
  • 1 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion Alternatively, use green onions
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or chives) Chopped
Dressing Ingredients
  • 1 cup mayonnaise Base for the creamy dressing
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Freshly squeezed is preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon paprika
Optional Additions
  • 1 cup halved red grapes Optional, for sweetness
  • 1 cup diced apples Optional, for sweetness
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts Optional, for crunch

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin with fully cooked chicken that has been cooled completely. Dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Finely chop the celery, red onion, and fresh herbs.
Making the Dressing
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the chicken, celery, onion, and herbs to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until coated.
  2. If adding optional ingredients like grapes or nuts, stir them in at this stage.
Chill and Serve
  1. Cover and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Serve on croissants, sandwich bread, wraps, lettuce leaves, or alongside crackers.

Notes

Use cooled chicken to keep the dressing thick and creamy. For the freshest flavor, add delicate herbs just before serving.