If you’re craving a dish that’s both comfortingly familiar and delightfully refreshing, this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s packed with tender chicken, crunchy celery, and a perfect blend of creamy mayo and zesty Dijon mustard that wakes up your taste buds. The addition of sliced almonds and dried cranberries adds a fun contrast of texture and sweetness, making this salad great for lunches, picnics, or even as a light dinner. Every bite delivers a harmony of flavors that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but every ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of taste, texture, and color that make the salad so irresistible.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced: The hearty protein base that makes this salad satisfying and filling.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds the creamy richness that binds the salad together smoothly.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy bite that livens up the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Injects a bright, fresh acidity to balance the creaminess.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the salad.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and depth.
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped: Offers a crunchy texture and a fresh, clean taste.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Gives a mild bite and beautiful color contrast.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds: Introduces a nutty crunch that’s completely addictive.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: Adds pops of sweetness and tartness that brighten every bite.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Delivers a fresh herbal note and vibrant green flecks for appeal.
How to Make Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by combining the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir these together until you have a smooth, creamy dressing that’s zesty and flavorful on its own—this blend really sets the foundation for the salad.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Next, fold the diced cooked chicken breast into the dressing gently but thoroughly. This ensures every piece is coated in that luscious, tangy creaminess, so you get flavor in every single bite without mashing the tender chicken.
Step 3: Mix in the Crunch and Sweetness
Now it’s time to add the texture and contrast that make this recipe stand out. Carefully mix in the finely chopped celery and red onion, the crunchy sliced almonds, the chewy dried cranberries, and the fresh parsley. This step brings a delightful variety in mouthfeel and a beautiful appearance.
Step 4: Chill and Meld the Flavors
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets all the flavors harmonize; the tangy dressing soaks into the chicken, and the texture components soften just slightly, making every forkful even better.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Finally, it’s time to enjoy your masterpiece. Serve this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe chilled on a crisp bed of lettuce, tucked inside a sandwich, or alongside crackers for a satisfying snack or meal.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes simple additions make all the difference. Try garnishing your chicken salad with a few extra almond slices or a sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and a little extra crunch. A wedge of lemon on the side also brightens the presentation and allows guests to add an extra touch of citrus if desired.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Crisp vegetable sticks, crusty bread, or a light soup can complete the meal perfectly. If you’re aiming for a picnic vibe, pair it with fresh fruit like apple slices or grapes to complement the salad’s sweet and savory notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe by serving it in unique ways such as stuffed in avocado halves, scooped onto cucumber rounds for bite-sized appetizers, or piled high on toasted croissants. Presentation can be playful and beautiful, making this dish fit any occasion from casual lunches to special gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries—this salad stores beautifully. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after resting overnight, making it a great make-ahead option.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and fresh crunchy ingredients, freezing this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is not recommended. Freezing can alter the texture of the dressing and the vegetables, making the salad less appealing once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors open up and soften slightly, but avoid reheating to preserve its fresh texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe since it’s already cooked and shredded, which saves time and adds extra flavor from the seasoning.
Is there a healthier way to make this chicken salad?
For a lighter version, you can swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or use a mix of both. It will still be creamy but with fewer calories and a boost of protein.
Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with walnuts, pecans, or even chopped apples. These substitutions add your own twist while keeping with the spirit of the classic recipe.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
At least 30 minutes is ideal for the flavors to meld, but if time is tight, 15 minutes can still taste great. Overnight chilling often improves the depth of flavor even more.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
Yes, this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is perfect for make-ahead preparation. Just store it tightly covered in the fridge and give it a gentle stir before serving to freshen it up.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully comforting about a well-made chicken salad, and this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe has all the right notes—creamy, crunchy, tangy, and just a touch sweet. Whether you’re packing a lunch, hosting a brunch, or just need a quick and tasty meal, this salad comes through every time. Go ahead, give it a try and let it become your new favorite go-to dish.
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Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Classic Chicken Salad recipe features tender diced chicken breast combined with a creamy mayo and Dijon mustard dressing, complemented by crunchy celery, red onion, almonds, and sweet dried cranberries. Perfectly chilled and versatile, it makes a great light lunch, sandwich filling, or a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add the chicken: Add the diced cooked chicken breast to the bowl, gently folding it into the dressing mixture to ensure all pieces are evenly coated without breaking the chicken apart.
- Incorporate the add-ins: Mix in the finely chopped celery, red onion, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, and chopped fresh parsley. Stir gently but thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the salad.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop a harmonious balance.
- Serve: Enjoy the chicken salad chilled, either on a bed of lettuce, as a filling for sandwiches, or alongside some crackers for a light and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of celery seed or fresh dill.
- You can substitute the almonds with walnuts or pecans to change the texture and taste.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option.
- Chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure the cooked chicken breast is cooled before mixing to prevent the mayonnaise from separating.
