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Classic Chicken Salad

A delightful blend of tender chicken, creamy dressing, and crunchy veggies, perfect for a quick meal or family gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (grilled, baked, or rotisserie) Use pre-cooked chicken or boil/roast until fully cooked.
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Optional for a tangy flavor.
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1/2 cup red grapes, halved Optional for sweetness.
  • 1/2 cup chopped apples For added crunch.
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • to taste Fresh herbs (such as dill or parsley), chopped For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, boil or roast 2 cups of chicken breasts until fully cooked (about 15-20 minutes). Allow it to cool, then shred or dice it.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine your mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure it’s creamy and fluffy.
  3. Toss in the diced celery, red grapes, chopped apples, and green onions into the bowl with the dressing. Give it a gentle stir.
  4. Fold in the prepared chicken into the mixture. Stir carefully to coat the chicken with the dressing without breaking it apart.
  5. Taste your chicken salad and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.
  6. Garnish with fresh herbs on top, and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.

Notes

Substitutions: Consider Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version. Switch chicken for canned tuna or chickpeas for a meat-free option. Ensure chicken is cooled before mixing to avoid a soupy salad. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing as the dressing may separate.