Description
This Classic Chicken Salad is a quick and easy recipe perfect for a light lunch or picnic. Featuring shredded chicken breast combined with crunchy celery, sweet red grapes, red onion, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a creamy lemon-mayo dressing. This flavorful salad is versatile and can be served on bread, croissants, or over fresh greens.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (about 1 pound raw chicken breast)
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken and vegetables: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken breast, chopped celery, halved red grapes, chopped red onion, and toasted sliced almonds. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Toss the salad: Pour the mayonnaise dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients in the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Serve the chicken salad chilled on croissants, slices of bread, or over a bed of fresh salad greens for a light and refreshing meal.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly cooked chicken breast that has been shredded and fully cooled.
- To toast the almonds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- This chicken salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days to allow flavors to meld.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (to cook and shred chicken if not pre-cooked)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
