The Perfect Chicken Salad Recipe for Tasty Summer Lunches

Ultimate chicken salad enhances ordinary ingredients into a vibrant culinary masterpiece that dances across your taste buds.

Crisp vegetables mingle with succulent protein, creating a harmonious blend of nutrition and flavor.

Light yet surprisingly filling, this dish promises a refreshing meal that breaks free from mundane lunch routines.

Creamy dressings elevate the simple components, turning them into something extraordinary and crave-worthy.

Protein-packed and versatile, ultimate chicken salad adapts to your mood and dietary preferences with remarkable ease.

Each forkful offers a delightful symphony of textures that keeps you coming back for more.

Ultimate Chicken Salad: A Fresh and Delicious Meal

• Savor Unexpected Flavor Combinations: This chicken salad delivers a delightful twist with sweet grapes, crunchy almonds, and tangy Dijon mustard that dance together in perfect harmony.
• Boost Nutrition in Minutes: Packed with lean protein from chicken, healthy fats from almonds, and probiotics from Greek yogurt, this recipe offers a balanced meal that's quick to prepare.
• Enjoy Versatile Serving Options: Serve this salad on crisp lettuce, nestled in a soft wrap, or atop whole-grain toast for a flexible meal that works for lunch, picnics, or light dinners.
• Experience Effortless Meal Prep: With just four simple steps and minimal cooking required, this recipe is perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious, stress-free dish.

Key Ingredients for Ultimate Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Lean protein source that forms the base of the salad, best when freshly cooked and cooled.
• Almonds: Crunchy nut that adds texture and healthy fats to the chicken salad.

• Celery: Provides a crisp, fresh crunch and subtle flavor to the salad.
• Grapes: Sweet element that brings a juicy burst of flavor and natural sweetness.
• Dill or Parsley: Aromatic herb for garnishing and adding a fresh, bright finish.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that creates a tangy, protein-rich dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright acidity and helps balance the flavors.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy kick to the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the salad.

How to Make Ultimate Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Dressing

• Greek yogurt
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Combine Chicken Mixture

Add prepared chicken, diced celery, halved grapes, and sliced almonds into a large serving bowl. Pour the creamy dressing over the ingredients.

Step 3: Mix and Coat

Gently stir the chicken salad, ensuring every ingredient gets evenly coated with the tangy dressing. Use a soft folding motion to prevent crushing delicate ingredients.

Step 4: Chill and Enhance

Refrigerate the chicken salad for 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and develop. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped dill or parsley on top for a vibrant garnish and extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Perfect Ultimate Chicken Salad

• Perfectly Shred Chicken: Use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken into tender, bite-sized pieces for a more appealing texture.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let the salad chill for at least an hour to allow ingredients to marinate and develop a richer taste profile.
• Crunch Control: Chop almonds and celery just before mixing to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Yogurt Swap Trick: Choose full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamier dressing that clings better to the chicken and other ingredients.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Chop dill or parsley right before garnishing to preserve their vibrant color and release maximum fresh flavor.

Storing and Reheating Ultimate Chicken Salad

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness. Keep chilled at or below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth.
• Prevent Sogginess: Separate wet ingredients like dressing from dry components if possible. Place dressing in a small sealed container beside the chicken salad to maintain crisp textures. Mix just before serving to keep ingredients vibrant and crunchy.
• Reheating Tips: This chicken salad tastes best served cold. Avoid microwaving, which can make chicken tough and separate yogurt-based dressing. Instead, remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to let flavors develop and reach ideal temperature. Gently stir before plating to redistribute ingredients evenly.

Pairing Ultimate Chicken Salad with Sides

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the tangy yogurt dressing and light chicken, cutting through the creamy texture while enhancing the fresh grape and celery notes.
• Serve on Rustic Sourdough: Toasted sourdough bread provides a perfect crunchy base that contrasts with the soft salad, adding a robust flavor that balances the delicate chicken and sweet grapes.
• Match with Sparkling Water: Lemon-infused sparkling water amplifies the zesty lemon juice in the dressing, refreshing the palate and creating a light, clean dining experience that prevents the salad from feeling heavy.
• Complement with Mixed Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds extra crunch and freshness, creating a well-rounded meal that highlights the chicken salad's creamy and fruity elements.

Creative Variations of Ultimate Chicken Salad

• Mediterranean Marvel: Swap Greek yogurt for tzatziki, add diced cucumber, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Replace almonds with roasted corn kernels, mix in diced jalapeños, and use cilantro instead of dill. Incorporate a splash of lime juice and a dash of chili powder for a zesty kick.
• Asian Fusion Flair: Substitute yogurt with sesame-soy dressing, add mandarin orange segments, chopped water chestnuts, and green onions. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and a sprinkle of rice vinegar for an exotic touch.
• Herbed Country Style: Mix in fresh dill, chives, and tarragon. Use apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice, and fold in crisp diced green apples for a rustic, herbaceous profile.

Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern-style chicken salad blends tender shredded chicken with crisp celery and a tangy mayonnaise dressing. Classic comfort meets fresh flavors in this irresistible lunch favorite you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups (480 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Fruits and Vegetables:

• ½ cup (120 ml) celery, diced
• ½ cup (120 ml) red grapes, halved

Nuts and Dairy Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) almonds, sliced or chopped
• ½ cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh dill or parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Shred the tender roasted chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture and easy consumption.
2. Finely dice crisp celery stalks to add a refreshing crunch and subtle herbaceous note to the salad.
3. Halve sweet red or green grapes to distribute their juicy burst throughout the mixture, creating delightful flavor pockets.
4. Roughly chop raw almonds to introduce a satisfying nutty crunch and additional protein to the dish.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, combine smooth Greek yogurt (170 grams or ), freshly squeezed lemon juice (30 milliliters or ), and tangy Dijon mustard (15 milliliters or ).
6. Season the creamy dressing with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
7. Gently fold the prepared dressing into the chicken mixture, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated and distributed.
8. Refrigerate the salad for 45-60 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop a harmonious taste.
9. Before serving, garnish with delicate fresh dill or chopped parsley for a vibrant and aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

• Cool this salad down completely before storing to maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Swap Greek yogurt with mayonnaise if preferred, keeping the tangy flavor profile intact.
• Fresh chicken works best when shredded or diced into consistent, bite-sized pieces for even coating.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Consider toasting almonds beforehand to enhance their nutty, rich flavor and add extra crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 80mg