Description
This Best Chicken Salad recipe is fresh, creamy, and full of flavor with tender chicken, crunchy veggies, grapes or apples, and a zesty dressing. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or enjoying on greens.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red grapes, halved (or apples, diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Instructions
- If cooking chicken, bake or boil until done, then shred or dice. Otherwise, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken.
- Chop celery, onion, grapes (or apples), and optional nuts and cranberries.
- In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in fresh herbs.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, celery, onion, grapes/apples, nuts, and cranberries.
- Pour dressing over mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
- Serve on bread, in wraps, over greens, or with crackers.
Notes
Swap mayo for Greek yogurt or avocado for a healthier twist.Add avocado, cheese, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or jalapeños.Store in the fridge up to 3 days; best served cold.Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
