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Chicken Salad

Chicken Salad

  • Author: Christopher
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This easy chicken salad recipe offers a fresh, simple, and satisfying meal option packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. Featuring tender cooked chicken breast, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing made from plant-based mayonnaise and Dijon mustard, it is ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or light dinner, this versatile salad can be customized with nuts, fruits, and herbs to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped

Dressing

  • 1/3 cup plant-based mayonnaise (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (natural)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

  • 1/4 cup grapes or apple slices, for sweetness
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cooking the chicken breast until tender and juicy by poaching, baking, or grilling based on your preference. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: Dice the celery, finely chop the red onion, and coarsely chop the fresh parsley. Keep these components fresh by chopping them just before combining to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the plant-based mayonnaise (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), fresh lemon juice (natural), salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy with a tangy balance.
  4. Combine Everything: Gently fold the cooked chicken, chopped vegetables, and dressing together in a large bowl. Add the toasted almonds or walnuts and optional grapes or apple slices to introduce contrasting textures and flavors.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully while providing a refreshing meal that suits warmer days or packed lunches.

Notes

  • Use day-old chicken when possible to absorb flavors better and achieve perfect texture.
  • Keep all ingredients cold before mixing to maintain freshness and crispness.
  • Add dressing gradually to avoid over-dressing and sogginess.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley to brighten the flavor rather than dried herbs.
  • Balance sweet elements like fruit with savory nuts and creamy dressing for complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken salad, easy chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, quick chicken recipe, plant-based mayonnaise, gluten free salad

Find it online: https://easyrecipeplanet.com/chicken-salad/