Description
This Classic Chicken Salad recipe is a quick and easy dish combining tender cooked chicken breast with fresh celery, red grapes, green onions, and parsley, all brought together with a creamy plant-based mayo (natural) dressing. Perfect for lunch, light dinners, or picnics, it offers a refreshing balance of protein, crunch, and subtle tanginess. Adaptable with your favorite herbs, nuts, or fruits, this salad is a versatile and wholesome meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup plant-based mayo (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook the chicken breast by boiling, baking, or poaching until tender and juicy. Allow it to cool, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces to form the base of your salad.
- Chop the Vegetables and Fruit: Finely chop the celery, green onions, and fresh parsley. Halve the red grapes to add bursts of sweetness and texture to the salad.
- Create the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine plant-based mayo (natural), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard (natural), salt, and black pepper. Stir until the dressing is smooth and creamy with a slight tang.
- Combine All Ingredients: Gently toss the shredded chicken, chopped vegetables, and halved grapes with the dressing. Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated for balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled with optional garnishes or side dishes as desired.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked chicken for added flavor and zero waste.
- Keep all ingredients cold before mixing to maintain freshness.
- Adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar to balance acidity to your taste.
- Add extra crunch with sliced almonds or celery seeds if preferred.
- Prepare a few hours ahead for deeper flavor infusion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken salad, plant-based mayo, easy chicken salad, healthy lunch, gluten free, dairy free