Name: Chicken Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb cooked chicken breast meat; 4 cups diced seedless red grapes (halved); 1 cup celery (cut in half lengthwise then sliced); 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped); 1 cup pecans (toasted and coarsely chopped); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt); 2 Tbsp lemon juice; 2 Tbsp dill (finely chopped); 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/2 tsp black pepper

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When I think of comfort food, my mind immediately drifts to a classic Chicken Salad. It’s the kind of dish that brings back memories of sunny picnics and warm family gatherings. I can still picture my grandmother preparing her special recipe in the kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of fresh ingredients fills the air. There’s something about the crunch of the vegetables and the creamy dressing that just makes my taste buds dance with joy. This Chicken Salad isn’t just a meal; it’s a heartfelt creation meant to be shared. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a hearty side for dinner. Anytime I whip up this salad, it feels like I’m wrapping myself in a cozy culinary hug. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that always leaves everyone wanting more.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
5 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free

Fat:
18 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl, Skillet, Chef’s Knife, Cutting Board

Why You Need This Chicken Salad

It’s Versatile

One of the best things about Chicken Salad is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you use grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken, this dish adapts beautifully. You can toss in a variety of vegetables, fruits, or nuts, making it a canvas for your creativity. This flexibility not only keeps things interesting but also allows you to cater to different palates and dietary requirements.

Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The combination of flavors in this Chicken Salad is simply irresistible. The sweetness of the grapes complements the savory notes of the chicken, while the crunch of the celery and pecans adds texture and depth. Toss in a hint of dill and a creamy dressing, and you have a harmonious balance that feels both refreshing and satisfying. Every bite is an adventure, with each ingredient playing its part perfectly.

Great for Meal Prep

If you’re looking for a dish that makes meal prep easy, this Chicken Salad is a winner. It stores well in the refrigerator for several days, allowing you to whip it up in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. It’s perfect for quick lunches or as a side dish for dinner. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat, and you’ll have a delightful meal ready to go in minutes.

Nutritious and Filling

This Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. With a good source of protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the pecans, and fiber from the fruits and veggies, it’s a well-rounded dish. It satisfies hunger without weighing you down, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. You can feel good about serving it to your family or bringing it to gatherings.

A Crowd-Pleaser

Hosting a gathering? This Chicken Salad is sure to impress your guests. It’s a familiar dish that everyone loves, and it’s easy to serve in large batches. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a holiday get-together, or a simple family dinner, this salad is always a hit. It sparks conversations and brings people together around the table.

FAQ

Absolutely! This Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the ingredients. It typically lasts for up to three to four days refrigerated, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays or gatherings.

This versatile Chicken Salad pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with crispy lettuce wraps for a light option, or enjoy it with crusty bread or rolls for a more filling meal. It also complements fresh fruit, chips, or a side of mixed greens beautifully. You can even serve it as a filling for sandwiches, making it great for picnics or lunchboxes.

There are several ways to lighten up this Chicken Salad. You can reduce the amount of mayonnaise and replace it with Greek yogurt for a protein boost and lower fat content. Adding more fresh vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers not only enhances the salad’s nutrition but also adds crunch. You could also use lean chicken breast and avoid adding high-calorie nuts if you’re looking to cut back on calories.

Definitely! One of the best features of Chicken Salad is its flexibility. You can swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Instead of using grapes, consider adding apples or dried cranberries for sweetness. If you’re not a fan of pecans, try substituting walnuts or leaving them out altogether. The dressing can also be adjusted based on your taste – adding more lemon juice for tang, for example.

Conclusion

This Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make it a standout dish for any occasion. It’s versatile enough to adapt to your personal taste and easy to prepare ahead of time for busy days. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next gathering or meal prep. It’s sure to impress your friends and family, while also satisfying your own cravings for something delicious and comforting.

Chicken Salad

The ultimate comfort food, this Chicken Salad combines deliciously tender chicken with sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted pecans, all brought together with a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner, this easy weeknight dinner is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try it tonight!

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 5

Total Time 25

Course Salads

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

Wooden Spoon
Mixing Bowl
Skillet
Chef's Knife
Cutting Board

Ingredients

1 lb cooked chicken breast meat
4 cups diced seedless red grapes halved
1 cup celery cut in half lengthwise then sliced
1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
1 cup pecans toasted and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 Tbsp dill finely chopped
1/2 tsp salt or to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Toast pecans on a dry skillet over medium/low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, tossing frequently until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a cutting board, coarsely chop, and set aside to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, halved grapes, sliced celery, chopped onion, and cooled pecans.
In a small bowl, add mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Add the dressing to the salad to taste and stir until the salad is evenly coated with dressing. Enjoy right away or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.

Notes

Nuts: leave them out or try walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
Fruit: instead of grapes, try diced apples, pears, or dried fruit like cranberries or raisins.
Onion: try sweet Vidalia onion, or chives for milder onion flavor.

Celery: swap with green apple, bell pepper, or seeded diced cucumber.
Canned Chicken: it will work but you’ll have the best texture when using fresh, cooked chicken.