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Chicken Salad Recipe

This easy, creamy, and foolproof chicken salad recipe is the perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and a light, flavorful dressing. It’s versatile, comforting, and ideal for lunches, picnics, or entertaining.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
  • 1 cup celery finely chopped
  • ½ cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1 cup red grapes halved (or 1 crisp apple, diced)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt optional, for lightness
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans optional
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill chopped (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the chicken. Use cooked and cooled chicken. Shred it into bite-sized pieces or dice it neatly. (Tip: shredding with two forks makes it tender and easy.)
  2. Chop the mix-ins. Dice celery, onion, and grapes (or apple). Keep them small for even bites.
  3. Make the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine everything. Add the chicken, celery, onion, grapes, and nuts (if using) into the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together.
  6. Serve. Enjoy chicken salad on sandwich bread, croissants, crackers, or lettuce wraps.