The Best Chicken Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken salad stands out for its balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the grapes and apples complements the savory chicken, while the celery adds a satisfying crunch. Pecans introduce a nutty richness, and the creamy dressing ties everything together. It's a refreshing, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish that can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for busy days or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped

• 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved

• 1 apple (such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp), diced

• 1 cup celery, chopped

• ½ cup pecans, chopped

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

2. In a separate large bowl, mix together the chopped chicken, grapes, apple, celery, and pecans.

3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

5. Serve as a sandwich on bread or croissants, in a wrap, or in lettuce cups.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Chill Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Swap: Substitute grapes with dried cranberries or raisins for a different sweetness.

• Nut Alternatives: Use walnuts or slivered almonds instead of pecans.

• Greek Yogurt Dressing: Replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

• Add-ins: Incorporate diced red onion, shredded cheese, or a dash of curry powder for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: This salad is best served cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and adds extra flavor to the salad.

Is it necessary to chill the salad before serving?

Chilling the salad for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the ingredients may change upon thawing.

What bread is best for serving this salad?

Croissants, whole grain bread, or soft rolls complement the chicken salad well.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely, it's perfect for meal prepping and can be portioned into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Feel free to add ingredients like diced bell peppers or cucumbers for added crunch and freshness.

How can I make this salad spicier?

Add a small amount of finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The salad itself is gluten-free; however, ensure that any bread or wraps used are certified gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, almonds or walnuts can be used as alternatives to pecans.

Conclusion

This chicken salad recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy. Its versatility allows for various adaptations to suit personal preferences. Whether enjoyed as a sandwich, wrap, or on its own, it's a timeless dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal.

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The Best Chicken Salad Recipe

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This classic chicken salad combines tender chicken with crisp celery, sweet grapes, crunchy pecans, and a creamy dressing. It's perfect for picnics, lunches, or light dinners and is versatile enough to be served on bread, in a wrap, or in lettuce cups.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, chopped

1 cup seedless red grapes, halved

1 apple (such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp), diced

1 cup celery, chopped

½ cup pecans, chopped

½ cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
2. In a separate large bowl, mix together the chopped chicken, grapes, apple, celery, and pecans.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve as a sandwich on bread or croissants, in a wrap, or in lettuce cups.

Notes

• For a lighter version, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Feel free to swap grapes for dried cranberries or raisins for a different sweetness.
• To add extra flavor, try incorporating diced red onion, shredded cheese, or a dash of curry powder.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 55mg