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–+ servings
Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe

Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe: Creamy, Crunchy, and Fresh

This Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe is a creamy and crunchy delight, perfect for meal prep and packed with vibrant flavors.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 cups Cooked Chicken, shredded or cubed, cold Use rotisserie or poached for best flavor
For the Dressing
  • 0.75 cup Mayonnaise Opt for Duke's or Hellmann's for the best flavor
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard works as a quick substitute
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice Consider apple cider vinegar if you're out
  • 0.5 tsp Salt Enhances overall flavor
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper Adds a balanced hint of heat
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped Dry dill is fine in a pinch
For the Salad
  • 1 cup Red Grapes, halved and patted dry Patting them dry helps keep the salad fresh
  • 0.5 cup Celery, finely diced and dried Ensure it's dry to prevent sogginess
  • 0.25 cup Green Onions, sliced Soaking in ice water can tone down their bite
  • 0.5 cup Toasted Pecans or Slivered Almonds, added before serving Feel free to swap for your favorite nuts

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by ensuring your cooked chicken is completely cold, then place the chicken into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Mix the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and dill until smooth.
  3. Add the Veggies and Grapes: Add the halved grapes, diced celery, and sliced green onions to the chicken bowl and mix gently.
  4. Combine Dressing and Chicken Mixture: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture and fold gently to combine.
  5. Chill and Allow Flavors to Meld: Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Add the Final Crunch: Just before serving, fold in the toasted nuts and taste to adjust seasoning.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 25gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly dried to prevent a watery salad. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for best results.

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