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Homemade The Best Chicken Salad Recipe photo

The Best Chicken Salad Recipe

This chicken salad is a flavor explosion! Tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy dressing make it a must-try.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:
  • 2 pounds cooked and cooled chicken medium diced
  • 1 red onion peeled and small diced
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • 4 stalks celery small diced
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 cup red grapes sliced in half
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely minced
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving spoon
  • Refrigerator

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Start with 2 pounds of cooked and cooled chicken. Dice it into medium-sized pieces. If you don't have cooked chicken on hand, you can easily poach or roast it beforehand. Allow the chicken to cool completely before proceeding.
  2. Next, peel and small dice 1 red onion. Then, finely mince 1 garlic clove and small dice 4 celery stalks. Make sure all your vegetables are cut evenly for a consistent texture in your salad.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, red onion, minced garlic, diced celery, 1 cup of sliced almonds, and 1 cup of red grapes that have been sliced in half.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. This dressing will add creaminess and a hint of tang to your salad.
  5. Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Add 2 tablespoons of finely minced fresh dill, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently mix everything until well combined.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or in a wrap!

Notes

  • Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
  • Replace the almonds with chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
  • Incorporate diced apples for added sweetness and fiber.