Easy Chicken Salad Chick Recipe
This light and refreshing chicken salad features tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, juicy grapes, and crunchy nuts tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect for a fast lunch, a summer picnic, or a satisfying dinner served over greens or in a sandwich, this recipe takes only minutes to prepare and can be easily customized to suit your taste.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Refrigerator (for chilling the salad, optional but recommended)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (using rotisserie chicken is ideal)
- 1/2 cup celery finely diced
- 1/2 cup seedless grapes halved (red or green)
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts roughly chopped (optional for added crunch)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup finely diced red onion or green onion for extra flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, diced celery, halved grapes, and chopped nuts (if using). If you’re including red or green onions, add them now.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Chill (Optional but Recommended): Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Enjoy the chicken salad chilled—serve it over fresh greens, in a wrap or sandwich, or with crackers as a satisfying snack.
- Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using pre-cooked chicken) or 10–15 minutes (if cooking chicken from scratch)
- Time Total: Approximately 40 minutes (including a 30-minute chill time)
- Yield: Serves 4 as a main dish or 6 as a side dish
- Category: Salad / Chicken Salad
- Method: No-cook (mixing)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free; can be adapted for low-carb or Paleo diets with ingredient modifications
- Keywords
- chicken salad, easy chicken salad, quick recipe, rotisserie chicken, grape chicken salad, healthy lunch, summer salad, no-cook salad
- Nutrition (approximate values per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Sugar: ~5 g
- Sodium: ~300 mg
- Fat: ~15 g
- Saturated Fat: ~3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~10 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Protein: ~20 g
- Cholesterol: ~60 mg
- Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the exact brands and amounts of ingredients used.
Notes
Customization: Feel free to add other ingredients such as diced apples, dried cranberries, or a handful of fresh herbs (like parsley or dill) to enhance the flavor.
Lighter Option: For a healthier twist, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Flavor Development: Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes helps blend the flavors, but you can serve it immediately if you’re short on time.
Serving Suggestions: Serve over a bed of mixed greens, spoon onto toasted bread for a sandwich, or enjoy with your favorite crackers.
Lighter Option: For a healthier twist, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Flavor Development: Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes helps blend the flavors, but you can serve it immediately if you’re short on time.
Serving Suggestions: Serve over a bed of mixed greens, spoon onto toasted bread for a sandwich, or enjoy with your favorite crackers.