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Best Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 29 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 0h 15m
  • Cook Time: 0h 0m
  • Total Time: 0h 45m
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Best Chicken Salad recipe is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish combining shredded cooked chicken with a tangy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise dressing, enhanced with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a blend of spices. Crunchy celery, red onion, dried cranberries, and walnuts add texture and bursts of sweetness and nuttiness, making it a perfect meal or snack served chilled on greens, sandwiches, or crackers.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad Base

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup celery, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped


Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Shred the cooked chicken into small, bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl to form the salad base.
  2. Add Mayonnaise: Add the mayonnaise to the shredded chicken and mix well to evenly distribute the creamy base throughout the chicken.
  3. Incorporate Greek Yogurt: Spoon in the Greek yogurt and stir thoroughly to blend it with the mayonnaise and chicken, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
  4. Add Dijon Mustard: Mix in the Dijon mustard thoroughly to infuse a slight tang and depth of flavor into the salad.
  5. Mix Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the mixture and stir to add bright, fresh acidity that balances the creaminess.
  6. Season: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the mixture and stir until the spices are fully incorporated.
  7. Add Celery: Dice the celery into small pieces and fold them into the salad, adding a crisp and fresh texture.
  8. Add Red Onion: Finely chop the red onion and mix it in for sharpness and a mild bite.
  9. Add Dried Cranberries: Gently stir in dried cranberries to infuse subtle sweetness and chewy texture throughout the salad.
  10. Add Walnuts: Chop walnuts and fold them into the salad evenly for added crunch and nutty flavor.
  11. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to balance flavors to your preference.
  12. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
  13. Serve: Serve chilled on a bed of greens, as a sandwich filling, or alongside crackers for a delicious meal or snack.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use freshly cooked chicken, but leftover or rotisserie chicken works well too.
  • Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt based on your desired creaminess and tanginess.
  • Walnuts can be toasted lightly for a richer flavor before adding.
  • If you prefer a sweeter salad, add more dried cranberries or a drizzle of honey.
  • This chicken salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Serve immediately after chilling for the best texture and flavor combination.