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Delicious chicken salad with celery, grapes, and herbs for sandwich filling or salad.

Simple Chicken Salad

A fresh and simple chicken salad that is bright, crunchy, and satisfying. Perfect for meal prep and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups Cooked chicken, chopped or shredded Rotisserie chicken, poached or roasted chicken all work well.
  • 1/3 cup Mayonnaise Add more for extra creaminess.
  • 2-3 tablespoons Greek yogurt Optional, adds light tang.
  • 2 stalks Celery, finely chopped Adds crunch.
  • 2-3 tablespoons Red onion, minced Can substitute with green onion.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1-2 teaspoons Lemon juice To taste for brightness.
  • Salt and black pepper To taste.
  • 1/2 cup Grapes or dried cranberries Adds sweetness and chewiness.
  • 1/3 cup Sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or walnuts Adds crunch.
Optional Add-ins
  • Chopped parsley, dill, For extra flavor.
  • Paprika or a splash of pickle juice For tanginess.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, mix the mayo, yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the chopped chicken, celery, onion, and sweet and crunchy add-ins to the bowl.
  3. Stir until everything is fully coated. If it looks too dry, add a spoon of mayo or a splash of water.
  4. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as desired, adding more lemon, salt, or pepper.
  5. Cover and chill for at least 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Notes

For maximum crunch, add nuts right before serving. To avoid watery salad, ensure chicken is cooled and vegetables are chopped small. Best enjoyed within 3-4 days when stored in a sealed container in the fridge.