Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe is a classic for a reason! It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted pecans, all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

  • Simple and Delicious: With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is a breeze to make.
  • Versatile: Enjoy it on sandwiches, crackers, salads, or as a filling for wraps and lettuce cups.
  • Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients, such as dried cranberries, apples, or walnuts.

Ingredients

Chicken Salad Ingredients:

  • Cooked Chicken Breast: The star of the show, providing protein and a satisfying texture.
  • Seedless Red Grapes: Add a burst of sweetness and a juicy bite.
  • Celery: Provides a refreshing crunch and a subtle savory note.
  • Red Onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and a pop of color.
  • Pecans: Toasted pecans bring a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.

Chicken Salad Dressing:

  • Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the dressing.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and a touch of richness.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors with a touch of acidity.
  • Dill: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the other ingredients.
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall taste.

How to Make Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

Toast the pecans in a dry skillet until golden brown and fragrant. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, halved grapes, sliced celery, chopped red onion, and toasted pecans.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Dress and Chill

Pour the dressing over the chicken salad and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips for Making Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

  • Use Quality Chicken: Whether you roast your own chicken, use a rotisserie chicken, or cook chicken breasts, make sure the chicken is flavorful and tender.
  • Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to the salad.
  • Chill Before Serving: Chilling the chicken salad allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Salad

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
  • On Sandwiches: Serve on your favorite bread with lettuce and tomato for a classic chicken salad sandwich.
  • With Crackers: Enjoy as a snack or appetizer with crackers or crostini.
  • On Salads: Add a scoop of chicken salad to your favorite green salad for a protein boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing.

Reheating

This chicken salad is typically served cold.

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of nut? Yes, you can use walnuts, almonds, or cashews instead of pecans.

2. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, Greek yogurt is a healthy substitute for sour cream in this recipe.

3. How can I add more flavor to the chicken salad? Try adding different herbs, spices, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.

4. Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time? Yes, you can make the chicken salad a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Easy Chicken Salad. I hope you enjoy it!

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Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

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  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salads
  • Method: American

Description

This light and refreshing chicken salad is perfect for a hot summer day or a picnic lunch. It’s made with tender chicken, grapes, celery, pecans, and a creamy dressing.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound cooked chicken breast meat, diced (about 4 cups)
  • 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
  • 1 cup celery, cut into thin slices
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons dill, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Toast pecans: Place pecans on a dry skillet over medium-low heat and toast for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a cutting board and coarsely chop.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, grapes, celery, onion, and cooled pecans.
  3. Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
  4. Assemble and serve: Add dressing to the salad and stir until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  • You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
  • If you don’t have pecans, you can use almonds or walnuts.
  • Adjust the amount of dressing to taste.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Serving
  • Calories: 340kcal
  • Sugar: 13g
  • Sodium: 560mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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