Delicious Chicken Salad Recipe – Quick & Easy to Make
I’d like to share with you a recipe that has been a hit at all of my parties and gatherings. It’s my easy and delicious chicken salad recipe, and it’s truly a crowd-pleaser. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make while still being packed with flavor.
My philosophy when it comes to cooking is that food should be both tasty and easy to make. There’s no need to sacrifice taste for complexity, and this chicken salad recipe is the perfect example of that. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this dish, yet your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main course for lunch or dinner, use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, or even top a salad with it for a light and refreshing meal. You’ll appreciate how many options you have with this recipe – there’s truly something for everyone!
So whether you’re looking for an easy lunch option, planning a party or gathering, or just in the mood for some delicious chicken salad, look no further than Nif’s easy and delicious chicken salad recipe. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, my friend, why you’ll fall in love with Nif’s easy and delicious chicken salad recipe! First of all, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a sandwich or as part of a refreshing salad. It’s perfect for a picnic, a potluck, or even as a light dinner.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the combination of flavors and textures that will keep your taste buds dancing. From the tender and juicy grilled chicken to the crisp celery and sweet grapes, every bite is a burst of deliciousness.
And let’s not forget about the dressing – made with low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt and seasoned with fresh herbs, sea salt, and black pepper – it will elevate any salad or sandwich to the next level.
But perhaps the best part about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Simply mix together diced chicken (you can use rotisserie chicken for even more convenience), grapes, celery, and any other veggies you like, then add your choice of dressing. Voila! A classic chicken salad that will leave your guests begging for more.
Trust me when I say that this easy and delicious chicken salad recipe deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. It’s healthy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. So why settle for a bland and boring salad when you can have one that is full of flavor? Give this recipe a try and thank me later.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you need to make Nif’s Easy and Delicious Chicken Salad:
Protein
- Grilled chicken breast (skinless and boneless) or diced rotisserie chicken – You can use any cooked chicken you have on hand. Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor while rotisserie chicken brings more moisture and tenderness to the salad.
Fruits and Vegetables
- Celery – adds freshness, crunchiness, and fiber
- Red grapes – provides a juicy and sweet contrast to the savory chicken. Cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size.
Sauce
- Low-fat mayonnaise – binds the ingredients together and makes the salad creamy. For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead.
- Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper – seasonings that enhance the flavors of all other ingredients.
- Fresh herbs (optional) – parsley, cilantro, basil or dill. These herbs add fragrant aroma to the otherwise plain salad.
Feel free to customize this ingredient list by adding more veggies, like carrots or tomatoes, and swapping some sauce ingredients.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this delicious chicken salad recipe! Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to create a lunchtime masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients Needed:
- 3 cups diced grilled or rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup halved grapes
- 1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, or chives)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Step One: Prepare the Chicken
Start by dicing up your grilled or rotisserie chicken. If you’re using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, this step should be easy as pie. Make sure your pieces are bite-sized and set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
Step Two: Add Celery and Grapes
Next, dice up about a cup of crisp celery and add it to the mixing bowl with your chicken. Cut the grapes in half and add them to the same bowl. They give such a nice touch of sweetness to balance out the crunchiness of the celery.
Step Three: Mix Together Mayonnaise and Greek Yogurt
In another small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. This provides a creamy base for your salad without making it too heavy.
Step Four: Seasonings
Season your mayo-yogurt mixture with fresh herbs, sea salt, and pepper. Using fresh herbs will make all the difference when it comes to flavoring this dish. The herbs give a bright, fresh taste that can’t be found in dried herb alternatives.
Step Five: Combine Everything
Add your seasoned mayo-yogurt mixture into the large chicken-celery-grape mixing bowl. Gently fold everything together until everything is mixed thoroughly and all ingredients are coated with sauce.
Step Six: Cool it Down
Cover your mixing bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and allow it to chill down in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows all those flavors time to meld together perfectly.
There you have it – the perfect chicken salad recipe! Serve chilled on top of fresh greens, between slices of bread for a chicken salad sandwich, or enjoy by itself as a main dish!
Substitutions and Variations
Now that you have the basic recipe down, let’s talk about some substitutions and variations to keep things exciting.
First off, let’s talk about the chicken. While grilled chicken is a classic option that provides great flavor, you can definitely mix it up with other types of chicken. Consider using shredded or diced chicken, either from a rotisserie chicken or canned chicken. Switch up the seasoning by adding some smoked paprika for a more robust flavor profile.
For a low-carb option, swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream. You’ll get the same creamy texture but with a tangy twist. Add some fresh herbs like dill or basil to elevate the flavor even more.
If you prefer a fruitier taste, try swapping out some of the celery for diced apples or pears. Grapes are also a great addition to any variation of this recipe – they add a pop of sweetness and are always a crowd pleaser.
Finally, consider making a sandwich out of your chicken salad! Spread it on some hearty bread or scoop it into a pita pocket for an easy lunch or picnic option.
No matter how you choose to enjoy this delicious chicken salad recipe, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Ah, now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Once you’ve prepared this delightful chicken salad recipe, there are a number of ways to serve and pair it.
If you’re like me and enjoy a classic chicken salad sandwich, then grab some fresh bread and layer it with lettuce, tomato, and a generous scoop of this delicious chicken salad. It’s a perfect lunchtime treat that can be easily taken on-the-go.
Another great way to serve this dish is by placing the chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens. Garnish with sliced grapes and fresh herbs, and then drizzle with a creamy dressing for a satisfying and healthy meal.
To really treat your guests, consider pairing this chicken salad with some grilled chicken breast or roasted vegetables. The combination of flavors will have their taste buds tingling and leave them feeling satiated.
If you’re looking for more low-carb options, serve the chicken salad in lettuce cups or simply eat it straight out of the bowl.
Lastly, don’t forget to adorn your serving platter with the best flowers pots in your garden. The presentation makes all the difference in creating an atmosphere of warmth and relaxation.
So whether you’re hosting a dinner party or having a simple family get-together, this versatile recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making chicken salad ahead of your party can be a huge time-saver when it comes to entertaining your guests. The good news is that Nif’s Easy and Delicious Chicken Salad Recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
When storing the chicken salad, I recommend keeping it in an air-tight container to prevent any air from getting in and turning the salad dry. This will also help preserve the freshness of the ingredients.
To reheat the chicken salad, remove it from the fridge at least half an hour before serving so it can come to room temperature. It’s important to not heat the chicken salad as this could turn the greens brown, lessen the crisp celery, and make the grapes wilt.
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend consuming your healthy homemade chicken before then as it’s best when eaten fresh.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have the recipe and ingredients, it’s time to delve into some tips for making the perfect chicken salad. These tips will help you navigate the process with ease and ensure nothing goes wrong.
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
The first and most crucial tip is to ensure that all the ingredients are fresh, especially if you plan to use herbs. Using fresh herbs can take a regular chicken salad from basic to gourmet in an instant. Freshly ground black pepper adds great depths of flavor, so try to freshly grind it.
2. Go for Moist Chicken
Dry chicken does not make for great chicken salad. Stick to juicy chicken by using rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breasts. You don’t want a dry or overcooked bird that will make your salad dry and unappetizing.
3. Dice Your Chicken Correctly
Dice your grilled chicken breast or rotisserie chicken in small bite-sized pieces, so every bite is full of flavor and texture. Nothing ruins a good salad more than large chunks of meat that require an apple-cutter to slice them.
4. Add a Touch of Fruit
Adding fruits like fresh grapes adds sweetness and nutrients while adding color and crunch to your mix. If you want something low-carb, go for crisp celery or seedless cucumber.
5. Choose Low-Fat Mayo or Greek Yogurt
Not only do low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt add creaminess without being too fatty, but they’re healthier swaps compared to regular mayo or sour cream.
6. Seasoning Matters
Seasoning is key when making a great chicken salad. Use sea salt, fresh ground black pepper with other herbs like dill or rosemary to increase the flavors without needing to add any extra salt or oil.
Remember, practice makes perfect with any recipe, so don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions in pursuit of finding what works best for you!
FAQ
As we come toward the end of this recipe article, I bet you’re wondering if anyone has asked any frequently asked questions about Nif’s Easy and Delicious Chicken Salad Recipe. Well, wonder no more! Here are some answers to potential questions that might come up while cooking:
How does Ina Garten make chicken salad?
To make the dressing, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a mixing bowl. Incorporate half of the chopped tarragon leaves into the mixture. Take a separate bowl and put in the diced chicken, along with the pecans, walnuts, and grapes. Pour the dressing over the chicken and toss until everything is well-coated.
How can I make bland chicken salad taste better?
One way to enhance the classic chicken salad recipe is by incorporating fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, basil, or tarragon. Another idea is to add juicy grapes for a burst of flavor. To make the chicken salad a heartier meal, cooked pasta can be added, but be sure to increase the amount of mayonnaise mixture to cover the additional ingredients.
Why does my chicken salad get watery?
When making chicken salad with mayo, it’s important to avoid adding watery vegetables like celery too soon. If you mix them in before thoroughly combining the mayo and chicken, they may release excess liquid and make your salad watery.
Why is my chicken salad dry?
When your chicken salad turns out dry, it can be quite disappointing. To avoid this, it’s important to have moist chicken as the base ingredient. Simply increasing the amount of mayonnaise won’t solve this issue. Instead, incorporating an acidic element such as lemon juice can easily enhance the texture and flavor of your chicken salad. Keep this in mind when preparing your next batch of chicken salad.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, my Easy and Delicious Chicken Salad Recipe is perfect for those who crave a quick, easy, and healthy homemade chicken salad with a classic twist. This recipe is versatile as it can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or a main course. It’s a great lunch option for the busy workdays or to serve guests during parties. Trust me, once you try this salad recipe, you’ll never go back to buying premade chicken salad from the grocery store.
So go ahead and try out this recipe in your kitchen today! Play around with the ingredients and have fun experimenting with different variations. The best part about this recipe is that it allows for substitutions and changes to fit your taste preference. So mix together the fresh herbs, juicy grapes, crisp celery, delicious grilled chicken and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite. Serve it on bread as a sandwich or top it on a bed of greens for a low-carb meal option.
Once you’ve learned how to make this delicious chicken salad recipe, I’m confident that it will quickly become one of your favorites. The best flowers pots for decoration would be rosemary or thyme plants that can liven up your kitchen while also serving as an edible garnish for your salads. So go ahead and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills with my Nif’s Easy and Delicious Chicken Salad Recipe – the best chicken salad recipe ever!
Nif’s Easy and Delicious Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked white chicken meat, diced or shredded (you can grill, broil, steam the chicken or use a rotisserie chicken)
- 2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise (I only use Hellmann's)
- 1/4 cup crunchy grapes, quartered (red or green)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Mix together and keep cold until ready to use.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!