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–+ servings
Classic Chicken Salad

Classic Chicken Salad: Zesty, Creamy, and Totally Make-Ahead

Discover the Classic Chicken Salad that's easy to whip up, versatile, and perfect for meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken leftovers work perfectly
  • ½ cup mayonnaise substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • ½ cup diced celery can be replaced with diced cucumbers
  • ¼ cup diced red onion can use shallots or green onions
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions or chives, can replace with fresh herbs
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard yellow mustard can be used as a substitute
  • ½ juice of a lemon lemon juice or substitute with apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper or use white pepper for milder taste
For Optional Add-ins
  • 1 cup chopped grapes or apples for a sweet twist
  • ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness
  • ¼ cup chopped nuts e.g., pecans or almonds for added crunch

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula
  • Airtight container

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Then, mix in ½ cup of mayonnaise, ½ cup of diced celery, and ¼ cup of diced red onion.
  2. Follow this with ¼ cup of sliced green onions, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, and the juice of half a lemon.
  3. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Once chilled, stir the salad gently and serve in a sandwich, over greens, or in a wrap.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best texture, add fresh vegetables right before serving. Store vegetables separately until serving for freshness.

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