Description
Crisp, fresh classic chicken salad dances with creamy mayo and crunchy celery, bringing summer picnic memories to life. Delightful served on crusty bread or crisp lettuce, this dish invites you to savor each refreshing bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) celery (chopped)
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) grape tomatoes (optional, halved)
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Optional Serving:
- Lettuce leaves
- Sandwich rolls or bread
Instructions
- Prepare the protein by cooking chicken thoroughly through boiling, baking, or grilling until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and shred into uniform bite-sized fragments.
- Finely dice celery and red onion into consistent small pieces. Slice grape tomatoes into halves if incorporating. Chop fresh parsley into delicate fragments.
- Create a creamy dressing base in a spacious mixing vessel by blending mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Whisk ingredients until achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
- Gently fold shredded chicken, prepared vegetables, and chopped parsley into the dressing mixture, ensuring every ingredient receives an even coating.
- Transfer the salad to a sealed container and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop depth. Serve chilled atop crisp lettuce leaves, between artisan bread slices, or accompanied by crisp crackers.
Notes
- Opt for poaching chicken breasts in seasoned broth for extra tender and flavorful meat that absorbs surrounding aromatics.
- Consider Greek yogurt as a healthier mayonnaise alternative, reducing calories while maintaining creamy texture and adding protein boost.
- Prepare ahead and store in airtight container for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to develop and intensify during refrigeration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg