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Creamy Chicken Salad

A heartwarming and nostalgic chicken salad that combines tender chicken with a creamy dressing, perfect for lunches, picnics, or quick dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken is perfect) Swap with roasted turkey for leftovers.
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise Use Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy version.
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt Adds creaminess and reduces throttle from mayo.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard For gentle depth; use whole grain mustard for texture.
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced Gives crunch and freshness.
  • 1/2 cup red grapes, halved For sweet bursts; substitute with chopped apple for more bite.
  • 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds or pecans Adds nutty crunch; sunflower seeds make it nut-free.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions Bright herb flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice Lifts the whole salad with citrus brightness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt Or to taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Or to taste.
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries Optional for a festive touch.
  • 1/2 teaspoon curry powder Optional for a warm twist.

Substitutions

  • Use dairy-free mayo and yogurt If you need the recipe to be vegan-friendly (swap chicken for chickpeas or shredded jackfruit).
  • For a low-fat option, increase yogurt and reduce mayo proportionally.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • If starting with raw chicken breasts, poach them gently in simmering seasoned water for about 12 minutes until just cooked through, then cool and shred. Using rotisserie chicken skips this step.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until silky and smooth.
  • Fold in the chopped celery, grapes or apple, nuts or seeds, and chives.
  • Add the shredded chicken to the bowl and gently stir until every piece is coated in the dressing.
  • Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes for best flavor. It is still delightful right away.

Serving

  • Spoon into lettuce cups, between slices of crusty bread, or on a bed of mixed greens.

Notes

For maximum crunch, keep a small portion of nuts and celery aside to fold in just before serving.
Keyword Chicken Salad, Comfort Food, Creamy Chicken Salad, Easy Recipe, Quick Dinner