Best Chicken Salad Recipe
User Reviews
5
Best Chicken Salad Recipe
Description
This chicken salad combines cooked, diced chicken breast with fresh ingredients such as red grapes, celery, red onion, and toasted pecans to add sweetness, crunch, and subtle pungency. The dressing, made from mayonnaise balanced with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper, coats the ingredients evenly, providing creaminess and a hint of tang.
The toasted pecans add a warm nutty crunch, complementing the juicy grapes and crisp celery. The salad can be enjoyed immediately or chilled to let flavors meld. It offers a balance of textures and flavors that work well for sandwiches, wraps, or as a salad on its own.
The recipe allows for flexibility in ingredients such as substituting nuts, fruits, or onions based on personal preference or availability, making it adaptable.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast 4 cups diced, cooked, meat only
- 2 cups red grapes halved, seedless
- 1 cup celery (from 2-3 sticks celery), cut in half lengthwise then sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped (1/2 medium red onion)
- 1 cup pecans toasted and coarsely chopped
Chicken Salad Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp dill finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Toast pecans on a dry skillet over medium/low heat and toast for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently until golden and fragrant then transfer to a cutting board and coarsely chop and set aside to cool.
- Combine Salad Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, halved grapes, sliced celery, chopped onion, and cooled pecans.
- Make the Dressing - In a small bowl, add all of the dressing ingredients and stir to combine.
- Add the dressing to the salad to taste and stir until the salad is evenly coated with dressing. Enjoy right away or cover and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- Fresh cooked chicken gives the best texture, but rotisserie or sautéed chicken breasts also work well.
- Try different nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews if preferred or omit nuts for a nut-free salad.
- Swap grapes for diced apples, pears, or dried cranberries for varied flavors.
- Adjust onion type using sweeter Vidalia, chives, or omit for milder taste.
- Celery can be replaced with green apple, bell pepper, or seeded cucumber to change the crunch profile.
- Canned chicken is usable but less preferable due to texture differences.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people as a side salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 438 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 438kcal | 22% |
| Carbs | 15g | |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 33g | 51% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 13g | 76% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 71mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 398mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 453mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 236IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 65mg | 7% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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