Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Total Time
5 mins
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Servings
10 servings (3/4 cups each)
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Calories
260 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Salad
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Cuisine
American
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Description
This salad blends shredded cooked chicken with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise and lemon juice, seasoned with celery seed, freshly ground salt, and black pepper. Finely chopped celery contributes a crisp, fresh texture, complementing the tender chicken, while minced fresh parsley adds herbaceous notes and color. The lemon juice's acidity enhances the overall flavor, providing a pleasant tang that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
It is a straightforward preparation that can be enjoyed right away or chilled to meld flavors further. The salad is suitable for using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, making it practical for quick meals. It works well in sandwiches, wraps, or on a bed of greens for a light lunch.
The recipe yields about 7½ cups, serving approximately 10 portions of ¾ cup each. Adjust mayonnaise quantity to desired creaminess and seasoning according to personal preference. Variations can include substituting Greek yogurt for mayonnaise or different types of vinegar in place of lemon juice.
Extra chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, maintaining freshness and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise or to taste (see note 1)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice from half a lemon (see note 2)
- 1 tablespoon celery seed (see note 3)
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
- 6 cups chicken shredded (see note 4, cooked
- 3 ribs celery finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons parsley freshly minced
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery seed, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. (I like 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 pepper.)
- Add chicken, celery, and parsley. Toss to combine. Serve immediately or cover and chill until serving.
Notes
- Mayonnaise brands such as Hellman's, Duke's, or Best Foods work well; avoid mayonnaise-style dressings like Miracle Whip.
- Lemon juice provides brightness; alternatives include white vinegar, champagne vinegar, or apple cider vinegar.
- Celery seed adds distinctive flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Leftover rotisserie chicken is convenient; chicken breasts can be cooked fresh if preferred.
- The recipe makes about 7½ cups, suitable for 10 sandwiches or salads with ¾ cup per serving.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container refrigerated for up to four days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings (3/4 cups each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 260 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.75 cups | |
| Calories | 260kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 21g | 42% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 9g | 53% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 70mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 181mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 243mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 124IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 29mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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