Easy Chicken Salad Recipe: A Refreshing and Nutritious Dish

Tested in my kitchen: This recipe was tested in a home kitchen for easy timing, texture, and repeatable results.
Reading time 3 min

Are you searching for a simple yet satisfying meal option? Look no further than this delightful Easy Chicken Salad recipe! Packed with tender chicken, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted pecans, this salad is bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or planning a picnic, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

Chicken Salad Ingredients:

  • 1 lb cooked chicken breast meat, diced (about 4 cups)
  • 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
  • 1 cup celery, halved lengthwise then sliced (from 2–3 sticks celery)
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 medium red onion)
  • 1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped

Chicken Salad Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 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
Easy Chicken Salad
Easy Chicken Salad

🥗 Detailed Ingredients:

Chicken Salad Ingredients:

  • 1 lb cooked chicken breast meat, diced (about 4 cups)
  • 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
  • 1 cup celery, halved lengthwise then sliced (from 2–3 sticks celery)
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 medium red onion)
  • 1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped

Chicken Salad Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 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

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Servings: 6 servings
  1. Toast Pecans: Begin by toasting the pecans. Place them on a dry skillet over medium-low heat and toast for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a cutting board, let cool, then coarsely chop and set aside.
  2. Prepare Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, halved grapes, sliced celery, chopped onion, and cooled pecans. Mix well to distribute ingredients evenly.
  3. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, add all of the dressing ingredients – mayo, sour cream or yogurt, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
  4. Combine Salad and Dressing: Add all of the dressing to the salad, or adjust to taste. Gently toss until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
  5. Refrigerate: Cover the salad bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste of the salad.
  6. Enjoy: When ready to serve, dish out this delicious and easy chicken salad onto plates or into bowls. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing dinner, or as a side dish for picnics and gatherings.

Notes

  • Feel free to adjust the amount of mayonnaise or sour cream to achieve your desired consistency. You can add more for a creamier texture or less for a lighter salad.
  • Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
  • Get creative and add additional ingredients like diced apples or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.

Conclusion

With its blend of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy dressing, this Easy Chicken Salad is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish, its refreshing flavors are sure to delight your palate. So go ahead, whip up a batch today and treat yourself to a delicious and nutritious meal that’s both simple and satisfying!

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