How do you make classic chicken salad from scratch?

Classic chicken salad requires cooked chicken, mayonnaise, celery, onions, and seasonings. Start by shredding cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Mix 2 cups of shredded chicken with 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup finely diced celery, 2 tablespoons minced onion, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld. For best results, use freshly cooked chicken that's completely cooled.

How long does chicken salad last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored chicken salad lasts 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container at 40°F or below. Never leave chicken salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can spoil quickly. For longer storage, consider keeping the dressing separate and adding it just before serving. If your salad develops an off odor, slimy texture, or unusual color, discard it immediately.

Is chicken salad healthy for weight loss?

Chicken salad can be a healthy option when prepared thoughtfully. A typical serving contains about 15-20 grams of protein from chicken, which helps with satiety. To make it healthier, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise, add more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers, and limit high-calorie add-ins like nuts or dried fruit. A standard portion of chicken salad (about 1 cup) contains approximately 250-350 calories, making it a moderate-calorie meal option.

What are the best ingredients to add texture to chicken salad?

For optimal texture contrast in chicken salad, include ingredients with different crunch levels. Celery adds a crisp bite while toasted almonds or walnuts provide hearty crunch. For a softer texture, incorporate diced apples or grapes. Fresh herbs like dill or tarragon add delicate texture and flavor complexity. Avoid adding watery vegetables like tomatoes that can make the salad soggy. For a protein boost, consider adding diced hard-boiled eggs which complement the chicken's texture profile.

Can you freeze chicken salad for later use?

Freezing chicken salad is possible but affects texture significantly. Store in airtight containers for up to 1 month. The mayonnaise-based dressing may separate upon thawing, requiring stirring to restore consistency. For best results, slightly under-salt before freezing as flavors can intensify. Alternatively, freeze the chicken mixture without dressing and add fresh mayonnaise after thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Note that vegetables like celery will lose their crispness after freezing.

Homemade Chicken Salad: Creamy, Crunchy & Delicious

Name: Chicken Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 cups shredded chicken for protein; – 1/2 cup mayonnaise for creaminess and binding; – 1/4 cup finely diced celery for crunch and freshness; – 2 tablespoons minced onion for flavor enhancement; – 1 teaspoon lemon juice for brightness; – 1/2 teaspoon salt for seasoning; – 1/4 teaspoon pepper for flavor depth; – 2 cups chickpeas for plant-based protein; – vegan mayo for creaminess; – 1/4 cup Greek yogurt for lighter dressing; – diced bell peppers for bulk without extra calories

Description

🥗 Delight in the fresh, protein-packed goodness that makes for a light and satisfying meal, helping you stay energized throughout the day.
🥗 Experience the perfect balance of creamy textures and crunchy elements, ideal for a quick lunch or a healthy side dish option.

Ingredients

– 2 cups shredded chicken for protein

– 1/2 cup mayonnaise for creaminess and binding

– 1/4 cup finely diced celery for crunch and freshness

– 2 tablespoons minced onion for flavor enhancement

– 1 teaspoon lemon juice for brightness

– 1/2 teaspoon salt for seasoning

– 1/4 teaspoon pepper for flavor depth

– 2 cups chickpeas for plant-based protein

– vegan mayo for creaminess

– 1/4 cup Greek yogurt for lighter dressing

– diced bell peppers for bulk without extra calories

Instructions

1-First Step: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients Begin by getting everything ready so cooking feels smooth. Shred your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, which helps it mix evenly. Dice the celery and onion finely to add texture without big chunks aim for about 5 minutes of prep time here.

2-Second Step: Mix the Base Ingredients Now, grab a large bowl and add the 2 cups of shredded chicken as your base. Stir in the 1/2 cup mayonnaise to coat everything creamy, then add the 1/4 cup diced celery and 2 tablespoons minced onion for crunch. This step takes about 2 minutes and builds the foundation of your salad.

3-Third Step: Add Seasonings and Flavors Pour in the 1 teaspoon lemon juice to brighten the mix, then sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Use a spoon to stir well, making sure all flavors blend this usually takes another 2 minutes. Taste a bit and adjust if it needs more zing or seasoning.

4-Fourth Step: Chill and Let Flavors Meld Once mixed, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This lets the ingredients soak up the flavors, making it taste even better. If you’re in a rush, 30 minutes will do, but chilling makes a big difference in the final texture and taste.

5-Final Step: Serve and Enjoy After chilling, give it one last stir and serve right away. Scoop it onto bread, crackers, or greens for a complete meal about 1 cup per serving works great. This chicken salad serves 4 people and pairs well with fresh fruit for a balanced lunch. For more chicken-based ideas, I recommend checking out this street corn chicken rice bowl recipe on my site. It adds a fun twist to your routine.

Notes

🥗 Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the salad.
🥗 Toast the almonds lightly for added crunch and nuttier taste before mixing in.
🥗 Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise if you want a lighter, tangier version.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chilling: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 per serving
Sugar: 4 grams
Sodium: 400 milligrams
Fat: 25 grams
Saturated Fat: 4 grams
Unsaturated Fat: 18 grams
Trans Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 10 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 20 grams
Cholesterol: 70 milligrams

Keywords: Chicken, Salad, Creamy, Crunchy