Traditional Chicken Salad Recipe

Introduction

This traditional chicken salad is a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors. Made with shredded chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and slivered almonds, it’s a refreshing dish ideal for sandwiches or light meals.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces shredded cooked chicken (roughly chopped)
• 1 celery rib (minced)
• 2 tablespoons minced red onion (or sweet)
• 1/4 cup red grapes (halved)
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons whole grain mustard (or dijon)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch garlic powder
• 4 croissants (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Roughly chop the shredded cooked chicken. Mince the celery rib and red onion. Halve the red grapes and transfer all these ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
2. Step 2: Add the slivered almonds, mayonnaise, lemon juice, whole grain mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the bowl.
3. Step 3: Stir everything together until well combined. Refrigerate the chicken salad until ready to serve.
4. Step 4: Serve the chicken salad as sandwiches on croissants, or enjoy atop a bed of fresh lettuce. You can also stuff it inside tomatoes or avocados for a fresh twist.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the slivered almonds before adding them to the salad.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier option.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon for added freshness.
• Use different nuts such as pecans or walnuts if almonds aren’t available.
• For a fruitier variation, try adding diced apples or dried cranberries.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may thicken or separate slightly. It’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so avoid reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time while adding great flavor.

What can I serve with chicken salad?

Chicken salad pairs well with fresh greens, toasted bread, or as a filling for wraps and pita pockets. It’s also great alongside chips or vegetable sticks for a light meal.

Traditional Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 111 reviews

This Traditional Chicken Salad recipe combines tender shredded chicken with crunchy celery, sweet red grapes, and slivered almonds, all brought together by a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and whole grain mustard. Perfect as a sandwich filling or a refreshing topping for greens, this classic dish is simple, flavorful, and quick to prepare.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Salad Ingredients

• 12 ounces shredded cooked chicken (roughly chopped)
• 1 celery rib (minced)
• 2 tablespoons minced red onion (or sweet onion)
• 1/4 cup red grapes (halved)
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons whole grain mustard (or Dijon mustard)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch garlic powder

Serving Options

• 4 croissants (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Roughly chop 12 ounces of shredded cooked chicken. Mince 1 celery rib and 2 tablespoons of red onion. Halve 1/4 cup of red grapes. Transfer all these prepared ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add Flavorings and Mix: Add 1/4 cup slivered almonds, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 teaspoons whole grain mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder to the bowl with the chicken mixture.
3. Combine and Chill: Stir everything together thoroughly until well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad until you are ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Serve: Serve the chicken salad as sandwiches on croissants, or alternatively, atop a bed of fresh lettuce, or stuffed inside halved tomatoes or avocados for a lighter option.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Use sweet onions if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
• To keep the croissants fresh and flaky, add the chicken salad just before serving.
• Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors develop fully.
• Almonds add a nice crunch, but you can substitute with walnuts or pecans if preferred.

Keywords: chicken salad, traditional chicken salad, easy chicken salad recipe, chicken salad sandwiches, no-cook chicken salad