How long can I store homemade chicken salad in the refrigerator?

Homemade chicken salad can stay in the fridge for 3-5 days. Keep it in an airtight container. Always stir it before eating and check for spoilage.

Can I make chicken salad with canned chicken?

Yes, canned chicken is a good substitute for fresh chicken. Drain it well and pick high-quality canned chicken for better taste and texture.

Is chicken salad a healthy meal option?

Chicken salad can be healthy if made right. Use lean chicken and add lots of veggies. Choose Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise to keep it low in calories but high in protein.

How can I make a low-carb chicken salad?

For a low-carb salad, use full-fat mayonnaise or avocado oil dressing. Add avocado and serve in lettuce cups. You can also add more eggs or nuts for extra protein.

What are some creative ways to serve chicken salad?

Chicken salad is versatile. Use it in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or as a dip. You can also fill tomatoes or avocado halves with it. Serve it over greens or as a filling for crackers or veggie sticks.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

Freezing chicken salad is not recommended, mainly because of mayonnaise. The texture changes a lot when thawed. It's better to make it fresh and store it in the fridge.

How can I add more flavor to my chicken salad?

Try new herbs, spices, and mix-ins. Add curry powder, fresh dill, nuts, cranberries, apples, or herbs like basil or cilantro. This will make your salad more flavorful.

What's the best type of chicken to use for chicken salad?

Use fresh chicken like poached, grilled, or roasted breasts. Rotisserie chicken is also great for saving time. Make sure the chicken is cooked and cooled before mixing with other ingredients.

Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe: 5 Simple Steps to Perfection

Description

This easy homemade chicken salad recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in just 20 minutes. Made with tender chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing, it’s perfect for sandwiches, meal prep, or quick dinners. The secret is using fresh ingredients and the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken breast (poached, grilled, or rotisserie), chopped

1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Hellmann’s)

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 celery stalks, diced into 1/4-inch pieces

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

1/2 cup red grapes, halved

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup chopped pecans or almonds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook chicken breasts by boiling in seasoned water for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Let cool completely.

2. Dice the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife on a cutting board.

3. In a large glass mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, seasoned salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

4. Add the diced chicken to the dressing and mix gently with a large spoon.

5. Fold in the diced celery, chopped green onions, halved grapes, and fresh dill.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add nuts if desired.

7. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

8. Serve chilled in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or over mixed greens.

Notes

Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For best texture, add nuts just before serving to maintain crunchiness.

Greek yogurt can be substituted for half the mayonnaise for a lighter version.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free when served without bread.

For meal prep, store dressing separately from vegetables to prevent sogginess.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT5M
Category: Main Dish
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
Calories: 285
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 55mg