Creamy Chicken Salad
🥗 Creamy Chicken Salad
A flavorful, protein-packed classic with a creamy twist — perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or leafy green bowls. Customize it with your favorite fruits, veggies, or nuts!
⏱️ Quick Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded; rotisserie works great)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (optional, for a lighter version)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- ¼ cup finely chopped celery
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Mix-ins:
- Chopped apple
- Grapes (halved)
- Walnuts or pecans (chopped)
- Dried cranberries
🔪 Instructions
1. Prepare Chicken
Shred or dice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
2. Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Combine
Add chicken, celery, red onion, and parsley to the dressing. Stir to coat everything evenly.
4. Taste & Adjust
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed — more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or mustard based on your flavor preference.
5. Chill (Optional)
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. (Can also be served immediately.)
6. Serve
Serve chilled or room temp:
- Over leafy greens
- In sandwiches or wraps
- On crackers or toast
- Stuffed in a croissant
📝 Notes & Tips
- Make it crunchy: Add toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.
- Sweet variation: Add grapes, apples, or dried cranberries.
- Herb upgrade: Fresh dill, tarragon, or basil can elevate the flavor.
- Lighter option: Replace all or part of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
- Storage: Keeps in the fridge in an airtight container for 3–4 days.