1/2cupmayonnaise:use light mayo or Greek yogurt for fewer calories
1/4cupfinely chopped celery
1/4cupchopped red onion:optional for added crunch
1/4cupgrapes:sliced in half
1/4cupchopped pecans or almonds
1tspDijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional flavors: Dill, parsley, or paprika for extra flavor
Instructions
Cook and shred the chicken: Boil or roast chicken breasts until fully cooked. Shred using forks.
Prepare the ingredients: Chop celery, grapes, and nuts. Mix the mayonnaise, mustard, and seasonings in a separate bowl.
Combine everything: In a large bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the chopped ingredients and fold in the mayo mixture.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.
Serve: Serve chilled on bread, crackers, or leafy greens.
Notes
Notes & Tips
- Customization is key: The best part of chicken salad is how customizable it is. Add your favorite ingredients like jalapeños for heat or cranberries for sweetness.- Texture balance: Make sure your salad has a balance of textures—crunchy (celery, nuts), creamy (mayo, Greek yogurt), and juicy (grapes, apples).- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly cooked chicken, crisp veggies, and fresh herbs will enhance the overall flavor.
Things to Avoid
- Overloading with mayo: Too much mayo can overpower the salad and make it too heavy. Use it sparingly.- Not chilling enough: Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, making the dish taste better after an hour or two in the fridge.- Using canned chicken: While convenient, fresh-cooked chicken has a much better flavor and texture.