Description
This chicken salad is a creamy and refreshing dish that combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables and a smooth dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Start by placing the chopped or shredded cooked chicken into a large mixing bowl. Ensure that the chicken is cooled, as this will keep the salad refreshing. Add the finely chopped celery and the red onion to the bowl. Mixing these ingredient layers together effectively is the foundation of a great chicken salad.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they create a smooth and creamy dressing. The lemon juice adds a zing that balances the richness of the mayonnaise, making it essential for flavor.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently fold the dressing into the ingredients until everything is well coated. It’s important to be gentle here to keep the chicken pieces intact, which ensures a better texture. After mixing, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper to suit your preference.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken salad to chill for at least 20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and enhances the overall taste. When it’s ready to serve, give it one last gentle stir and garnish with additional herbs or sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
For best flavor, allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for an extended period, ideally a few hours. You can make this salad up to a day in advance, which makes it perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Protein: 24 g