Rustic Farmhouse Classic Chicken Salad Recipe: A Timeless Treat

Summers call for fresh, light meals that pack a punch of flavor and this tangy chicken salad recipe delivers just that.

Crisp vegetables mingle with tender, herb-seasoned chicken chunks.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of zesty and creamy textures.

The recipe combines simple ingredients that create a vibrant dish perfect for lunch or dinner.

Chopped herbs and a bright dressing elevate the salad from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll love how quickly this meal comes together with minimal effort.

This salad stands ready to become your new go-to summer favorite.

Easy Guide For Classic Chicken Salad

• Whip Up the Creamy Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and blend mayonnaise, tangy Dijon mustard, and a splash of zesty lemon juice until silky smooth.

• Toss in the Good Stuff

Fold in tender shredded chicken, crisp celery chunks, sharp red onion bits, sweet juicy grapes, crunchy nuts, and fresh chopped parsley.

• Create the Perfect Blend

Gently combine all ingredients, ensuring every morsel gets a luxurious coating of the creamy dressing.

• Punch Up the Flavor

Sprinkle in salt and pepper, giving the mixture a quick taste test to ensure it sings with deliciousness.

• Chill and Enjoy

Cover the bowl and let it hang out in the refrigerator for half an hour, allowing the flavors to get to know each other. Serve this delightful mixture nestled in a soft sandwich, scattered over crisp greens, or wrapped up in a tortilla for a quick, satisfying meal.

Helpful Hints For Classic Chicken Salad

• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the ingredients blend and develop a more robust taste profile.
• Protein Swap Magic: Easily substitute chicken with turkey, canned tuna, or tofu for a different protein option that suits your dietary needs.
• Lighter Version Hack: Replace traditional mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light mayo to reduce calories and add a tangy twist without compromising flavor.
• Crunch Factor Boost: Experiment with different nuts like almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds to add extra texture and nutritional value to your chicken salad.
• Gluten-Free Serving Suggestions: Serve the chicken salad in lettuce wraps, on gluten-free bread, or atop a bed of mixed greens for a low-carb, celiac-friendly meal option.

How To Serve Classic Chicken Salad Neatly

• Picnic Perfect Plating: Spread the chicken salad on a fresh croissant with crisp lettuce leaves for a delightful outdoor lunch.
• Gourmet Lettuce Cups: Serve the salad in butter lettuce leaves as an elegant, low-carb appetizer that looks stunning and tastes refreshing.
• Protein-Packed Lunch Box: Pack the chicken salad in a compartmentalized container with whole grain crackers and fresh cucumber slices for a balanced midday meal.
• Festive Party Presentation: Arrange the chicken salad on a beautiful serving platter garnished with extra parsley and chopped nuts, creating an eye-catching appetizer for gatherings.

Store Classic Chicken Salad Properly

• Quick Cooling Technique: Refrigerate the chicken salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Seal tightly to lock in flavors and keep the texture crisp.
• Shelf Life Strategy: Consume within 3-4 days when stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Fresh ingredients like grapes and chicken have limited storage time, so monitor closely.
• Smart Portioning Plan: Divide the chicken salad into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Smaller portions help maintain quality and reduce waste.
• Freezing Caution: Avoid freezing this salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings separate and lose creamy texture when thawed. Fresh preparation ensures the best taste and consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

All Ingredients For Classic Chicken Salad

• Cooked Chicken: Tender, shredded meat providing the hearty foundation of the salad, best when using freshly roasted or poached chicken for maximum flavor and moisture.

• Celery, Red Onion: Crisp vegetables adding delightful texture and sharp, bright notes to balance the creamy dressing.
• Grapes: Sweet bursts of juiciness that complement the savory chicken and provide unexpected fruity surprise.

• Nuts: Toasted nuggets bringing nutty depth and satisfying crunch to the salad.
• Parsley: Fresh herb adding vibrant green color and light, herbal brightness.

• Mayonnaise: Silky base creating luxurious coating for all ingredients.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment adding sophisticated depth and slight kick.
• Lemon Juice: Zesty acid brightening the entire dish and preventing browning.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor boosters that awaken and balance all other ingredients.

Kitchen Items For Classic Chicken Salad

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients and mixing the salad thoroughly.
• Cutting board: Essential for dicing celery, onions, and chopping parsley.
• Sharp knife: Helps create precise, even cuts for chicken and vegetables.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Ideal for gently stirring and coating ingredients with dressing.
• Mixing spoon: Helps blend mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice smoothly.

Tangy Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken salad harmonizes tender meat with crisp vegetables and creamy dressing. Refreshing flavors and simple ingredients create a delightful lunch you’ll eagerly savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups / 300 grams cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
• ½ cup / 120 milliliters mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon / 15 milliliters Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon / 15 milliliters fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup / 40 grams red onion, finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon / 4 grams fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup / 30 grams chopped toasted almonds or pecans (optional)
• ¼ cup / 40 grams grapes, halved (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice in a large bowl until smooth and creamy, creating a luxurious base for the chicken salad.
2. Protein Integration: Fold shredded chicken into the dressing, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the tangy sauce, creating a uniform mixture that promises rich flavor in every bite.
3. Texture and Aromatics: Blend finely diced celery and red onion into the chicken mixture, introducing a crisp texture and sharp aromatic dimension that elevates the overall taste profile.
4. Fruity and Nutty Layers: Gently incorporate halved grapes and toasted chopped nuts, adding bursts of sweet juiciness and nutty complexity that create an exciting sensory experience.
5. Herbal Finishing: Sprinkle fresh parsley throughout the salad, infusing the dish with a vibrant green color and a clean, herbaceous note that brightens the entire composition.
6. Seasoning and Harmonization: Season with kosher salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to meld and develop deeper taste connections.
7. Serving Suggestions: Present chilled as a versatile filling for sandwiches, a topping for crisp greens, or a hearty wrap filling, offering multiple delicious ways to enjoy this classic dish.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Texture: Poach or roast chicken breasts until just cooked through to maintain tenderness and prevent dryness, which can make the salad tough.
• Balance Moisture Ratio: Use a light hand when adding mayonnaise to avoid an overly wet or greasy consistency, allowing ingredients to blend harmoniously.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado for a lighter, healthier version suitable for low-fat or dairy-free diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg