Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a fresh, delicious dish that comes together quickly and satisfies every craving, you’re definitely going to love this Easy Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of juicy chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy pecans, and a tangy, creamy dressing that makes every bite sing with flavor. Whether you’re packing lunch, prepping for a picnic, or just craving something light and comforting, this chicken salad hits all the right notes without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each one plays a key role in making this chicken salad both colorful and irresistibly tasty.
- Cooked chicken breast meat (1 pound, diced): The star protein, tender and ready to soak up all the dressing’s goodness.
- Seedless red grapes (2 cups, halved): Offering juicy bursts of sweetness that contrast wonderfully with savory elements.
- Celery (1 cup, thinly sliced): Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that keeps the salad lively.
- Red onion (1/2 cup, finely chopped): Brings a hint of sharpness that brightens every forkful.
- Pecans (1 cup, toasted and coarsely chopped): Provide a rich, nutty crunch that’s pure magic with juicy chicken.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base of the dressing, adding smooth richness.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Adds tang and lightness to balance the mayo.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Fresh acidity that lifts the whole salad.
- Dill (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Herbaceous notes that give a subtle, fresh finish.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to add a mild, warming kick.
How to Make Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Pecans
Start by warming a dry skillet over medium-low heat, then add your pecans. Toast them for about 3 to 5 minutes, tossing frequently to prevent burning. You’ll know they’re done when they turn golden and fill your kitchen with a fragrant, nutty aroma. Once toasted, transfer them to a cutting board and chop coarsely so you have nice, crunchy bits scattered through the salad.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and add the diced cooked chicken, halved grapes, thinly sliced celery, finely chopped red onion, and the toasted pecans you just prepared. This colorful mixture is the heart of your Easy Chicken Salad Recipe, packed with contrasting textures and flavors that promise to delight your taste buds.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. This dressing is what ties everything together, adding creaminess with a bright, herby kick that makes the salad so irresistible.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Pour your freshly made dressing over the salad mix and gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes if you have the time—this lets the flavors meld beautifully. Your Easy Chicken Salad Recipe is now ready to serve, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill sprigs are perfect for a lovely green finish, while a few whole pecans sprinkled on top add an elegant crunch. You can also add a wedge of lemon on the side to brighten up each bite even more.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, buttery croissants, or even simple pita pockets. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a perfectly balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try filling avocado halves or hollowed-out tomatoes with the chicken salad for a pretty, handheld option. Wrapping it in large lettuce leaves makes an easy, low-carb wrap, turning this classic into a fun eat-anywhere treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days to keep the textures crisp and fresh.
Freezing
This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe is not ideal for freezing because the grapes and celery will lose their crunch and the dressing can separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term instead of frozen.
Reheating
Since it’s a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. If you prefer a warm chicken dish, consider sautéing some chicken separately and adding fresh ingredients afterward, but the salad itself shines best chilled.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this Easy Chicken Salad Recipe, saving you time while still delivering tender, flavorful chicken.
What can I substitute for pecans?
If pecans aren’t your favorite, walnuts or almonds make great alternatives and provide a similar nutty crunch.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the sour cream or Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative, and use a dairy-free mayonnaise to keep the creamy texture without any dairy.
How do I make the salad less creamy?
If you prefer a lighter chicken salad, simply reduce the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream, or add more lemon juice to give it extra brightness.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe is perfect for meal prep since it keeps well in the fridge and delivers a variety of tastes and textures that stay satisfying over several days.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Easy Chicken Salad Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels homemade yet elegant, fresh yet comforting. Whether for a quick lunch, an impressive picnic, or just a simple weeknight dinner, it brings joy with every bite. Once you make it, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This easy chicken salad recipe combines tender cooked chicken breast with sweet grapes, crunchy celery, toasted pecans, and a creamy dill dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a picnic, it comes together quickly with fresh ingredients for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast meat, diced (about 4 cups)
- 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
- 1 cup celery, cut into thin slices
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons dill, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Toast pecans: Place pecans on a dry skillet over medium-low heat and toast for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently until they turn golden and fragrant. Transfer them to a cutting board and coarsely chop for added crunch in the salad.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the diced chicken, halved grapes, sliced celery, finely chopped red onion, and the cooled toasted pecans to form the salad base.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt), lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined to create the creamy dressing.
- Assemble and serve: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter dressing.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans or replace them with toasted sunflower seeds.
- Use leftover roasted or grilled chicken to save time.
- Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
- This salad can be served on its own, over greens, or as a sandwich filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
