Chicken Salad Recipe
Creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor this chicken salad recipe is a timeless favorite that’s perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or party sandwiches. Whether you’re making a simple chicken salad recipe for a weekday meal or exploring traditional chicken salad recipes for a potluck, this dish delivers freshness and comfort in every bite. With tender chicken, crisp celery, toasted almonds, and a tangy dressing, it’s easy to see why this best chicken salad recipe remains a classic across generations. Find more healthy and tasty Chicken Salad Recipe ideas here.
Ingredients
- ½ cup blanched slivered almonds
- ½ cup mayonnaise (use light mayo or Greek yogurt for a healthier version)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken (rotisserie, baked, or canned chicken — drained)
- 1 rib celery, finely chopped
Directions
- Toast the almonds: Place almonds in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Shake the pan often and toast until golden brown. Be careful — they can burn quickly!
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and ground black pepper until creamy and smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Add the chopped chicken, toasted almonds, and celery to the bowl. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add salt, pepper, or a splash of extra lemon juice if desired.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature. Serve it on salad greens, in sandwiches, or stuffed into croissants for an elegant lunch.
Optional Add-ins:
Try mixing in diced grapes for sweetness, chopped apples for crunch, or herbs like parsley and tarragon for freshness. You can even substitute part of the mayo with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter twist.
Preparation Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Yield: About 2 cups chicken salad