Description

This Perfect Homemade Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish featuring tender poached chicken combined with crisp celery, sharp red onion, and a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Enhanced with fresh herbs and optionally mixed with fruits or nuts, it’s a versatile and easy-to-make salad that’s perfect for light lunches, sandwiches, or picnic meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded or diced, can use rotisserie chicken)

Vegetables and Herbs

1 cup Celery (finely chopped for crunch)
0.25 cup Red Onion (finely diced for sharpness)
1 handful Fresh Herbs (chopped parsley or dill)

Dressing

0.5 cup Mayonnaise (regular or light, for creaminess)
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard (adds a tangy kick)
1 tbsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed for brightness)
To taste Salt and Pepper (for seasoning)

Optional Add-ins

1 cup Optional Fruits or Nuts (chopped apples, grapes, or nuts for added flavor)

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Prepare your chicken by poaching it in simmering water for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Let it cool before shredding or dicing.
Combine Vegetables and Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the finely chopped celery and red onion. Stir gently to combine.
Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
Mix Dressing with Chicken Mixture: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Fold gently to combine.
Add Herbs and Seasoning: Add in the chopped fresh herbs, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until just combined.
Incorporate Optional Ingredients: If using optional fruits or nuts, fold them in gently.
Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Serve: Serve on a bed of lettuce, in wraps, or as desired.

Notes

Poaching the chicken ensures it stays tender and juicy.
Using rotisserie chicken can save time while still providing great flavor.
For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise or substitute with Greek yogurt.
Add fruits like apples or grapes for a touch of sweetness and nuts for crunch.
Refrigerating the salad allows flavors to blend and intensify.
Serve chilled for best taste and texture.