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Ultimate Guide to Chicken Salad: Classic Recipe, Variations & Modern Twists

Chicken salad is the ultimate versatile dish that can transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal. Whether you’re craving a classic chicken salad sandwich, exploring low-fat options, or wanting to recreate your favorite restaurant recipes like McAlister’s signature version, this comprehensive guide has you covered. From traditional preparations to innovative twists featuring cabbage and apples, discover how to create the perfect chicken salad for any occasion.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
1/2 cup mayonnaise (Greek yogurt for low-fat option)
1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your cooked chicken by shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or boil your own chicken breasts.

Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika. Whisk until smooth.

Step 3: Add the chopped celery, red onion, and fresh parsley to the dressing mixture. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Gently fold in the cooked chicken until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 5: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Serve on bread for sandwiches, over lettuce for a salad, or with crackers as an appetizer.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Salad

Choose the Right Chicken: For the best texture, use a combination of white and dark meat. Rotisserie chicken adds excellent flavor, while boiled chicken breast works well for low-fat versions.

Texture Matters: Don’t overmix your chicken salad. Gentle folding preserves the distinct textures of the ingredients.

Seasoning Secrets: Always taste and adjust seasoning after chilling. Chicken salad often needs more salt and pepper once chilled.

Make-Ahead Magic: Chicken salad tastes better the next day as flavors continue to develop.

Variations to Try

Chicken Salad with Cabbage and Apples

Add 1 cup shredded cabbage and 1 diced apple to the classic recipe for extra crunch and natural sweetness. Perfect for a refreshing twist!

Low-Fat Chicken Salad

Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and add extra herbs like dill and chives. Add diced cucumber for additional freshness.

McAlister’s Style Chicken Salad

Add sliced grapes, almonds, and a touch of honey to mimic the popular deli-style chicken salad.

Low-Carb Chicken Salad

Serve in lettuce cups instead of bread and increase the vegetable content while reducing any sweet additions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does chicken salad last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, chicken salad will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze chicken salad?
We don’t recommend freezing chicken salad as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate upon thawing.

What’s the best way to cook chicken for chicken salad?
Poaching or baking chicken breasts ensures moist, tender meat perfect for chicken salad.

Can I make chicken salad without mayonnaise?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt, avocado, or hummus make excellent mayonnaise substitutes.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or creating a special lunch, this versatile chicken salad guide provides everything you need for delicious results every time. Experiment with different variations to find your family’s favorite combination!