In a large mixing bowl combine prepared chicken, celery, pickles, lettuce, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest; stir to combine.
Add sour cream, mayonnaise, and dijon mustard; mix until thoroughly incorporated.
Taste for seasonings and flavors; adjust accordingly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Or transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Garnish with parsley and green onions; serve.
Notes
Select fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for the best taste and texture.
Use good-quality mayonnaise or a lighter yogurt version for a healthier twist.
Consider adding a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors. Halved red or green seedless grapes, diced apples, or dried cranberries can add a nice contrast.
You can customize your chicken salad with crunchy elements like diced carrots, chopped nuts, or sliced red onion.
Refrigerate the chicken salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend and develop, making the salad taste even better.
Serve it your way: Classic chicken salad can be enjoyed in various ways – as a sandwich filling, atop a bed of greens, or stuffed into an avocado or tomato.
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.