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+ servings
Chicken Salad in a bowl with spoons.

Classic Chicken Salad 

Katerina | Diethood
Shredded chicken, dill pickles, and crunchy celery smothered in a deliciously creamy dressing.
Servings : 6 serves
Prep Time 10 minutes
Refrigeration Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cooked skinless, boneless chicken breasts, shredded
  • 4 celery ribs, finely diced
  • 1/3 cup finely diced dill pickles
  • 3 to 4 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
  • sliced green onions, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 190 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5 g | Protein: 17 g | Fat: 11 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Cholesterol: 57 mg | Sodium: 1057 mg | Potassium: 500 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 3 g | Vitamin A: 580 IU | Vitamin C: 4.6 mg | Calcium: 65 mg | Iron: 0.8 mg

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.

Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, American/Southern
Keyword: celery, chicken salad recipe, classic chicken salad, creamy chicken, easy chicken salad recipe, holiday recipes, pickles, potluck recipes, salad dressings, summer picnic recipe