Classic Chicken Salad

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5 from 5 votes

Classic Chicken Salad

Shredded chicken, dill pickles, and crunchy celery smothered in a deliciously creamy dressing.

Prep Time10

Refrigeration Time1

Total Time1 15

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

Servings: serves

Author: Katerina Petrovska

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 fresh 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.

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