Best Chicken Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If I’m looking for a quick, satisfying, and flavorful dish, this Best Chicken Salad is always a hit! It’s creamy, crunchy, and comes together in just 10 minutes with only a handful of simple ingredients. This chicken salad recipe is versatile enough to enjoy as a light meal or to serve as a side for picnics, potlucks, or light dinners. The combination of tender chicken, crisp celery, and toasted almonds is truly irresistible.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ cup blanched slivered almonds

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken meat

• 1 rib celery, chopped

Directions

1. I start by gathering all the ingredients.

2. In a frying pan, I toast the almonds over medium-high heat, shaking the pan frequently. I keep an eye on them, as they can burn easily, and toast them until they’re golden and fragrant.

3. In a medium bowl, I mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and black pepper.

4. Then, I toss the chopped chicken, toasted almonds, and celery into the bowl with the mayo mixture and stir everything together until it’s well coated.

5. I serve the chicken salad immediately, or I can chill it in the fridge for an even cooler, refreshing dish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add fruits: To make it a bit sweeter, I could toss in some grapes, diced apples, or even raisins.

• Herb it up: Fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, or dill can add extra flavor. I can mix them into the chicken salad for a fragrant touch.

• Make it spicy: If I enjoy a little heat, adding a dash of curry powder or cayenne pepper would spice things up.

• Add pasta: For a heartier version, I could mix in some cooked pasta to stretch the salad into a full meal.

• Waldorf-style: I can swap the almonds for walnuts and add chopped apples to create a classic chicken Waldorf salad.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it should stay fresh for up to 3-5 days. If I want to keep the chicken salad crisp, I’d suggest storing the greens (if serving with salad) separately to prevent them from getting soggy. I don’t recommend reheating this dish since it’s best served cold, but it’s just as delicious the next day!

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, I can use canned chicken as a time-saver. Just be sure to drain and shred the chicken before adding it to the salad.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise with something else?

If I prefer a lighter version, I could substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or half yogurt and half mayo for a tangier, lighter flavor.

Can I freeze this chicken salad?

Freezing chicken salad is not recommended because the mayo will separate as it thaws. It’s best enjoyed fresh and kept in the fridge.

Can I add bacon to this chicken salad?

Absolutely! Crumbled bacon would add a smoky, savory flavor to the salad and a nice crispy texture.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe! It’s quick, flavorful, and adds extra convenience when I don’t have leftover chicken on hand.

Conclusion

This Best Chicken Salad is a staple in my kitchen for a reason—it’s quick, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m using leftover chicken or preparing it fresh, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The creamy dressing, crunchy celery, and toasted almonds come together to make a perfect combination. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main or side, and it’s sure to be a family favorite for years to come!

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