Crunchy and Creamy Chicken Salad

🎉 Introduction

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s creamy, crunchy, and refreshing, look no further than this Crunchy and Creamy Chicken Salad recipe! Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a filling for a sandwich, this salad combines tender chunks of chicken with a medley of fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a rich and zesty dressing. It’s not just a salad; it’s a delightful experience packed with flavor and texture, ready in just 30 minutes!

🧰 Equipment Needed

• mixing bowl
• cutting board
• sharp knife
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• serving spoon
• salad plate

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken breast, chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions.
Step 2: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 4: If using, fold in the chopped pecans for an added crunch.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Serve the salad on a bed of greens or in a sandwich, garnished with fresh parsley.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

Serves 4 | Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 0 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat; simply enjoy as is!

🥄 Variations

• Substitute rotisserie chicken for an easier prep.
• Add diced apples or grapes for a sweet touch.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier version.
• Incorporate avocado for a creamy richness.
• Spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, canned chicken can be a quick alternative, just ensure it’s well-drained.

Q: What can I serve with this chicken salad?
A: This salad pairs well with crackers, on a sandwich, or served on lettuce wraps.

Q: How can I make this salad vegan?
A: Use chickpeas or tofu in place of chicken and a vegan mayonnaise alternative.

Q: Is it okay to meal prep this chicken salad?
A: Absolutely! This salad is excellent for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze this chicken salad?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the mayonnaise can separate when thawed.

Q: How do I make it gluten-free?
A: Simply ensure that all ingredients, especially the mustard and mayonnaise, are labeled gluten-free.

Q: What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
A: Cooked chicken breast is best, but you can use dark meat or shredded chicken as well.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
A: Yes! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables like cucumber or carrots.

Q: What type of mayonnaise works best?
A: Regular or light mayonnaise works well, but homemade mayonnaise can add a fresh flavor.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Yes! This salad is mild and flavorful, making it appealing to both kids and adults.

🏁 Conclusion

This Crunchy and Creamy Chicken Salad is a winner for any gathering, picnic, or simply a delightful lunch at home. With its burst of flavors, textures, and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the process of making it, and don’t hesitate to customize it to suit your taste. Happy cooking!

Crunchy and Creamy Chicken Salad

Crunchy and Creamy Chicken Salad

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced
• 1/2 cup celery finely chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper diced
• 1/2 cup green onions sliced
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup pecans chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Sharp knife
• 1 Measuring cups
• 1 Measuring spoons
• 1 Serving spoon
• 1 salad plate

Method

 

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken breast, chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions.
2. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. If using, fold in the chopped pecans for an added crunch.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve the salad on a bed of greens or in a sandwich, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Storage & Reheating:
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat; simply enjoy as is!

Variations:
- Substitute rotisserie chicken for an easier prep.
- Add diced apples or grapes for a sweet touch.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier version.
- Incorporate avocado for a creamy richness.
- Spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.