Chicken Salad Recipe So Good, You’ll Make It Every Day!
Making a chicken salad is a delightful way to turn rotisserie, leftover, or even grilled and canned chicken into a fresh, flavorful meal. I like to mix all the ingredients in a bowl and gently fold the diced chicken with celery, green onion, fresh grapes, and almonds for the perfect crunch. Adding mayonnaise gives a creamy texture, while simple seasonings, basil, and rosemary sprinkled over roast or baked breasts enhance the flavor. This classic recipe is always a family favorite, bright, healthy, and ideal for summer gatherings, just like a lasagna recipe or a mac and cheese recipe can be comforting and crowd-pleasing.
I also love this version because it’s easy to prepare and allows for extra add-ins, making the ultimate tossed chicken salad with crisp ingredients that the whole family enjoys. You can use almost any kind of chicken, including leftover pieces, and the process is a breeze, leaving a flavorful, satisfying dish everyone will ask for again and again, much like your favorite lasagna recipe or mac and cheese recipe.
Ingredients (serves 2–3)
- 1–2 cups rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken, diced
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh grapes, halved
- 2 tbsp almonds, chopped
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp basil, dried or fresh
- 1/2 tsp rosemary, dried or fresh
- Simple seasonings: salt and pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins: extra crunch or flavor boosters
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Take 1–2 cups of rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled. Remove any skin or bones if necessary. Dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Try to make the pieces uniform for even mixing. Place the diced chicken into a clean bowl ready for the next step.
Step 2: Combine the vegetables and add-ins
Add the celery, green onions, fresh grapes, and almonds into the bowl with the diced chicken. These ingredients provide a nice crunch and extra flavor. Stir gently to mix everything evenly without mashing the chicken.Make sure the add-ins are well distributed throughout the bowl. This step ensures every bite has a balance of texture and taste.You now have a solid base ready for the creamy dressing.
Step 3: Add the creamy dressing
Spoon 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise over the chicken and add-ins in the bowl. The mayonnaise gives a creamy texture that binds all the ingredients together.Use a spatula orspoon to gently fold the mixture without breaking the chicken pieces.Make sure every piece of chicken, celery, grapes, and almonds is coated.This step enhances the flavor and ensures a smooth, rich dressing. Check that the mixture looks evenly combined and creamy before moving on.
Step 4: Season and enhance the flavor
Sprinkle basil, rosemary, and simple seasonings like salt and pepper over the chicken salad. These seasonings add depth and brighten the overall flavor.Gently toss the mixture to evenly distribute the herbs and spices.Taste a small portion and adjust seasoning if needed for your preference This step ensures the salad is aromatic, flavorful, and balanced. The chicken salad is now ready for any extra add-ins you want to include.
Step 5: Add extra add-ins and final touches
Include any extra add-ins you like, such as more almonds, green onions, or crispvegetables.These additions make the chicken salad even more bright and flavorful. Toss everything gently to combine without breaking the chicken pieces. Check that all ingredients are evenly distributed for consistent texture. This step allows you to customize the salad to your family’s favorite tastes. Your ultimate chicken salad is almost ready to serve and enjoy.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy
Transfer the chicken salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. It can be served immediately or chilled for a healthy, refreshing summer meal. The creamy texture and crisp ingredients make every bite enjoyable. Your family or guests will love the bright, flavorful combination of chicken, celery, grapes, and almonds. Using rotisserie, leftover, or any kind of chicken makes preparation a breeze. Enjoy your ultimate tossed chicken salad, perfect for lunch, dinner, or picnics.
Step 7: Store leftovers properly
If you have any leftover chicken salad, place it in an airtight bowl or container. Refrigerate immediately to keep it fresh, healthy, and safe to eat. The creamy texture will remain intact, and the crisp ingredients will stay crunchy.Use the leftovers within 2–3 days for the best flavor and quality. Before serving again, give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing evenly. This makes it easy to enjoy your ultimate chicken salad anytime without extra effort
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280–320 kcal
- Protein: 25–28 g
- Carbohydrates: 8–10 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2–3 g
- Sugars: 4–5 g
- Fat: 18–20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3–4 g
- Cholesterol: 70–80 mg
- Sodium: 350–400 mg
- Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Vitamin C: 10% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
Conclusion
This chicken salad recipe is a family favorite that’s easy, healthy, and full of flavor. Using rotisserie, leftover, or grilled chicken, combined with celery, green onions, fresh grapes, and almonds, makes every bite bright, crisp, and satisfying. The creamy texture from mayonnaise and the aromatic touch of basil and rosemary create the ultimate tossed salad perfect for summer meals, lunch, or picnics. With a few extra add-ins, this classic recipe can be customized to your taste, making it a breeze to prepare and enjoy again and again.
