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Old Fashioned Chicken Salad

A timeless and comforting chicken salad that is easy to prepare and perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped Rotisserie chicken is a shortcut that sings.
  • 1 cup mayonnaise Or replace with 1/2 cup mayo and 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt for a lighter take.
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or extra Greek yogurt Adds tang and silkiness.
  • 1 stalk celery, finely diced For that signature crunch.
  • 1/3 cup sweet pickle relish, drained Swap for chopped dill pickles if you prefer tang.
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion or scallions Pickled red onions make a lovely festive twist.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard For subtle depth.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice Lifts the whole salad.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt To taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper To taste.
  • 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds or sliced grapes Optional for texture and sweetness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. If cooking from raw, poach boneless, skinless chicken breasts in simmering water for 12–15 minutes, then cool and shred. Otherwise, chop rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  3. Fold in the diced celery, chopped red onion, and sweet pickle relish.
  4. Gently stir the shredded chicken into the dressing until every bit is coated. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Fold in almonds, grapes, or chopped herbs like dill or tarragon if desired.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors marry. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.

Notes

For a healthy option, replace half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. Not recommended for freezing as texture changes.