Best 5 Fresh Chunky Chicken Salad Recipes

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Indulge in the delightful flavors of a classic dish with our "Fresh and Chunky Chicken Salad" recipe article. This culinary journey takes you through a variety of delectable chicken salad recipes, each offering a unique twist on this timeless dish. From the classic combination of chicken, mayonnaise, and celery to innovative variations featuring grapes, nuts, and a tangy dressing, this article caters to diverse tastes and preferences. Discover the secrets to creating a perfectly balanced chicken salad that is both refreshing and satisfying. Learn how to select the best ingredients, achieve the ideal texture, and elevate the flavors with a variety of seasonings and herbs. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy lunch option or a special dish to impress your guests, our "Fresh and Chunky Chicken Salad" recipe article has something for everyone. So, prepare your taste buds for a delightful adventure as we explore the world of chicken salad.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC CHICKEN SALAD



Classic Chicken Salad image

A classic chicken salad recipe is always a favorite at a picnic, a barbecue, or an office potluck! Just a few ingredients can be transformed into a cold, creamy salad or filling for a homemade chicken salad sandwich or wrap!

Provided by Holly Nilsson

Categories     Salad

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups cooked chicken (chopped)
½ cup mayonnaise
1 stalk celery (chopped)
1 green onion (diced (or chives or red onion))
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
½ teaspoon seasoned salt
pepper to taste
1 teaspoon fresh dill (optional)

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve as a sandwich or over salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 206 kcal, Carbohydrate 1 g, Protein 15 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 48 mg, Sodium 362 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CHICKEN SALAD



Chicken Salad image

Try this easy chicken salad recipe that's great as a hearty lunch or quick weeknight dinner. Serve it with a side of kettle chips or a crunchy pickle!

Categories     Sunday lunch     comfort food     main dish     poultry     salad

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 whole cut up fryer chicken
2 stalks (to 3 stalks) celery, chopped
3 whole green onions, chopped
2 c. (to 3 cups) grapes, halved
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1/2 c. plain yogurt or sour cream
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tbsp. (to 2 tablespoons) brown sugar
Kosher salt to taste
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
Small handful of fresh dill, minced
Cayenne pepper, to taste
1/2 c. slivered almonds

Steps:

  • Rinse chicken thoroughly and place in a large pot of water. Turn on the heat and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and simmer until chicken is done (about 45 minutes to an hour). When you are ready, remove the chicken from the pot and place on a plate. With your fingers or a fork, pull all of the meat off the bones, chop into bite-sized chunks and set aside.
  • Chop all of your fruits and veggies and place them in a bowl with the chicken.
  • In another bowl mix mayonnaise, yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, brown sugar and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the dill (or oregano or cilantro...whatever makes your skirt fly up) and if you're feeling a bit brazen throw in a dash of cayenne pepper!
  • When the dressing tastes just right (you must taste test for appropriate saltiness especially), pour it over the chicken/veggie/fruit mixture and stir gently until everything is thoroughly mixed. Stir in the almonds. If you are feeling naughty, add a sprinkling of bacon bits.
  • Allow the salad to chill for several hours (or even overnight). Serve on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich or heck, eat it straight out of the bowl with a serving spoon. Try it soon-you'll love it!

FRESH & CHUNKY CHICKEN SALAD



Fresh & Chunky Chicken Salad image

I've served this twice to special guests at dinner parties, and both times, everyone loved it. People just kept coming back for more! -Carol Doggette, Los Angeles, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 tablespoon lime juice
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
SALAD:
1/2 cup diced apple
2 tablespoons orange juice
1/4 cup fat-free plain yogurt
1/4 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup diced cantaloupe
1 medium peach, peeled and diced
1 celery rib, diced
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1 green onion, chopped
4 lettuce leaves

Steps:

  • In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the first six ingredients; add chicken. Seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. , Meanwhile, in a small bowl, toss apple with orange juice; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk the yogurt, mayonnaise and pepper until blended. Stir in the cantaloupe, peach, celery, raisins, walnuts, onion and apple mixture. Cover and refrigerate. , Drain chicken if necessary, discarding any excess marinade. Lightly oil the grill rack. Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 4-7 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 170°. , Dice chicken and stir into yogurt mixture. Serve over lettuce leaves.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 247 calories, Fat 9g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 49mg cholesterol, Sodium 480mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

CHUNKY CHICKEN SALAD WITH GRAPES AND PECANS



Chunky Chicken Salad with Grapes and Pecans image

This chicken salad with grapes is ready in a snap when using rotisserie chicken and a few quick chops of pecans, sweet onion and celery. -Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1-1/4 cups seedless red grapes, halved
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped sweet onion, optional
Lettuce leaves or whole wheat bread slices, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Add the chicken, grapes, pecans, celery and, if desired, onion; mix lightly to coat. If desired, serve with lettuce leaves or whole wheat bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 311 calories, Fat 22g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 70mg cholesterol, Sodium 180mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 21g protein.

CHUNKY CHICKEN SALAD



Chunky Chicken Salad image

Simple to prepare chicken salad that I make up for sandwiches. We never have left-over chicken, so I microwave chicken just to make this. Very basic but very good! P.S. Celery is listed as optional because my husband hates it...if I am only making this for him, I leave it out! :)

Provided by Karen..

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 10m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 1/2-2 cups chicken breasts, cooked and cubed into 3/4 inch pieces (see note)
1/8 cup onion, chopped small
1/8 cup celery, chopped small,optional
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
3 -4 tablespoons mayonnaise (I use Hellmann's Light)
paprika
salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, combine mayo, onions, relish and 2 dashes or so of paprika.
  • Add chicken and fold into mayo mixture until well combined.
  • Taste and then add salt and pepper as needed.
  • Chill well and serve over lettuce or on your favorite bread.
  • Note: I microwave 2 boneless chicken breast halves sprinkled with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder for 5- 6 minutes for this salad.
  • If you are using left-over chicken, you may need to adjust the seasonings in the ingredients list.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality chicken: For the best flavor, use organic or free-range chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well.
  • Cook the chicken properly: Make sure the chicken is cooked through to prevent foodborne illness. You can boil, bake, or grill the chicken. If boiling, cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Cool the chicken quickly: Once the chicken is cooked, cool it quickly to prevent bacteria growth. You can do this by placing the chicken in a bowl of ice water for 10 minutes.
  • Choose the right mayonnaise: Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. You can use regular mayonnaise, or a flavored mayonnaise such as lemon mayonnaise or garlic mayonnaise.
  • Add your favorite mix-ins: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins to the chicken salad. Some popular options include celery, onion, grapes, nuts, and hard-boiled eggs.

Conclusion:

Chicken salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It can be served on a sandwich, in a wrap, or on a bed of lettuce. It can also be used as a filling for deviled eggs or as a dip for crackers. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, chicken salad is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

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