Description
A fresh and flavorful everyday chicken salad made with tender shredded rotisserie chicken, creamy dressing, crisp celery, and zesty seasonings. Perfect for a light lunch or an easy meal prep option that comes together quickly and can be customized with nuts or seeds for added crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3-4 cups cooked chicken (chopped or shredded, about 1 rotisserie chicken)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 tsp. pickle juice
- 1/4 tsp. celery seed (ground)
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- Pinch paprika
Vegetables & Herbs
- 3 ribs celery (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley or fresh dill, plus more for garnish
Optional Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
- 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Add the chopped or shredded cooked chicken to a large mixing bowl. If using a rotisserie chicken, be sure to remove the skin and bones before chopping or shredding the meat.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, pickle juice, ground celery seed, kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and mix: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken in the large bowl. Add the finely diced celery, red onion, and fresh parsley or dill. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated, taking care not to overmix to keep the chicken tender.
- Add optional mix-ins: If desired, gently fold in the chopped pecans or roasted sunflower seeds to add extra texture and flavor.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning to your preference by adding more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or pickle juice as needed.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, garnish with additional fresh herbs.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy, but any cooked chicken will work.
- Adjust the amount of pickle juice to taste for a tangier salad.
- For a crunchier texture, include pecans or sunflower seeds as optional mix-ins.
- Keep the salad chilled to help flavors meld and maintain freshness.
- Serve on bread, in a wrap, or over greens for a versatile meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
