Tired of the same old lunch routine? Craving a delicious and healthy meal that's quick to prepare? Then look no further! This chicken salad recipe with Dijon mustard is your answer. It's bursting with fresh flavors, requires minimal cooking time, and is perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a healthy snack. Get ready to elevate your chicken salad game!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 1 large breast)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (choose your favorite, full-fat or light)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped grapes or apples for added sweetness and texture
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
If you haven't already, cook your chicken breast. Grilling, baking, or boiling all work well. Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding or dicing. This ensures your salad stays cold and doesn't become soggy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If using grapes or apples, add them now.
Step 3: Mix Thoroughly
Gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken salad mushy.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste! Serve chilled on bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or enjoy it as a standalone dish.
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the chicken salad will taste. Opt for fresh, flavorful chicken and high-quality mayonnaise.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the chicken salad tough. Gentle mixing is key!
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to your liking.
- Add some crunch: Toasted nuts, sunflower seeds, or chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch to the salad.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Curried Chicken Salad: Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder for an exotic twist.
- Avocado Chicken Salad: Add 1/2 of a ripe avocado, mashed, for creaminess and healthy fats.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a serving size of about 1/2 cup and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This easy chicken salad recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a quick and healthy lunch. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, making it a delicious addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!