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Classic Chicken Salad

Classic Chicken Salad


  • Author: Brian
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Classic Chicken Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken with fresh celery, green apple, and juicy red grapes, enhanced by a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or light dinner, it features balanced textures and bright flavors with plant-based creamy elements for a smooth, indulgent touch.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Fresh Ingredients

  • 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or chopped
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 1 medium green apple, diced
  • 1 cup red grapes, halved

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Herbs and Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • Optional: toasted almonds or walnuts for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook chicken breasts until tender, then allow them to cool completely. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces to ensure the salad remains moist and flavorful.
  2. Chop Fresh Ingredients: Dice the celery and green apple. Halve the red grapes. This combination provides a balance of juicy and crunchy textures for a fresh and lively salad base.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, combine plant-based mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning to achieve a balanced tang and creaminess.
  4. Combine Everything: Gently fold the shredded chicken, chopped celery, apple, and grapes into the dressing. Add the fresh dill or parsley and mix lightly to keep the herbs vibrant without bruising them.
  5. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a harmonious taste in every bite.

Notes

  • Use chilled chicken for better flavor absorption and texture.
  • Gently fold ingredients to keep the salad light and avoid crushing delicate fruits.
  • Use fresh celery and apples for maximum crunch and flavor contrast.
  • Adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar and plant-based mayonnaise to balance the acidity to your liking.
  • Add fresh herbs just before combining to maintain their color and fragrance.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: chicken salad, classic chicken salad, plant-based mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, healthy lunch, gluten free salad