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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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