When summer hits, our family tries to eat as fresh, light, and simple as possible. The one dish that has fast become the standout of our summertime menu is chicken salad. Whether snack for the kids or a meal for me, this chicken salad does it all. And it transforms into a big batch to prep ahead of time and eat through the week, completely ruining it on busy summer days.
Very much so, chicken salad is becoming my lunch of choice. It is protein-packed; very quick and easy to prepare; and fresh flavors that satisfy my cravings. I normally just reach into the fridge and grab a bowl, no fuss, just a protein lunch to carry me through the day. But with my girls, I’ll throw together a fun snack plate with plain chicken, grapes, celery, and cashews where they’ll dip everything in a little dressing. It’s a kid-friendly as well as customizable way to enjoy the simple meal together.
Now let me tell you about this chicken salad recipe: it’s been lifesaving for our family and a recipe you’ll be wanting to include in your weekly meal rotation too!
Reason A: The Dressing is a Creamy and Very Delicious Emphasis
This is the dressing for the chicken salad that I actually look forward to; trust me, it is surprisingly amazing. It’s creamy-not overwhelmingly so-but far from the overly tangy, plain taste of Greek yogurt (which I am not a fan of) but still has enough incorporated to keep it light and healthful. He is the perfect balance of creamy without feeling like you are eating a bowl of mayonnaise.
The dressing is made from a combination of Greek yogurt, mayo, and dijon mustard and then seasoned with salt, sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. This comes together to form a luscious and savory-sweet sauce that I end up eating straight from the spoon. That ingredient makes this chicken salad irresistible, and hence one of the major reasons, it’s so satisfying to Eat.
Reason B: High in Protein and Satisfying
This chicken salad is one of those high-protein meals that can keep one full for hours. Chicken is a top and lean protein source, and with the creamy dressing, it makes the best meal for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. If I add it to a wrap or just eat it by the spoonful straight from the fridge, it works-well filling yet not bogging me down.
Reason C: Convenience Is Number One
With errands, school pickups, and summer activities filling my schedule, I am always in need of meals that are quick and easy. This is the beauty of chicken salad-it is one of those dishes that will always be there in case you need it. You make it in advance, pop it in the fridge, and within seconds, you can have a healthy meal or snack. Whether a simple sandwich, a wrap, or a lettuce cup, an arsenal of choices awaits that takes no time to put together.
The Chicken Salad Principle: Easy and Tasty
This chicken salad is all about the balance of sweet, crunchy, and nutty. Personally, I find the best combination to be grapes, celery, and cashews, but from my heart, I say this recipe is all about personalization. The chicken salad formula is:
Something Sweet: Grapes, apples, or dried cherries
Something Crunchy: Celery, diced onions, or bell peppers
Something Nutty: Cashews, almonds, or pistachios
Now that you have your ingredients ready, the real work is when you mix everything with that creamy dressing. And voilà, you get a blissful feast packed with protein that you’re going to want to have every day for a week.
Mix It Up: Variations
Even though this timeless chicken salad can stand alone and will still be the rage, it has many variations to keep things interesting:
Curry Chicken Salad-A sweet-savoury combo with golden raisins, pistachios, and fresh cilantro. The zing of curry amplifies this salad to a whole other level.
Basil Chicken Salad-Somewhat more refreshing, with basil dressing to flaunt dried cherries, celery, and slivered almonds.
Buffalo Chicken Salad-Spicy, spicy buffalo sauce combined with blue cheese and a heat punch of green onions.
Dill Pickle Chicken Salad-A tart-dill-infused dream for those pickle lovers out there-add some pickle brine for zing.
Chicken Salad FAQ
Mix-ins for chicken salad? Wow, mix-ins abound! Here’s a few suggested by my Instagram followers:
Salt-and-vinegar chips for a crunchy-yet-tangy kick
Sweet corn for a seasonal dose of sweetness
Fried onions for a little crispy, salty bite
Sweet pickled jalapenos for a little heat on your party
What if I hate celery? Well, no problem; just substitute another crunchy vegetable. Think water chestnuts, radishes, or jicama for such crunchiness. Fennel, if you like, would make a nice alternative, too!
How can I make the recipe dairy-free? Easy! Simply replace the Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt, and since most mayo is dairy-free, the recipe will remain dairy-free with this simple substitution!
But what if I don’t want to use mayo? Mayonnaise can be skipped entirely; you may use all Greek yogurt or sour cream, but I prefer the combination of yogurt and mayo as the most creamy and flavorful option.
Perfect In Summer
Chicken salad always comes to mind as the ideal meal for busy people during the summer. Be it for the afternoon snack or for having a full lunch, the creamy yet satisfying test recipe is quick and easy to prepare. What’s more, you can personalize this dish with your favorite addition, enjoy it in a wrap, a sandwich, or simply right out of the bowl, and you soon have a summertime meal hero that should win over all.
