The Waldorf-Astoria's 1896 chicken salad used only white meat because dark meat was considered 'peasant food' by wealthy diners.
Classic Chicken Salad
Dive into this delightful chicken salad that’s perfect for a speedy lunch or a light dinner! Juicy chicken mingles with crisp celery and a zesty kick of lemon juice, creating a refreshing dish that’s both satisfying and simple to whip up. Serve it on a bed of greens or nestled in a sandwich for a burst of flavor any time of day!
Prep
15
min
Cook
0
min
Serves
6
people
Level
beginner
📝 Ingredients
Serves 6🥬Fresh Produce(2)
- 1 rib celery diced
- 1 green onion thinly slicedcan replace with chives or finely diced red onion
🥩Meat & Seafood(1)
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken or shredded chicken (480 ml)leftover chicken or canned chicken can be used
🧂Spices & Seasonings(3)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper or to taste (0.62 ml)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill or ¼ teaspoon dried dill, optional (5 ml)optional
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt more to taste (1.25 ml)
🍯Sauces & Condiments(2)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5 ml)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)can replace half with Greek yogurt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, add chicken, mayonnaise, celery, green onion, mustard, salt, pepper, and dill if using. Mix well to combine.
- 2
Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve as a sandwich or over salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Poach chicken at 160-165°F (not boiling) to prevent protein fibers from seizing and creating tough, stringy texture that ruins salad consistency.technique160-165°F
- ✓Cool cooked chicken completely in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before mixing - warm chicken will cause mayonnaise to break and create a greasy, separated dressing.timing2 hours minimum
- ✓Use a 3:1 ratio of chicken to total mix-ins (celery, onion) to maintain proper texture balance and prevent the salad from becoming watery or crunchy.ingredient3:1 ratio
- ✓Salt celery pieces 15 minutes before adding to draw out excess moisture - unsalted celery releases water that dilutes flavors and creates soggy texture.technique15 minutes
- ✓Fold ingredients together with a rubber spatula rather than stirring to preserve chicken chunk integrity and prevent mashing into paste-like consistency.equipment
Share this recipe
Prep
15
min
Cook
0
min
Serves
6
people
Level
beginner
Share this recipe
The Waldorf-Astoria's 1896 chicken salad used only white meat because dark meat was considered 'peasant food' by wealthy diners.
Classic Chicken Salad
Dive into this delightful chicken salad that’s perfect for a speedy lunch or a light dinner! Juicy chicken mingles with crisp celery and a zesty kick of lemon juice, creating a refreshing dish that’s both satisfying and simple to whip up. Serve it on a bed of greens or nestled in a sandwich for a burst of flavor any time of day!
📝 Ingredients
Serves 6🥬Fresh Produce(2)
- 1 rib celery diced
- 1 green onion thinly slicedcan replace with chives or finely diced red onion
🥩Meat & Seafood(1)
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken or shredded chicken (480 ml)leftover chicken or canned chicken can be used
🧂Spices & Seasonings(3)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper or to taste (0.62 ml)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill or ¼ teaspoon dried dill, optional (5 ml)optional
- ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt more to taste (1.25 ml)
🍯Sauces & Condiments(2)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5 ml)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)can replace half with Greek yogurt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, add chicken, mayonnaise, celery, green onion, mustard, salt, pepper, and dill if using. Mix well to combine.
- 2
Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve as a sandwich or over salad.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Poach chicken at 160-165°F (not boiling) to prevent protein fibers from seizing and creating tough, stringy texture that ruins salad consistency.technique160-165°F
- ✓Cool cooked chicken completely in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before mixing - warm chicken will cause mayonnaise to break and create a greasy, separated dressing.timing2 hours minimum
- ✓Use a 3:1 ratio of chicken to total mix-ins (celery, onion) to maintain proper texture balance and prevent the salad from becoming watery or crunchy.ingredient3:1 ratio
- ✓Salt celery pieces 15 minutes before adding to draw out excess moisture - unsalted celery releases water that dilutes flavors and creates soggy texture.technique15 minutes
- ✓Fold ingredients together with a rubber spatula rather than stirring to preserve chicken chunk integrity and prevent mashing into paste-like consistency.equipment