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A bowl of freshly prepared premade chicken salad with shredded chicken, creamy dressing, celery, cranberries, and parsley, surrounded by croissants, crackers, and lettuce wraps on a wooden table.

Premade Chicken Salad

Jordan Mike
Discover the best premade chicken salad recipe! Quick, customizable, and delicious, it's perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or healthy low-carb meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Start with these basic components for a traditional chicken salad:

Chicken:

  • 2 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option but poached, baked, or leftover roasted chicken works just as well.

Mayonnaise:

  • 1/2 cup for that creamy rich texture. For a lighter version, you can substitute half or all of it with Greek yogurt.
  • Celery: 1/4 cup finely chopped. Adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.

Red Onion: 2 tablespoons finely diced for a hint of sharpness. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the diced onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding.

Lemon Juice:

  • 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.

Salt and Pepper:

  • Season to taste for a perfectly balanced base.
  • Optional Add-Ins for Customization

Make your chicken salad uniquely yours by incorporating any of these add-ins:

Fruits for Sweetness:

  • 1/4 cup of halved grapes diced apples, or dried cranberries to introduce a touch of natural sweetness.

Nuts for Texture:

  • 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts pecans, or almonds for a nutty crunch.
  • Fresh Herbs for Freshness:
  • Chopped parsley dill, or chives can elevate the flavor with a burst of greenery.
  • Spices for a Kick:
  • A pinch of paprika cayenne, or curry powder to add a bold twist.

Ingredient Tips and Tricks

Choosing the Chicken:

  • Rotisserie chicken is a game-changer for saving time and ensuring tenderness. However if you’re starting from scratch, poaching chicken breasts in seasoned water ensures moist, flavorful meat.

Texture Matters:

  • Shredding the chicken with forks creates a rustic texture while dicing gives a more uniform, chunkier salad. Choose what suits your preference!

Balancing Creaminess:

  • If your salad feels too thick add a splash of milk or a dollop of sour cream to loosen the mixture.

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Base Dressing

Start by creating the creamy foundation of your chicken salad:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
  • For a tangy twist, add 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard or substitute part of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
  • Mix everything well until smooth and evenly combined.

Tip:

  • The dressing is where all the flavors meld together, so don’t rush this step! Adjust the seasoning gradually to suit your taste.
  • Add the Chicken
  • Once the dressing is ready, it’s time to incorporate the star of the dish:
  • Gently fold in 2 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken.
  • Stir until the chicken is well coated with the dressing, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Pro Tip:

  • Shredded chicken works best if you want a softer texture, while diced chicken gives a chunkier, heartier bite.
  • Include the Crunch and Flavor Enhancers

This is where the magic happens! Add your favorite mix-ins to make the salad unique:

  • Toss in 1/4 cup of chopped celery for crunch and 2 tablespoons of finely diced red onion for a touch of sharpness.
  • For a touch of sweetness, add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries or halved grapes.
  • For extra texture, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts.

Optional:

  • If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in a pinch of paprika or a dash of hot sauce to give it an unexpected kick.
  • Mix and Chill
  • Stir everything together gently, making sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
  • Insider Tip: Chilling the salad not only enhances the taste but also firms up the texture, making it perfect for sandwiches and wraps.
  • Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, your premade chicken salad is ready to serve! Here are a few serving ideas:

  • Spread it between two slices of toasted bread for a classic sandwich.
  • Scoop it onto a bed of greens for a refreshing salad bowl.
  • Use it as a filling for croissants, wraps, or even lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 5g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
Note: Nutrition values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Recipe Categories

  • Course: Main Course, Salad, Snack
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low-Carb, High-Protein, Gluten-Free (optional adjustments for Keto or Dairy-Free)
  • Method: Mixing, No-Cook
  • Keyword: Premade chicken salad, quick chicken salad recipe, easy chicken salad
  • Skill Level: Beginner
Keyword easy chicken salad, Premade chicken salad, quick chicken salad recipe