Making a delicious chicken salad for your family is both nutritious and satisfying. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe that you can easily adjust to suit your family's preferences:
### Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (you can use leftover roasted or grilled chicken)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup apple, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup toasted nuts (such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts), chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (adjust amount to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, or chives), chopped (optional for garnish)
### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
- If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, poach or roast chicken breasts until cooked through, then dice or shred them.
2. **Combine Ingredients:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, chopped celery, red onion, grapes, diced apple (if using), and toasted nuts.
3. **Make the Dressing:**
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined. Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to achieve your desired creaminess.
4. **Assemble the Salad:**
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. **Season and Chill:**
- Season the chicken salad with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. **Serve:**
- Serve the chicken salad chilled as a sandwich filling, over salad greens, or with crackers. It’s also delicious served in a wrap or stuffed into pita bread.
### Tips for Variations:
- **Additions:** Feel free to add other ingredients such as diced avocado, dried cranberries, chopped bacon, or even cooked pasta to bulk up the salad.
- **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs like tarragon, basil, or cilantro for added freshness.
- **Creaminess:** Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and mustard to suit your taste preferences. Some like it more creamy, while others prefer a lighter dressing.
This chicken salad recipe is versatile and can be customized to include your family’s favorite ingredients. It’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even as a picnic option. Enjoy making it for your family!