California Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This California Chicken Salad offers a fresh and creamy twist on a classic favorite. With juicy chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy walnuts, and a light yogurt-mayo dressing, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
- 16 oz Cooked Chicken Breast
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp Greek Yogurt
- 1/3 cup Grapes
- 2 stalks Celery
- 3 tbsp Walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 tsp Thyme
- 1 pinch Black Pepper
- 1 pinch Sea Salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Shred your cooked chicken breasts and place them into a large mixing bowl.
- Step 2: Add the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, grapes, chopped celery, walnuts, and thyme to the bowl. Gently fold all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Step 3: Taste the salad and season with black pepper and a pinch of sea salt if desired. Mix again to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Step 4: Cover and refrigerate the salad until ready to serve. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the salad.
- Substitute grapes with diced apples or dried cranberries for a different sweet element.
- Use plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a milder flavor and lighter texture.
- Try adding chopped fresh parsley or dill for a burst of herbal freshness.
Storage
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, and enjoy chilled or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as it can alter the texture of the dressing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that works perfectly in this salad.
Is it possible to make this salad dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace the Greek yogurt with additional mayonnaise or a dairy-free yogurt alternative to keep it creamy without dairy.
PrintCalifornia Chicken Salad Recipe
A refreshing and creamy California Chicken Salad featuring shredded chicken breast combined with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, grapes, celery, walnuts, and thyme. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a flavorful side dish, served chilled for the best taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Ingredients
- 16 oz Cooked Chicken Breast
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp Greek Yogurt
- 1/3 cup Grapes, halved
- 2 stalks Celery, diced
- 3 tbsp Walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 tsp Thyme, dried
- 1 pinch Black Pepper
- 1 pinch Sea Salt
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Shred the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, halved grapes, diced celery, chopped walnuts, and thyme to the shredded chicken. Gently fold all ingredients together until well combined to retain texture and flavor.
- Season and Chill: Taste the mixture and season with black pepper and a pinch of sea salt as desired. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld.
Notes
- For added zing, you can substitute thyme with fresh parsley or dill.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- The walnuts can be toasted lightly to enhance their flavor before adding.
- Serve chilled as a sandwich filling or over fresh greens for a low-carb option.
Keywords: California chicken salad, chicken salad recipe, healthy chicken salad, easy chicken salad, creamy chicken salad
