Are you craving a refreshing, quick, and mouthwatering dish that screams summer? Look no further! This Quick and Easy Summer Chicken Salad is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe. Imagine a perfect blend of tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, and sweet juicy grapes, all tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing that will transport you to culinary paradise in just 25 minutes. Whether you're planning a picnic, a light lunch, or a delightful dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy your hunger with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of diced celery, 1/2 cup of halved grapes, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, and halved grapes. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix them together gently, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth. This will add creaminess and a zesty flavor to your salad.
- Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken, celery, and grapes in the large mixing bowl. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing, being careful not to break up the chicken too much.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small pinch of each and adjust according to your preference. Mix well to incorporate the seasoning.
- Once everything is well combined, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a creamier salad, you can add more mayonnaise or lemon juice at this stage.
- Chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional but recommended for a fresher taste.
- After chilling, give the salad a final stir before serving. You can serve it on a bed of mixed greens, in a sandwich, or in a wrap. Enjoy your Quick and Easy Summer Chicken Salad!
Tips
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly grill fresh chicken for the most tender meat.
- For extra crunch, consider adding toasted almonds or chopped walnuts.
- Chill the ingredients before mixing to enhance the refreshing summer feel.
- Experiment with Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.
- For a gourmet touch, add fresh herbs like dill or chives.
- If serving at a picnic or outdoor event, keep the salad cold by placing the serving bowl over a larger bowl filled with ice.
- For a low-carb option, serve in lettuce wraps instead of bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 189kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 48mg
