Name: Homemade Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 3 cups Chicken, cooked and chopped; 1 Apple, chopped into small pieces- any kind; 1 cup Grapes, sliced in half or quarters-red or green; 1/4 cup Cranberries-apple juice infused; 2-3 Green onions, sliced small; 1/4-1/2 cup Avocado Mayo; 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Pepper; 1 Tablespoon Sliced Almonds as topping

I absolutely love my homemade chicken salad. It’s one of my easy summer meals. I can make it and enjoy it for the next 3 to 4 days as it keeps so well in the fridge. Chicken salad is one of the most versatile things you can make. It could be used for lunches, dinners or even a snack. There are many variations too.

I often make a chicken salad during the summer months as it’s cool and packed with protein. I always make it when we go camping and for picnics.

Chicken Options

First, I choose a base chicken. Often times, I get pre-cooked chicken from Sam’s Club. There is an Italian chicken that has delicious flavor and is crisp around the edges. I have also baked my own chicken and chopped that up small. I have used rotisserie chicken or even shredded canned chicken. I think all of these are delicious options. Really, no matter which chicken you choose, I think it will turn out great.

Sweet Touch

My chicken salad has a few pops of sweet-these are the fruits I add. I love to add a grapes. I prefer red grapes, but any would be fine. I cut these into quarters, or if I’m in a rush, just in half.

I always chop up an apple as well. I have used many kinds in my recipe. I prefer a gala or granny smith apple. But any will do! I just chop it up small so each bite can have a touch of each ingredient.

I also love to add a few craisins in my chicken salad. The apple juice sweetened craisins are my all-time favorite! They are hard to find but worth it. I purchase mine from Azure Standard and have to hide them so we don’t eat them up in a few days!

Put the chicken salad all together

Now it is time to mix all of the ingredients together. I use avocado mayo since my stomach doesn’t do great with egg. But any mayo that you prefer will work-even homemade. I prefer my foods with just a touch of mayo-so I just use a tiny bit. I always start with a little then add more if needed. I’m looking for a salad that has a bit of moisture but not with so much that you see the mayo between the pieces of chicken.

I then add salt and pepper to taste.

Mixing all of the chicken salad ingredients

Top it off

Topping this homemade chicken salad makes it just perfect! I love to chop up fresh green onion in my salad to give it a kick. Often times, I’ll have sliced almonds to add to my homemade chicken salad. But to be honest, I usually forget to top it before I dive in!

This is such a basic recipe, but it’s so delicious and melds together well.

Homemade chicken salad variations

There are many variations in making this recipe. The chicken is the first variation. Now you can choose a different apple, grape or no dried fruit. Add what ever kind of nut on top then choose how you will eat your chicken salad.

My favorite way to eat chicken salad is between a sliced croissant. I also like to top a sliced piece of sourdough bread. I often have dipped crackers in to grab a bite sized option. Or top it on a bed of greens. You could also catch me just eating the chicken salad out of a bowl with fork.

I have made this homemade chicken salad in between tea party sandwiches. I hope you make this chicken salad recipe.

Click on the recipe card to give it a try.

Yield: 6 Servings

Homemade Chicken Salad

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

3 cups Chicken, cooked and chopped
1 Apple, chopped into small pieces- any kind
1 cup Grapes, sliced in half or quarters-red or green
1/4 cup Cranberries-apple juice infused
2-3 Green onions, sliced small
1/4-1/2 cup Avocado Mayo
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
1 Tablespoon Sliced Almonds as topping

Instructions

1. Chop up chicken, apple, grapes and onion.

2. Place all ingrients into a bowl except sliced almonds. Mix together with a wooden spoon.

3. Add more avocado, salt and pepper to taste.

4. Top with sliced almonds right before serving.

Notes

Serve with crackers, between to slices of sourdough bread, on top of a bowl of greens or just with a fork!

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