canned chicken salad recipe
Quick and delicious canned chicken salad recipe with creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and juicy grapes. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a light meal!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients:
- Canned Chicken 2 cans, 12.5 ounces each – The star of the recipe, providing convenience without compromising flavor.
- Mayonnaise ½ cup – Adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Greek Yogurt ½ cup – A healthier alternative that enhances creaminess while adding a subtle tang.
- Red Grapes 1 cup, halved – Adds a touch of sweetness and a juicy burst of flavor.
- Celery ½ cup, diced – Provides a refreshing crunch and balances the creamy texture.
- Red Onion ¼ cup, finely chopped – Adds a mild sharpness and color contrast.
- Toasted Walnuts or Pecans ½ cup, chopped – A nutty crunch that enhances the texture.
- Fresh Dill 1 tablespoon, chopped – Gives the salad a refreshing herby note (substitute with 1 teaspoon dried dill if needed).
- Lemon Juice 1 tablespoon – Brightens up the flavors and prevents the salad from tasting too heavy.
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste – Enhances and balances the flavors.
Optional Ingredients for Customization:
- Dried Cranberries or Diced Apples – For a hint of tartness and added sweetness.
- Chopped Green Onions or Chives – For a mild onion flavor.
- Mustard 1 teaspoon Dijon or Yellow Mustard – Adds a tangy depth to the dressing.
- Paprika or Cayenne Pepper ¼ teaspoon each – For a subtle kick of heat.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs 2, chopped – Boosts protein and adds a classic touch.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Open the canned chicken and drain all excess liquid.
- Transfer the chicken to a mixing bowl and use a fork to break it into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This helps distribute the dressing evenly throughout the salad.
Step 2: Chop and Add Fresh Ingredients
- Dice the celery and red onion into small, fine pieces.
- Slice the grapes in half to ensure they blend well into the salad.
- If using walnuts or pecans, lightly toast them in a dry pan over low heat for about 2-3 minutes to enhance their flavor.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a separate small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and fresh dill.
- Stir well until the dressing is smooth and fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the prepared grapes, celery, red onion, and toasted nuts to the bowl with chicken.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture and gently fold everything together until well coated.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 28g