This chicken salad is a tasty mix of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic treat!
I love tossing this salad together when I’m short on time. It’s so good, it might just become a regular in your meal plans! Plus, who doesn’t love chicken salad? 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded or chopped chicken is essential for this salad. You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick option or leftover roasted chicken. For a vegetarian twist, consider chickpeas or tofu.
Mayonnaise: Regular mayonnaise adds creaminess, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use low-fat or avocado mayo. You could also substitute some or all of it with Greek yogurt for added tang and health benefits.
Greek Yogurt: This ingredient is optional but provides a wonderful tanginess. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, plain regular yogurt or sour cream can work fine. They’ll add creaminess too!
Celery: Celery adds crunch to the salad. If you’re not a fan, you can substitute it with chopped apples for sweetness and crunch or diced bell peppers for color and a slightly different flavor.
Dill Pickle Relish: It gives the salad a nice tang. If you prefer a different flavor, try sweet pickle relish, chopped dill pickles, or even chopped olives.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Salad is Flavorful?
The key to a delicious chicken salad is to balance flavors. Start by mixing the mayo and yogurt well with the chicken, ensuring it’s nicely coated. Then, as you add ingredients like celery, green onion, and dill pickle relish, taste as you go!
- Add the Dijon mustard and lemon juice, which enhance freshness and brightness. Adjust these to suit your taste.
- Mix thoroughly, and don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper. This step is crucial for bringing out all the flavors!
- Letting the chicken salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes is essential. This time allows the flavors to mingle and improves the overall taste.
How to Make Round Swamp Farm Chicken Salad Dupe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for tanginess)
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dill pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped herbs (like dill or parsley) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This chicken salad recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour for chilling in the refrigerator. It’s a quick and easy dish that you can prepare ahead of time to let all the delicious flavors mix together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with mayonnaise. If you like a little extra tang, add the Greek yogurt as well. Mix everything together until the chicken is well coated and creamy. This is the base of your salad!
2. Add the Crunchy Ingredients:
Next, it’s time to add some crunch! Toss in the finely chopped celery, green onion, and dill pickle relish. These ingredients will give your chicken salad texture and flavor. Add the Dijon mustard and lemon juice for an extra zing. Stir everything together until combined.
3. Season and Adjust:
Now, season your chicken salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure that all the flavors come together. Don’t forget to taste it! If you think it needs a bit more creaminess, feel free to add a little more mayonnaise or adjust the seasonings to your liking.
4. Chill and Serve:
Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will help all the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, enjoy it in a sandwich, on crackers, or over a bed of fresh greens. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped herbs on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Round Swamp Farm Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a great option and full of flavor. Just shred or chop it as you normally would, and follow the recipe as written. It will save you time and add a nice depth of taste!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you want a lighter alternative, you can use Greek yogurt as a full substitute for mayonnaise. If you’re looking for a creamier texture, try blending avocado or using sour cream. Just keep in mind that these substitutes may slightly alter the flavor, so taste as you go!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store your chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you notice any separation or change in texture, give it a good stir before serving again!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your chicken salad by adding ingredients like grapes, nuts (like walnuts or pecans), or even diced apples for a sweet crunch. Just remember to adjust the seasoning as needed to accommodate your new additions!
