Description

This easy Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful meal packed with crisp vegetables, juicy chicken, and a creamy plant-based dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, it offers versatility to enjoy as a sandwich filling or atop greens, bringing a balance of textures and satisfying flavors in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
1 cup crisp celery, finely diced
1 cup sweet grapes, halved
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Dressing

1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise (natural)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional

1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Start with cooked chicken breast, either freshly poached or shredded from leftovers. Ensure the chicken is cooled before chopping it into bite-sized pieces to preserve its tender texture.
Chop the Fresh Ingredients: Dice the celery finely for crunch, slice the grapes in halves to release their juice without overwhelming the salad, and thinly chop green onions for subtle sharpness. Finely chop fresh parsley to brighten the flavor.
Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together plant-based mayonnaise (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), salt, and black pepper. Adjust the acidity and seasoning to taste for a creamy and tangy base that ties everything together beautifully.
Combine Everything: Gently fold the chicken, chopped vegetables, grapes, and parsley into the dressing, ensuring each piece is evenly coated without mashing the ingredients. Chill the mixture for at least 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Optional Texture Boost: If you prefer a slightly firmer Chicken Salad that holds better in wraps or sandwiches, mix in a natural gelling agent as directed, and refrigerate until set.

Notes

Use cold ingredients to maintain crispness and freshness.
Add dressing gradually to avoid a soggy salad; it should be creamy but not wet.
Use fresh parsley or other fresh herbs to elevate flavors.
Add nuts or seeds last to preserve crunch if desired.
Let the salad rest in the fridge to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: chicken salad, plant-based dressing, quick lunch, healthy chicken recipe, meal prep chicken salad