Deli-Style Chicken Salad: A Classic and Flavorful Dish

Deli-Style Chicken Salad is a classic favorite that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a simple, refreshing salad. With its creamy texture, savory chicken, and a blend of crisp vegetables and herbs, this chicken salad is both satisfying and versatile. Whether you’re preparing it for a lunchbox, a picnic, or a gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious chicken salad at home.

Ingredients

Cooked Chicken: 3 cups, diced or shredded (about 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked)
Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
Greek Yogurt: 1/4 cup (for a lighter option, can substitute with more mayonnaise)
Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
Celery: 2 stalks, finely chopped
Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
Grapes: 1/2 cup, halved (or substitute with dried cranberries or apple chunks)
Almonds: 1/4 cup, sliced or chopped (optional, for added crunch)
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (or use dill for a different flavor)
Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a hint of smokiness)

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls
Spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

If you haven’t already, cook and shred or dice the chicken. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or poach chicken breasts. For poaching, simmer the chicken breasts in water or broth for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked and tender.

Mix the Dressing:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth.

Add Vegetables and Fruit:

Stir in the finely chopped celery, red onion, and halved grapes (or your choice of dried fruit or apple chunks).

Combine with Chicken:

Add the diced or shredded chicken to the mixing bowl and gently fold it into the dressing mixture until everything is well coated.

Add Optional Ingredients:

If using, fold in the sliced almonds for added crunch. You can also mix in the chopped parsley or dill at this stage.

Season:

Season the chicken salad with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.

Chill:

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. This also helps the salad to chill and develop a better texture.

Serve:

Serve the chicken salad on a bed of greens, in sandwiches, or in wraps. It’s also delicious with crackers or pita bread.

Tips and Variations

Substitute Ingredients: Customize the salad by adding other ingredients such as chopped apples, pickles, or bell peppers. For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Make It Lighter: Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version. You can also use low-fat mayonnaise.
Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or tarragon can be used instead of parsley for different flavor profiles.
Storage: The chicken salad will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best served cold.
Make Ahead: You can make this chicken salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It’s a great option for meal prep or to have on hand for quick meals.
Serving Ideas: Serve on whole grain bread or croissants for a hearty sandwich, or spoon over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option. It also makes a great filling for wraps or a topping for a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Deli-Style Chicken Salad is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a sandwich, a salad, or a snack, this chicken salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the creamy texture and delicious taste of this classic favorite!