Best Chicken Salad Recipe | Easy & Healthy
This chicken salad is a year-round favorite, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
This version is packed with fresh ingredients like celery, green onions, grapes, toasted almonds, and fresh herbs, including a secret ingredient that elevates the flavor.
Ingredients
For the Poached Chicken:
- 2 lbs raw chicken (about 3 chicken breasts)
- Water (enough to cover chicken by 1 inch)
- 1 tsp salt
- Optional aromatics: parsley, onion, shallots, garlic, lemon slices, peppercorns
For the Salad:
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 2 stalks celery
- 3 green onions
- 1 cup red or green seedless grapes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 servings
Step 1: Poach the Chicken
Add the chicken to a pot and cover with cold water by about an inch. Add salt and optional aromatics.
Place the pot on the stove over medium heat.
Step 2: Simmer and Check Temperature
Once the water begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 8-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160-165°F.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
Step 3: Cool the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for a minute or two. Transfer to the fridge to chill completely.
Step 4: Toast the Almonds
Heat a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly browned.
Transfer the almonds to a plate and let them cool completely.
Step 5: Prepare the Vegetables and Grapes
Dice the celery into small pieces.
Slice the green onions, using both the green and white parts.
Quarter the grapes.
Step 6: Chop the Herbs
Finely chop the parsley and tarragon.
Step 7: Dice the Chicken
Once cooled, dice the chicken into small pieces, about ½ inch or less.
Step 8: Combine all Ingredients
Add the diced chicken, grapes, celery, green onions, cooled toasted almonds, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, parsley, tarragon, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a large bowl.
Step 9: Mix and Serve
Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra parsley or tarragon, if desired.
