Savor the timeless flavors of our Nut-Free Classic Homemade Chicken Salad, a deliciously light and versatile dish thatβs perfect for any occasion. Made with tender, poached chicken breast and a creamy dressing of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a splash of zesty lemon juice, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between tangy and savory. Crunchy bites of celery and red onion add freshness, while a sprinkle of paprika enhances the dish with a hint of warmth. Completely nut-free and ready in just 35 minutes, this chicken salad is ideal for meal prep, sandwiches, or serving over crisp greens. Bursting with protein and flavor, itβs a satisfying option for lunch, dinner, or a crowd-pleasing party dish!
Place the chicken breasts in a medium-sized saucepan, add the water, and season with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat and let the chicken simmer until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
Remove the chicken from the saucepan and allow it to cool completely on a cutting board. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Add the cooled, shredded chicken to the dressing mixture and toss until the chicken is well coated.
Fold in the chopped celery, red onion, and fresh parsley. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Sprinkle with paprika and gently mix to combine.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve the chicken salad on a bed of mixed greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers as desired.
Calories |
1545 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 105.3 g | 135% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.5 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 413 mg | 138% | |
| Sodium | 3683 mg | 160% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.5 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 109.6 g | 219% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 166 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 4.5 mg | 25% | |
| Potassium | 1314 mg | 28% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.