Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a chicken salad that's not just another ordinary lunch option! Dave's Chicken Salad with Celery is a mouthwatering masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors and textures. Imagine tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, sweet grapes, and crunchy walnuts dancing together in a creamy, tangy dressing that will make your palate sing with joy. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a picnic favorite, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe is about to become your new go-to culinary sensation!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken, shredded
- Celery, diced
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chopped walnuts
- Grapes, halved
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled to room temperature. If using leftover roasted or grilled chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Wash and finely dice the celery into small, uniform pieces to provide a crisp texture and fresh crunch to the salad.
- Halve the grapes lengthwise, removing any seeds if present, to distribute their sweet flavor evenly throughout the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced celery, and halved grapes.
- Add mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to the bowl. The mustard will provide a tangy depth of flavor to complement the chicken.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Roughly chop the walnuts to add a nutty texture and additional protein to the salad.
- Gently fold the chopped walnuts into the chicken salad mixture.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- When ready to serve, arrange fresh lettuce leaves on plates or in a serving dish.
- Scoop the chilled chicken salad onto the lettuce leaves, creating an attractive and appetizing presentation.
- Optionally, garnish with additional chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra visual appeal.
Tips
- Use room temperature, high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture. Freshly roasted or grilled chicken works best.
- Dice the celery uniformly to ensure consistent crunch in every bite.
- Let the salad chill for at least 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For extra richness, use a mix of regular and Greek yogurt alongside mayonnaise.
- Toast the walnuts lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Choose crisp, fresh lettuce leaves for serving to add an extra layer of freshness.
- If preparing in advance, keep the walnuts separate and add just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Experiment with herb additions like fresh dill or chives for a personalized touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
