Herbed Chicken Salad

You will never be bored with all of my chicken salad recipes! This Herbed Chicken Salad is the newest to the repertoire and I make it all summer long! This one is particularly great for when all those summer herbs are overflowing in your garden! The addition of fresh squeezed lemon juice along with the fresh herbs really screams summer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Herbed Chicken Salad is light and refreshing. It comes together quickly. If you have an herb garden, it is the best way to use up all those herbs! I make this one over and over all summer long, and it’s perfect for people who enjoy a flavorful herbed chicken salad.

Ingredients You Will Need

Chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean cut of meat from the chicken. It can be baked, grilled or poached and is so versatile. Some say it can be difficult to cook because it’s lean and can become dry. However, if you carefully time your cooking it is so juicy and delicious! I like Grass Roots Coop for my meat purchases.

Celery: CeIery is a nutrient-rich, low-calorie food that has fiber and vitamin K. It has small amounts of A and C, calcium and iron. It is an essential ingredient for making Mirepoix. This is an aromatic base of celery, carrots, and onions.

Green onion: Also known as scallions, green onions impart a mild, onion-like flavor. They add a touch of freshness, which complements herbed chicken salad beautifully.

Dill: I prefer fresh dill for its herbaceous, herby, light and refreshing flavors. It is slightly sweet with elements of parsley, celery and anise.

Parsley: Parsley brings a burst of fresh, herby goodness to salads. It gives them a nice lift and adds a bit of vibrant flavor.

Thyme: Is a pungent herb that can withstand longer cooking times in stews and soups. It adds a depth of flavor, perfect for herbed chicken salad recipes.

Lemon: Lemon juice adds a fresh, bright, and tangy element, which can help balance the richness of the other ingredients.

Avocado oil mayonnaise: This mayo is made from avocado oil, unlike many common mayos crafted with other oils. It offers a unique creamy texture and a healthier fat profile.

Salt and pepper: Salt enhances and balances flavors. Ground black pepper adds a gentle heat, improving the overall flavor of a dish.

Instructions

Cook the chicken: Preheat oven to 350˚ and roast the chicken breasts for approximately 45 minutes. Ensure it reaches 165˚ at the thickest part. Remove and allow to cool. Then dice the chicken up, for your herbed chicken salad.

Combine ingredients: In a large bowl add, chicken, celery and onion, mixing to combine.

Make the dressing: In a small bowl add, mayonnaise, lemon juice, herbs, salt and pepper and whisk well.

Dress the salad: Now add dressing to chicken salad and toss to combine.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Prep chicken ahead: Whenever I am meal prepping, I will always roast some chicken to have ready. This makes it easy to make a chicken salad during the week! Buying a whole roasted chicken works too. It is great for herbed chicken salad recipes.

Fresh herbs: I prefer fresh herbs for this Herbed Chicken Salad as it elevates the flavor.

Recipe Variations

Oregano: If you do not have fresh Thyme you can use oregano instead!

Mayonnaise: If you are not concerned about keeping this recipe Paleo or Whole30 friendly, feel free to use any mayonnaise you like!

Storage Tips

This Herbed Chicken Salad can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days. Place it in a sealed airtight glass container.

FAQs About Herbed Chicken Salad

What is chicken salad made of?

A mixture of cooked chicken, celery, onions, mayonnaise, and seasoning, forming the base of a tasty herbed chicken salad.

What is the best way to cook chicken for chicken salad?

Most commonly, chicken breasts are baked or boiled until cooked through then shredded or diced, ready for herbed chicken salad.

Can you make chcken salad wthout mayonnaise?

Yes! You can use Greek yogurt or a homemade vinaigrette as a base instead.