When it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing dishes, chicken salad is a timeless favorite.
This deli-inspired version takes the classic to the next level, combining tender chicken, crisp celery, and creamy mayonnaise for a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, a quick lunch, or a light dinner, this recipe delivers all the comfort and flavor you crave, with minimal effort.
Make it your own by tweaking the ingredients or simply savor it as is.
After all, what better way to enjoy a sunny afternoon than with a bowl of perfectly chilled chicken salad? Let’s dive into this classic with a twist!
The key ingredient in the best chicken salads is, of course, chicken.
However, you can make this classic recipe uniquely yours by adding whatever ingredients you choose.
Chicken Salad with a Deli Twist
This recipe is perfect for those times when you want to make deli chicken salad but don’t want to leave your house.
Learn how to make a quick and easy chicken salad that everyone will love!
In your opinion, what better summery dish than chicken salad for a picnic?
It happens to everyone I know every summer. I think I’ve been drinking it since I was a kid! It’s that commonplace.
I believe that every single American has a soft spot in their heart for chicken salad.
Fifty grammes of diced, boneless chicken breast is required per the recipe.
Weighing 300 grams, diced, skinless chicken thighs.
1.5 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil.
half a teaspoon of sea salt each.
Quarter of a teaspoon of black pepper.
powdered onion, 1/4 teaspoon.
1.5 cups of mayo.
The celery should be diced into thirds.
Peppered and sprinkled with sea salt.
Chicken Salad Recipe Inspired by Deli Style Initial Stage:
To get the chicken breasts and thighs ready, lightly coat them with oil.
Add some flavor by adding granulated onion, crushed black pepper, and sea salt.
What Comes Next:
Spread out in a baking dish and covering it loosely with aluminum foil is a good idea.
After 25 to 30 minutes in a 350°F oven, or when a thermometer inserted into the thickest section of the breast reads 165°, take it out.
The Next Stage:
Before placing the chicken in the refrigerator for an hour, let it ten minutes to cool down.
Divide the chicken into quarter-inch-long by half-inch-wide pieces when it has cooled.
Do the same with the thighs and breasts.
Combine the chopped chicken, celery, and mayonnaise in a big bowl and stir to combine.
The Next Stage:
Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours, or perhaps overnight, after stirring to allow flavors to develop.
After the flavors in the chicken salad have had time to combine, it tastes even better the next day.
Stage Five:
When you’re ready to season it to your liking, add more salt and pepper.
To make this chicken salad uniquely yours, consider adding variations to suit your taste.
For a sweet touch, include diced apples, grapes, or dried cranberries, which pair wonderfully with the creamy base.
If you enjoy a bit of crunch, mix in toasted nuts like almonds or pecans.
Fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or chives can add a vibrant, aromatic twist, while a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper will give it a subtle kick.
For a lighter version, replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
These simple adjustments can transform this classic dish into something fresh and exciting every time!
Proper storage is key to keeping your chicken salad fresh and flavorful.
Transfer the salad to an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Store it in the refrigerator immediately after preparation and consume within 3 to 4 days for the best quality.
Avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.
If you’re prepping in advance, wait to add fresh ingredients like herbs or crunchy toppings until just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
The Chicken Salad with a Deli Twist is not only delicious but also provides a balanced nutritional profile.
Each serving contains approximately 310 calories, making it a satisfying meal option.
Packed with 18g of protein, it’s a great choice for those looking to include more lean protein in their diet.
While the salad contains 25g of fat, primarily from mayonnaise, you can reduce this by substituting part of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
With minimal carbohydrates and about 350mg of sodium per serving, it’s a low-carb option that can be further customized to fit your dietary needs.
Adding fruits like apples or grapes can increase fiber and natural sweetness, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.