Deli-Style Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
– 2 cups (about 300-350 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for added flavor)
– 1/2 cup (75 g) celery, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup (35 g) red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup (35 g) sweet pickle relish or dill pickle relish
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
– Lettuce leaves or sandwich bread, for serving
Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
– If you’re using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and bones, then shred or dice the meat into bite-sized pieces. You can also use any leftover cooked chicken.
2. **Mix the Dressing:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard (if using), lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
3. **Assemble the Chicken Salad:**
– Add the shredded or diced chicken to the bowl with the dressing.
– Add the chopped celery, red onion, and pickle relish. Stir everything together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. **Taste and Adjust:**
– Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
5. **Chill:**
– For best flavor, cover the chicken salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. **Serve:**
– Serve the deli-style chicken salad on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or as a filling for wraps or pita bread. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
– **Add-ins:** You can customize your chicken salad by adding ingredients like chopped apples, grapes, walnuts, or cranberries for a sweet twist.
– **Lighter Option:** For a lighter version, substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mix of Greek yogurt and mayo.
Enjoy!
This Deli-Style Chicken Salad is a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunches, picnics, or light dinners. Its creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures make it a classic favorite.