Signature Chicken Salad: Simple, Fresh, and Customizable

I was a teenager when I first tasted the best chicken salad sandwich of my life. What made it unforgettable, you ask? The unexpected burst of sweetness from grapes.

Over the years, I’ve experimented with all sorts of fancy chicken salad recipes, but I always come back to a simpler version. While I enjoy the flavor of celery, I can’t stand its texture. I know, it’s a bit quirky—kind of like how I feel about pineapple. But no worries! I’ve found that using celery seed gives me the same flavor without the crunch.

Of course, if you prefer the crunch of celery, feel free to add it in place of the celery seed.

I don’t think I’ve ever made this salad the same way twice. Sometimes, instead of honey mustard, I’ll swap it out for Dijon. Other times, I’ll toss in a pinch of curry or rosemary and thyme when I’m craving a more savory flavor, reminiscent of my favorite roasted chicken dish.

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s all about what you’re in the mood for—so let your taste buds lead the way!

Signature Chicken Salad: Simple, Fresh, and Customizable

Mix it up with this customizable chicken salad recipe—fresh, simple, and always delicious.

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Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chicken, grapes, salad, sandwich

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 0

Ingredients

• 3 C rotisserie chicken, rough chopped
• 1 C red seedless grapes, sliced into halves add more or less to taste
• ¾ – 1 C mayonnaise add more or less to taste
• ¼ C sweet relish
• 2 T honey mustard (or Dijon if preferred)
• ½ tsp celery seed
• ½ tsp marjoram (see notes)
• 1 T fresh parsley, chopped
• salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

• Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together for the best taste.
• Serve on fresh bread, a toasted croissant, in a spinach or sun-dried tomato tortilla wrap, or simply atop a bed of lettuce.

Notes

Here are some other herbs and seasonings to consider adding to your chicken salad:

1. Tarragon – Adds a subtle, anise-like flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.
2. Dill – Brings a fresh, slightly tangy taste that complements creamy dressings.
3. Basil – Provides a sweet and slightly peppery flavor, perfect for a summer twist.
4. Chives – Adds a mild onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
5. Paprika – For a hint of smokiness and color.
6. Yellow Curry Powder – For an exotic, spiced flavor that adds warmth to the salad – this is one of my favorites!
7. Garlic Powder-  For an extra savory kick.
8. Lemon Zest – Brightens up the salad with a burst of citrusy flavor.