Grandma’s OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN SALAD in 15 Minutes

Okay, folks, let’s talk comfort food! Is there anything better than a picnic on a warm summer day? And what’s *always* on the menu? Chicken salad, of course! But not just any chicken salad – we’re talking about *old fashioned chicken salad*, the kind that takes you right back to Grandma’s kitchen. It’s simple, it’s nostalgic, and honestly, that’s the best part! I swear, every time I make this, I think of Fourth of July gatherings with my family, everyone crowded around the picnic table. This recipe? It’s been a lifesaver more times than I can count, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN SALAD Recipe

Okay, seriously, what’s NOT to love? This old fashioned chicken salad recipe is just… perfect! It’s:

• So quick and easy you can whip it up in minutes – seriously, like 15 minutes, tops!
• Perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even a snack. Hello, versatility!
• The epitome of classic, comforting flavor. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
• Amazing for meal prep. Make a batch on Sunday and you’re set for the week!
• Super adaptable! Add grapes, nuts, more celery… whatever your heart desires! It’s *your* chicken salad!

Ingredients for the Best OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN SALAD

Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s what you’ll need for *the best* old fashioned chicken salad. Now, pay attention, because the quality of your ingredients *matters*! Get yourself:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced (about 1 1/2 pounds – I usually use leftover rotisserie chicken!)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use your fave, but I prefer full-fat for that richness!)
• 1/4 cup celery, diced (nice and crisp!)
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced (adds a little zing!)
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (don’t skimp on this!)
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (just a touch!)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste, of course!)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground, if you’ve got it!)

How to Make OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN SALAD: Step-by-Step

Okay, here’s the deal. Making this old fashioned chicken salad is seriously easy. Even a *total* beginner can nail this! Just follow these steps, and trust me, you’ll be chowing down in no time!

1. First things first, grab a big bowl. I use my favorite ceramic one – it just feels right, ya know?
2. Now, toss in your diced chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper. Get it *all* in there!
3. Time to mix! Gently stir everything together until it’s, like, *perfectly* combined. Don’t overmix it, though – you don’t want mush! You wanna see all those lovely bits of celery and onion.
4. Now comes the hard part… waiting! Cover that bowl with some plastic wrap (or a lid, if you’re fancy!) and pop it in the fridge. You wanna chill it for at least 30 minutes. Trust me, this step is *crucial*. It lets all the flavors meld together, and it just tastes better cold!
5. Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Serve your gorgeous old fashioned chicken salad on bread for a classic sandwich, crackers for a quick snack, or even lettuce cups if you’re feeling healthy.

Seriously, that’s it! Told ya it was easy! Now go forth and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN SALAD

Wanna take your old fashioned chicken salad from good to *OMG amazing*? Of course you do! Here are my tried-and-true tips for chicken salad perfection!

• **Mayo Magic:** Seriously, adjust the mayonnaise to *your* liking. Some folks like it super creamy, others prefer a lighter touch. Start with the ½ cup, then add more a tablespoon at a time until it’s just right. You do you!
• **No Soggy Salads!**: Make sure your chicken is *completely* cooled before you mix everything together. Warm chicken + mayo = watery sadness. Nobody wants that! Also, don’t add too many watery veggies (like cucumber) unless you’re serving it right away.
• **Cool Chicken is Key**: I cannot stress this enough! Hot chicken will not only melt your mayo (ew!), but it will also change the whole texture of the salad. Be patient and let it chill!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN SALAD

Okay, let’s talk swaps! This old fashioned chicken salad is pretty forgiving, so don’t stress if you don’t have *every single* ingredient. Here’s the lowdown:

• Mayonnaise: I’m a full-fat kinda gal, but light mayo works fine if you’re watching calories. Wanna get wild? Try a flavored mayo, like roasted garlic!
• Celery & Onion: Not a fan? Use green onions or some finely chopped bell pepper for crunch. Radishes could be interesting too!
• Pickle Relish: Sweet pickle relish is classic, but dill relish is great if you like a tangier salad. Or, chop up some pickles yourself!
• Mustard Mania: Dijon mustard adds a sophisticated kick if you’re feeling fancy.

Oh, and if you’re *really* adventurous, a dollop of my homemade ranch dressing can add a surprising twist! Just sayin’!

Serving Suggestions for Your OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN SALAD

Okay, so you’ve got this *amazing* old fashioned chicken salad… now what? Don’t just stand there and admire it (though, it *is* pretty!). Let’s get it on the table! My go-to? Flaky croissants! But honestly, it’s awesome on everything. Try it on crackers for a quick snack, piled high in lettuce wraps for a light lunch, or alongside a simple side salad for a complete meal! Yum!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN SALAD

Okay, so you’ve made a batch of this glorious old fashioned chicken salad, but you’re not quite ready to devour it all? No worries! It keeps like a champ! Just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll be good for 3-4 days. Seriously, it might even taste *better* the next day, after the flavors get to know each other! Wanna be a super-prepper? You can totally make this a day ahead. Just hold off on adding the mayo until right before serving to keep it extra fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions About OLD FASHIONED CHICKEN SALAD

Got questions? I’ve got (hopefully!) answers! Here are some common questions I get asked about this old fashioned chicken salad. Don’t be shy – ask away if I missed something!

Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Okay, let’s be real – you *can* use canned chicken in a pinch. But honestly? It’s just not the same. Freshly cooked chicken (or leftover rotisserie chicken – my fave!) has so much more flavor and a better texture. Canned chicken can be a little… mushy. But hey, if that’s what you’ve got, go for it! Just drain it *really* well!

How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?

This old fashioned chicken salad is best enjoyed within 3-4 days. After that, it might start to get a little watery, and the flavors can get a bit… funky. Always store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh as long as possible. And if you notice any weird smells or discoloration? Toss it! Better safe than sorry!

Can I freeze this chicken salad?

Okay, this is a tricky one. Technically, you can freeze chicken salad, but the texture might change when it thaws. The mayonnaise can separate and get a little… gloppy. If you’re gonna do it, I recommend using a mayonnaise that’s specifically designed for freezing (yes, they exist!). But honestly? I think it’s best to just make a fresh batch. It’s so easy, why not?

Can I add grapes or nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of old fashioned chicken salad – it’s totally customizable! Grapes add a nice sweetness and a little pop of juicy goodness. And nuts? Walnuts, pecans, almonds… whatever you like! Just chop them up and toss them in. But word to the wise: add the nuts right before serving, so they stay nice and crunchy!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Hey, quick note! All nutritional info is an estimate, okay? Amounts can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, ya know, don’t take it as gospel!

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