Lemon Herb Chicken Salad Recipe
Bright, zesty, and so refreshingly satisfying, Lemon Herb Chicken Salad is the sort of recipe that instantly becomes a go-to favorite for lunches, quick dinners, or even a fuss-free picnic by the lake. This salad strikes a magical balance—creamy yet light, bubbling over with herby flavors and a sunny citrus twist that wakes up your palate. Whether tucked into a sandwich or perched atop crisp greens, it’s a deliciously versatile dish that never plays second fiddle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how easy and beautiful this ingredient list is! Each component brings something a little special, from a punch of tartness to a pop of color. Picking fresh herbs and quality chicken will truly let this Lemon Herb Chicken Salad shine.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or chopped): The heart of the salad—juicy, tender, and perfect for soaking up every drop of tangy dressing.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Lends creamy richness without overwhelming the lighter notes.
- Plain Greek yogurt (2 tablespoons): Adds a hint of tang and lightens the overall texture—plus some extra protein!
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Silky smoothness and that classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Juice of 1 lemon: The key to brightness; it keeps the salad lively and fresh.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Packs even more vibrant citrus flavor into every bite.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): For depth and a bit of subtle heat—essential for balance.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Provides that signature garden-fresh brightness.
- Fresh dill (1 tablespoon, chopped): Delivers a breezy herbal essence that makes the salad truly sing.
- Fresh chives (1 tablespoon, chopped): For a gentle oniony kick and beautiful specks of green.
- Celery stalk (1, finely chopped): Adds an irresistible crispness.
- Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Pops of color and a little sharpness—just enough to intrigue.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): The final touch to enhance and round out all the flavors.
How to Make Lemon Herb Chicken Salad
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Dressing
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard. This only takes a minute, but it’s well worth it—the result is a light, silky dressing with a sunny zing that makes Lemon Herb Chicken Salad so memorable.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Fresh Herbs
Into that fragrant dressing goes your shredded or chopped chicken, parsley, dill, and chives. These fresh herbs are what give this salad its irresistible aroma and vibrant flecks of green, turning every forkful into a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Step 3: Sprinkle in the Veggies
Toss in the finely chopped celery and red onion next. They provide crunch, color, and a subtle bite, perfectly complementing the creamy dressing and juicy chicken for texture that keeps each bite interesting.
Step 4: Season and Blend
It’s time for the finishing touch—seasoning! Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to taste, stirring gently to combine. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning if you like; the magic is in those little tweaks.
Step 5: Chill to Perfection
Pop your bowl into the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This short chill allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your Lemon Herb Chicken Salad irresistible right from the first bite. The anticipation just makes it better!
How to Serve Lemon Herb Chicken Salad
Garnishes
For a final flourish, sprinkle on a few extra chopped chives or sprigs of dill, and perhaps a little extra lemon zest for a burst of color and freshness. A twist of black pepper or some paper-thin slices of radish look gorgeous too—totally optional, but such a treat!
Side Dishes
Pairing is half the fun! Try serving your Lemon Herb Chicken Salad alongside a crusty whole-grain baguette or keep things extra light with a big plate of seasonal fruit. It also loves cozying up to a chilled iced tea or a crisp white wine on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond a classic sandwich—spoon Lemon Herb Chicken Salad onto endive leaves for a crunchy appetizer, pack it into avocado halves for an elegant brunch, or pile it high on top of toasted sourdough for a quick open-faced lunch. It’s beautiful on a bed of baby greens, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lemon Herb Chicken Salad stores like a dream—just scoop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. That little bit of time lets the flavors deepen even further, making your future lunch extra delicious.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal for this type of salad due to the creamy dressing and fresh herbs, you can freeze the cooked chicken and chopped herbs separately for meal prep. Simply thaw and assemble with the fresh dressing when ready.
Reheating
Lemon Herb Chicken Salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, straight from the fridge or gently brought to room temp. If you prefer it a little warmer, stir gently and pop it in the microwave for just 10-15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without changing the texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for Lemon Herb Chicken Salad. Just shred or chop it and follow the rest of the recipe as written.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
Yes, swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond-based yogurt, or simply use more mayonnaise. The flavor stays fresh and creamy!
What other herbs can I use if I don’t have dill or chives?
Basil, tarragon, or even a little fresh mint can give Lemon Herb Chicken Salad a new twist. Don’t be afraid to play around with your favorites!
How can I make this lower in fat?
For a lighter salad, use low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, and don’t skimp on all those vibrant herbs for big flavor without extra calories.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
A minimum of 15 minutes gives the flavors time to blend, but if you can wait 30 minutes or even an hour, your Lemon Herb Chicken Salad will taste even better.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something fresh, easy, and absolutely delicious, give Lemon Herb Chicken Salad a try next time you need a quick lunch or simple supper. It’s bright, herby, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every zesty bite!
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Lemon Herb Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Herb Chicken Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light meal. It combines tender chicken with a zesty lemon dressing and fresh herbs for a delicious salad that can be served in various ways.
Ingredients
Main Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, parsley, dill, chives, celery, and red onion. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Season and Chill: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.
- Serve: Serve on sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or over a bed of greens.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the herbs to your taste—basil or tarragon also work well.
- Add diced cucumber or avocado for extra freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
