I once worked in a deli where I made chicken salad from leftover chicken on a daily basis. Since then, my homemade chicken salad recipe has been based on the same basic principles.
My #1 Tip for Easy Chicken Salad
If you have no time to cook, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken! It’s the ultimate shortcut for flavor and convenience. (And don’t forget to save the broth for soup—it’s liquid gold!).
The Non-Negotiable Ingredient
The basil is the absolute key to this recipe. It adds that fresh, vibrant flavor that makes it special.
- No fresh basil? No problem! You can use dried basil or even basil paste in a pinch.
- Whatever you have to do, make sure there is some form of it in there! 😀
(P.S.: Want to learn more about growing and using this amazing herb? Check out my Basil Herb Guide!)
Chicken Salad with Fresh Basil
Ingredients
- 1 Yellow or White Onion
- 1 Whole Cooked Rotisserie Chicken
- 1 Large Red Onion
- 5 Stalks Celery or 1 English Cucumber, peeled
- 1 Cup Lightly Packed or 1 Large Handful of fresh basil (about 15 Leaves)
- 2 T. Basil Paste or 3 T. Dried Basil (if you don't have fresh basil)
- 1 1/2 c. Mayonnaise
- 1/2 c. Plain Yogurt (I really like this, but you can always sub in more mayonnaise.)
- 3 T. Mustard (optional)
- 1 1/2 T. Salt
Instructions
- Finely chop red onion and celery.
- Roughly chop or tear basil.
- Combine completely cooled chicken in a large bowl with the red onion, celery and basil.
- Add yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard and salt and mix well to combine.
Notes
- If you love the chicken salad available at the grocery store deli counter, my homemade recipe is based on the same basic formula.
- The basil is the key to this recipe. Whatever you have to do, make sure there is some form of it in there!
- With guacamole, salsa and crackers or on a sandwich, it’s a perfect quick meal or snack.
How We Love to Eat It
I love having a batch of this chicken salad on hand every couple of weeks. It’s the perfect quick meal or snack:
Next to a dollop of guacamole and salsa for a full-flavor lunch
When I worked in the above mentioned deli, my go-to lunch was actually a small container of the chicken salad. I also enjoyed a small container of the medium spicy guacamole from the produce department. A few water crackers completed my meal. If I was craving more vegetables, I would add a small container of the freshly made pico de gallo! It is still one of my favorite meals! It’s high in protein, low in carbs and even has veggies because of the guacamole!
On a sandwich or in a wrap
My favorite breads to use for this sandwich are sourdough and rye. Any type, really. Personally, a good dark pumpernickel floats my boat.
With crackers or sliced cucumbers for scooping
Obviously, I usually involve crackers. I have recently experimented with substituting the celery for cucumber, which I really like. The diced cucumber is easier to chew while still adding a nice crunchy texture.