Description

Classic Chicken Salad is a fresh, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal that combines tender chicken with crisp vegetables and a creamy, flavorful dressing made with natural plant-based mayo and crispy smoked turkey bacon. Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or picnic treat, this versatile recipe delivers vibrant flavors, wholesome nutrition, and delightful texture in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
4 slices smoked turkey bacon

Dressing

1/2 cup plant-based mayo (natural)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Vegetables & Herbs

1/2 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Variations

1/2 avocado, diced
1 tablespoon grape juice (natural) reduction
2 tablespoons toasted almonds or walnuts, chopped
Fresh dill or cilantro, chopped (as a parsley substitute)
Pinch of chili flakes or splash of hot sauce (natural) for heat

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cook chicken breast by boiling, grilling, or baking until juicy and tender. Allow to cool completely before chopping or shredding into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
Cook and Crisp the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess fat, then crumble or chop into small pieces to add crunch.
Chop Fresh Ingredients: Wash and finely dice celery and red onion. Chop fresh parsley to add brightness and flavor to the salad.
Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together plant-based mayo (natural), fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy, forming a perfect binder for the salad.
Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the chopped chicken, crispy bacon, celery, red onion, parsley, and dressing. Mix just enough to coat everything evenly without breaking up the pieces.
Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.

Notes

Use day-old cooked chicken to save prep time and enhance flavor.
Add celery and onion just before serving to keep their crisp texture.
Taste before adding salt, as smoked turkey bacon contributes savory saltiness.
Gently mix to avoid mushiness and maintain appealing texture.
Chilling the salad enhances the flavors and texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 310 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: Classic Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad with Turkey Bacon, Plant-Based Mayo Chicken Salad, Easy Chicken Salad Recipe, Healthy Chicken Salad