Publix Chicken Salad Recipe
This Publix chicken salad recipe stands out with its perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap or airtight container
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast, diced 3 cups
- Mayonnaise 1/2 cup
- Finely diced celery 1/4 cup
- Sweet relish 2 tablespoons
- Finely chopped onion 1 tablespoon
- Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon
- Salt 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper 1/4 teaspoon
- Zest of 1 lemon optional, for that special twist
Instructions
- Start with the chicken. If you're cooking it from scratch, poach or grill chicken breasts until fully cooked. Let them cool completely before dicing. For a true chicken salad experience, ensure the chicken is cut into small, uniform pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. This creates the creamy base that's essential to a great chicken salad.
- Add the diced celery and finely chopped onion to the mayo mixture. These veggies add a delightful crunch and subtle flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Gently fold in the diced chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the chicken's texture.
- If you're using the lemon zest (my special twist on the classic Publix chicken salad recipe), sprinkle it over the mixture and fold it in gently. The citrus adds a bright, fresh note that elevates the entire dish.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb the creamy dressing.
Notes
- For the juiciest chicken, poach it in chicken broth with herbs for added flavor.
- Chill your mixing bowl before making the salad to keep everything crisp and fresh.
- Use a rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor in your Publix chicken salad recipe.
- Experiment with add-ins like grapes or chopped nuts for interesting texture variations.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.