Half-Measure Chicken Salad
A lighter, refreshing chicken salad made with half the usual mayonnaise for a satisfying yet airy texture. This american-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs diced cooked chicken, mayonnaise, finely diced celery into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups, diced cooked chicken
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup, finely diced celery
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 4 slices whole wheat bread
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups cooked chicken, diced, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup celery finely diced, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the chicken is well coated with the dressing.
- Step 3: Serve on 4 slices of whole wheat bread as a sandwich or atop a bed of mixed greens for a light lunch.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Measure Chicken Salad take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half-Measure Chicken Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced cooked chicken from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Measure Chicken Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-Measure Chicken Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Half-Measure Chicken Salad?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this half-measure are incredible.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
