Deli-Style Chicken Salad

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl:

1. Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sweet pickle relish, and lemon juice.
2. Stir well until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pro tip: Adjust the mayo-to-mustard ratio according to your preference—more mustard adds tang, more mayo adds creaminess.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Add the shredded chicken, celery, and red onion to the bowl with the dressing.
2. Gently fold everything together until all pieces are coated evenly. Avoid overmixing; you want the chicken to remain fluffy, not mushy.

Optional extras like herbs, paprika, or grapes can be added at this stage to elevate flavor and presentation.

Step 5: Chill for Best Flavor

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, giving a richer, more harmonious taste reminiscent of deli-style salads.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your deli-style chicken salad in any of these ways:

• On sandwich bread or croissants for a classic lunch.
• Wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
• Over a fresh salad of mixed greens with tomatoes and cucumbers.
• As a party appetizer, scooped onto crackers or small bread rounds.

Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or a few fresh herbs for a polished presentation.

Tips for the Perfect Deli-Style Chicken Salad

1. Texture matters: Keep chicken and veggies in uniform, bite-sized pieces.
2. Don’t over-dress: You want creaminess, not swimming in mayo. Add a little at a time until just coated.
3. Flavor boosters: A dash of garlic powder, celery seed, or a tiny bit of sugar can enhance depth, depending on your taste.
4. Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container. Best eaten within 3-4 days.

Deli-style chicken salad is more than just a sandwich filler—it’s a comfort food classic that’s versatile, easy to prepare, and fully customizable. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can bring the creamy, flavorful taste of your favorite deli right into your kitchen.

If you want, I can also create a quick variant with a lighter, healthier twist that uses yogurt instead of mayo but still tastes like the classic deli version. Do you want me to do that?