You have to love the versatility of chicken salad, the rare dish that's equally suitable at a bridal-shower luncheon and in your kid's lunch box.

For further variety, add a few ingredients to the basic recipe: 3 1/2 to 4 pounds rotisserie chicken (chopped), 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
One of these makeovers is bound to satisfy whomever you're serving.

Green Apple and Watercress

For a variation on Waldorf salad (pictured, top left), add 1 1/2 cups watercress and 1 thinly sliced Granny Smith apple. Toss gently.

Curry and Chutney

A teaspoon of curry powder and 1/2 cup mango chutney are all it takes to give this classic a tangy twist (pictured, top right).

Cherry Tomatoes and Red Onion

For the perfect picnic salad (pictured, bottom left), toss in some quartered cherry tomatoes and half a red onion, finely chopped.

Pesto

Add 1/2 cup pesto (bought at the grocery store) for a no-Cuisinart-required meal (pictured, bottom right). Save the leftover pesto for tomorrow's fettuccine or fish.