Chicken Salad is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. Creamy, crunchy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile—it’s the kind of dish that can be lunch, dinner, or the star of a picnic table. Whether piled onto a croissant, tucked into lettuce wraps, or eaten straight from the bowl, this easy chicken salad recipe delivers all the comforting flavors you love in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Quick and easy—ready in 10 minutes
- ✅ Great for meal prep and make-ahead lunches
- ✅ Customizable with sweet, savory, or spicy add-ins
- ✅ Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or snacks
- ✅ High-protein, low-carb, and family-friendly
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (roasted, poached, or rotisserie)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or use half Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (fresh is best!)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley
- ¼ cup halved grapes or chopped apples
- ¼ cup chopped toasted almonds or pecans
- Dash of garlic powder or celery salt
Instructions
- Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. - Add the Mix-Ins
Stir in celery and red onion. Taste and adjust seasoning. - Fold in the Chicken
Add shredded or chopped chicken and gently fold until all ingredients are well coated. - Chill (Optional, but recommended)
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve cold in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or with crackers. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: <1g
Tips & Variations
- 🥑 Dairy-Free: Use avocado-based mayo and check mustard ingredients
- 🍏 Add Sweetness: Fold in apples or red grapes for a sweet contrast
- 🌿 Go Herbaceous: Mix in tarragon, dill, or chives for fresh flavor
- 🔥 Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños
- 🧄 Flavor Boost: A dash of garlic powder or celery seed enhances depth
Classic Chicken Salad
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- – Knife & cutting board
- – Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- – 3 cups cooked chicken chopped or shredded
- – ½ cup mayonnaise
- – 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- – ½ cup celery finely chopped
- – ¼ cup red onion diced
- – 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- – Salt & pepper to taste
- **Optional Add-ins:**
- – Fresh dill or parsley
- – Grapes or chopped apple
- – Toasted almonds or pecans
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together mayo, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in celery and onion.
- Fold in chicken until well combined.
- Chill for 30 minutes (optional).
- Serve in sandwiches, wraps, or on a salad.
Notes
– Poached or rotisserie chicken works great
– Store in fridge for up to 4 days
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, but drain it well. Fresh or rotisserie chicken offers better texture and flavor.
How long does chicken salad last?
Up to 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
Not recommended—mayo-based dressing can separate after thawing.
What if my chicken salad is too dry?
Stir in extra mayo or a splash of lemon juice until it reaches the right consistency.
What’s the best way to serve chicken salad?
Try it on croissants, in pita pockets, wrapped in lettuce, or as a scoop on a green salad.
Conclusion
Whether you’re meal prepping, packing a lunchbox, or feeding a crowd, this Classic Chicken Salad delivers every time. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, crunchy, and savory—comfort food with a fresh twist. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your fridge!