There’s something timeless and comforting about a bowl of homemade chicken salad. It’s creamy, crunchy, and incredibly versatile—perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or spooned over crisp lettuce. Whether you’re meal-prepping for a busy week, packing lunch for work, or simply craving something light yet satisfying, this chicken salad recipe always delivers the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Today, I’m sharing my go-to version: simple, fresh, and endlessly customizable.
What makes this chicken salad truly special is its perfect combination of tender shredded chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together. It’s one of those recipes that feels nostalgic but still adaptable enough for modern tastes. You can keep it classic or dress it up with grapes, nuts, avocado, or herbs—whatever makes it your signature version.
Another reason this recipe has become a staple in many kitchens is how quick and fuss-free it is. In under 20 minutes, you can have a wholesome, protein-packed meal ready to enjoy. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully when you want something fast, but poached or baked chicken breasts give you even more control over tenderness and flavor. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken, helping reduce food waste while making something delicious.
Let’s dive into what makes this chicken salad such a winner and how you can bring it to life in your own kitchen.
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Why people love this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe :
People love this Chicken Salad recipe because it’s simple, wholesome, and incredibly adaptable. It delivers bold flavor without requiring complicated steps or fancy ingredients. The creamy dressing pairs beautifully with the crisp veggies, creating a texture that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Plus, it’s a recipe that works for everyone — whether you’re meal-prepping for a busy week, packing lunches, or looking for a light yet filling option. It stores well, tastes even better the next day, and can be customized endlessly with fruits, nuts, herbs, or seasonings. In other words: it’s reliable, delicious, and always hits the spot.
Ingredients for the Best Chicken Salad
- 2 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional add-ins: grapes, walnuts, dill, avocado, pickles, scallions
How to Make Chicken Salad Recipe ?
1. Prep Your Chicken
Use cooled cooked chicken—rotisserie, roasted, poached, or leftover works well. Shred it with two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces, depending on the texture you prefer.
2. Mix the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing is creamy and tangy, with just the right balance to complement the chicken.
3. Fold Everything Together
Add the chicken, celery, red onion, and parsley to the bowl. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Chill for Best Flavor
While you can dig in immediately, letting the chicken salad chill for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It becomes richer, creamier, and more cohesive.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Salad Recipe
- Use cold chicken. It keeps the ingredients crisp and the dressing creamy.
- Don’t skip the crunch. Celery and onion add texture, but you can also add nuts or apples.
- Balance creaminess. Greek yogurt lightens the dressing without sacrificing flavor.
- Customize it. Add curry powder for a twist, chopped dill for freshness, or dried cranberries for sweetness.
How to Serve Chicken Salad Recipe
This recipe is extremely versatile. Serve it:
- In a sandwich on toasted bread
- In lettuce cups for a low-carb lunch
- Inside a wrap with greens
- With crackers as a snack plate
- Over a bed of mixed greens as a light dinner
Time, Yield & Cost
- Total Time: 15–20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Cost: About $6–$9 total, depending on chicken type
- Calories: Approximately 290–330 calories per serving
Recipe Card :
Creamy Classic Chicken Salad Recipe — A Fresh & Flavor-Packed Favorite
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 stalks celery finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion finely diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins: grapes halved, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, fresh dill, apples, or pickles
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Use cooked chicken breast, leftover roasted chicken, or a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Shred it with forks or dice it into bite-size pieces, depending on your preferred texture.
- Make the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Vegetables
- Stir in chopped celery and red onion. These add the crunch that makes chicken salad irresistible.
- Combine Everything
- Fold the chicken into the dressing mixture until the pieces are fully coated. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Add Optional Mix-Ins
- This is the step where you can customize it! Add grapes for sweetness, dill for freshness, almonds for crunch, or apples for crispness.
- Chill Before Serving
- Allow the chicken salad to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors develop and blend beautifully.
Notes
And also here is a wheatless and gluten-free recipes if you want more glutten free recipes and you Looking for more delicious Recipes. Check out our Buckwheat Galettes with Eggs, Cheese, and Ham recipe for a savory twist .” https://wheatlessrecipes.com/buckwheat-galettes-with-eggs-cheese-and-ham-wheatless-gluten-free/ Millet is an ancient grain rich in protein and fiber source. Coconut flour is a popular gluten-free alternative for baking source. for more recipes : home – Delishplates.net
