If you’ve ever wanted a timeless crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and freshness to your table, this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is the one to keep close. It’s the perfect blend of tender, juicy chicken with crisp veggies and a creamy, tangy dressing that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re making lunch for the family, packing a picnic, or just craving something quick yet satisfying, this recipe delivers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds and sharing it with all your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the cooked chicken provides hearty protein, mayonnaise binds everything with a luscious creaminess, and the crunchy celery and onions add that fresh bite and color that wakes up every forkful.
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced: Use leftover roasted or poached chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Choose a quality mayonnaise for that smooth, rich base that ties the salad together.
- ½ cup diced celery: Adds a refreshing crunch and subtle earthiness to balance the creaminess.
- ⅓ cup diced red onion or shallots: These bring a gentle sharpness, brightening up each bite.
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions or chives: They lend a mild oniony note and a pop of green color.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth and slight heat that makes the flavors sing.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice: A splash of citrus to keep the salad fresh and vibrant.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the ingredients without overpowering them.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough warmth and kick to finish it off.
How to Make Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Before you start mixing, make sure your chicken is cooked and shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces. Dice your celery and red onion finely enough to sprinkle evenly throughout the salad, and slice your green onions thin. Having everything prepped makes the assembly smooth and ensures each bite is balanced.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, add your chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, red onion, green onions, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so every morsel of chicken is coated in that creamy dressing and the vegetables are well distributed. Mix until you reach the texture you prefer, whether a loose toss or a more compact salad.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust Seasonings
Once mixed, taste your chicken salad and add a pinch more salt or pepper if it needs a little extra boost. This step is key to truly personalize your salad and make the flavors pop just the way you like.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or additional chives on top for a burst of color and an herbal lift. If you’re feeling fancy, a few toasted nuts or seeds can add a delightful crunch and texture contrast that makes this salad feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This chicken salad pairs beautifully with light sides such as crisp green salads, sweet potato fries, or even a simple fruit salad. The freshness of the salad balances richer sides perfectly, making your meal both well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken salad in a buttery croissant for a decadent sandwich, spoon it onto crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative, or pile it on toasted baguette slices as a fancy appetizer. No matter how you present it, this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe will shine as the centerpiece of your plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and improve after a few hours, but it’s best enjoyed fresh to keep the celery and onions crisp.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and fresh vegetables, freezing this chicken salad is not recommended as it can negatively affect texture and taste.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you want warm chicken salad, heat the chicken before mixing with the other ingredients, but do not reheat the salad once assembled as the mayonnaise can separate.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful choice that saves time while keeping the salad tender and delicious.
Is there a healthier alternative to mayonnaise?
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a blend of mayo and yogurt for a lighter option without losing creaminess.
How can I make this chicken salad gluten-free?
The salad itself is naturally gluten-free; just be mindful of what you serve it with, like gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps.
Can I add fruits or nuts? If so, which ones?
Yes! Adding diced apples, grapes, or toasted walnuts or pecans gives a lovely sweetness and crunch that complements the tangy, creamy salad beautifully.
What’s the best way to make this salad ahead for a party?
Prepare the salad a few hours before serving and refrigerate. Stir gently before serving and add extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to refresh the flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a bowl of this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe with family and friends. It’s simple, comforting, and endlessly versatile—truly a recipe to keep in your back pocket for anytime you want a fresh and satisfying meal. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite at your table!
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Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and classic chicken salad recipe featuring tender cooked chicken combined with creamy mayonnaise, crisp celery, sharp red onion, and a hint of tangy Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or enjoying on a bed of lettuce, this easy-to-make salad comes together in just 15 minutes and serves 8.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups (454 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (74 g) diced celery, ¼” dice
- ⅓ cup (42 g) diced red onion or shallots, ⅛” dice
- 2 tablespoons (8 g) sliced green onions or chives
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon (3 g) kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken with the mayonnaise. Stir to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated, which forms the creamy base of the salad.
- Add the Vegetables and Flavorings: Add diced celery, red onion, sliced green onions or chives, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to the bowl. Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients and incorporate the tangy and fresh flavors throughout the salad.
- Season the Salad: Season the mixture with kosher salt and black pepper. Stir again and taste, adjusting seasoning as desired to balance the flavors.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the chicken salad immediately on bread, lettuce, or your preferred vehicle. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, enhancing the taste.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a low-fat mayo alternative.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and Dijon mustard for more tanginess or depth.
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or grapes for extra texture and sweetness if desired.
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
