Classic Chicken Salad is a creamy, flavorful, and refreshing dish made with tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, and a rich, tangy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over a bed of lettuce, this timeless recipe is quick to prepare and ideal for meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Made with simple ingredients in just minutes.
- Versatile: Serve it on sandwiches, in lettuce wraps, or as a dip with crackers.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Customizable: Add nuts, fruits, or extra seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, rotisserie works great!)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup sweet or dill pickles, finely chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
If not already cooked, poach or bake chicken until fully cooked, then shred or dice it.
2. Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Combine Everything
Add chicken, celery, red onion, pickles (if using), nuts (if using), and parsley to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
4. Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve on sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or with crackers.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Variations
- Crunchy Additions: Mix in chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for extra texture.
- Sweet Twist: Add sliced grapes, dried cranberries, or diced apples.
- Lighter Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier version.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Stir in fresh dill, basil, or tarragon for added depth.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the mayo-based dressing may separate.
- Reheating: Best served cold, but you can warm the chicken before mixing if preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Chicken salad actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option, but you can also use poached, baked, or grilled chicken. Shredded chicken tends to absorb the dressing well, making it extra flavorful.
For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use half mayo and half Greek yogurt. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for more fiber and crunch.
It's not recommended to freeze chicken salad because mayonnaise-based dressings tend to separate and become watery when thawed. For best results, make it fresh and store in the fridge.
Chicken salad is delicious in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, stuffed into avocados, or served with crackers or croissants. You can also add it to a bed of greens for a light salad.
Try mixing in ingredients like dried cranberries, chopped apples, crumbled feta cheese, or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra flavor boost. Fresh herbs like dill or chives also enhance the taste.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 8g
- Protein: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
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Conclusion
Classic Chicken Salad is a simple, delicious, and versatile dish that never goes out of style. For more details on this recipe, visit: Classic Chicken Salad . Whether you enjoy it in a sandwich, on crackers, or in a lettuce wrap, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a quick snack. Try different variations to make it your own and enjoy a timeless favorite!
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Classic Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
Classic Chicken Salad is a creamy, flavorful, and refreshing dish made with tender shredded chicken, crunchy celery, and a rich, tangy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over a bed of lettuce, this timeless recipe is quick to prepare and ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, rotisserie works great!)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup sweet or dill pickles, finely chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup sliced almonds or chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- If not already cooked, poach or bake chicken until fully cooked, then shred or dice it.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add chicken, celery, red onion, pickles (if using), nuts (if using), and parsley to the bowl. Stir until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve on sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or with crackers.
Notes
Customize with crunchy almonds, sweet grapes, or fresh herbs. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
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