If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a tangy, creamy dressing that makes every bite memorable. Whether it’s for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a refreshing snack, this chicken salad brings together simple ingredients in a way that bursts with flavor and texture, turning everyday pantry staples into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen not just for taste but to create a perfect harmony of crunch, creaminess, and zest that makes the salad so irresistible.
- 4 cups cooked chicken: Using shredded or diced chicken provides a tender, protein-packed base that’s versatile and easy to enjoy.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: This creamy element binds everything together and adds a rich, smooth texture that balances the crisp veggies.
- ½ cup diced celery: Adds a refreshing crunch and a subtle peppery note that brightens the salad.
- ⅓ cup diced red onion or shallots: Offers a sharp, savory bite that cuts through the richness for complexity.
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions or chives: These bring a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives the salad a gentle tang and depth, elevating the overall flavor.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that lifts the salad and keeps it lively on the palate.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures everything sings together.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle warming spice to balance the creamy elements.
How to Make Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by placing your cooked chicken, mayo, celery, and diced red onion into a large bowl. This is where the fun begins—watch the colors and textures come together as you prepare to create something truly delicious.
Step 2: Add Flavorful Touches
Mix in your green onions or chives, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. These additions bring layers of flavor that transform the chicken salad from simple to spectacular.
Step 3: Season and Mix Thoroughly
Sprinkle in kosher salt and black pepper, then stir everything well. Make sure every piece of chicken gets a little love from the dressing and seasonings for perfect consistency and flavor throughout.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
This is your moment to shine as the chef! Taste the mixture and tweak the seasoning as you like—with a pinch more salt or a dash more lemon juice to suit your personal taste. Your perfect Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is almost ready.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or additional chives can add a lovely fresh touch and visual appeal. If you’re feeling a little fancy, a few toasted nuts or a dash of paprika will bring a welcoming crunch and color pop.
Side Dishes
Serving this chicken salad alongside crisp greens or on a bed of mixed lettuce makes for a refreshing meal. It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread, pita pockets, or even as a filling for wraps when you want to switch things up.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop the salad into hollowed-out avocados or tomatoes for an elegant presentation that wows guests. Or serve it atop crackers or cucumber slices for a light appetizer that’s bursting with flavor in each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2–3 days to keep the chicken tender and the veggies crisp.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise, freezing chicken salad isn’t recommended as it can affect the texture and separation of the dressing. For the freshest taste, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
Chicken salad is typically served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, let it sit out for a little while before serving to take the chill off, but avoid reheating as it can alter the delightful freshness of the salad.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time while still giving you moist, flavorful meat for your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you want a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or a mix of half mayo and half yogurt to maintain creaminess with fewer calories.
Is it okay to add fruit to chicken salad?
Yes! Adding fruits like diced apples or grapes adds a pleasant sweetness that complements the savory ingredients beautifully.
Can I prepare this salad the day before?
Yes, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld wonderfully, but be mindful that the celery might soften slightly overnight.
What’s the best way to serve this salad for a gathering?
Spoon it into a large bowl surrounded by fresh bread slices, crackers, or veggies for guests to help themselves easily and enjoy the vibrant flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a Classic Chicken Salad Recipe that combines fresh, quality ingredients with simple preparation to produce a dish that feels homemade and comforting every time. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it becomes a staple in your recipe rotation for lunches, picnics, or any meal that calls for a little extra love.
Print
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and easy Classic Chicken Salad recipe combining tender cooked chicken with a creamy mayonnaise dressing, crisp celery, and subtle hints of onion and mustard, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or light meals.
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
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add shredded or diced cooked chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced red onion or shallots, sliced green onions or chives, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir the ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the mayonnaise mixture and the vegetables are well distributed. Continue mixing until you reach your preferred consistency for the salad.
- Season to Taste: Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if desired to enhance the flavors.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the chicken salad immediately on your choice of bread, lettuce, or as preferred. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate for some time to allow the flavors to meld for a more intense taste before serving.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- You can add nuts like chopped walnuts or almonds for extra texture.
- Add grapes or apples for a touch of sweetness if desired.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3 days.
