Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

I still remember the first time I laid my hands on a classic chicken salad. It was a sun-drenched afternoon, and I was visiting a friend’s home. They had it all spread out on the picnic table—crusty bread, crisp lettuce, and a bowl of that creamy goodness. One taste, and I was hooked. Since then, it has become a go-to recipe in my kitchen! Perfect for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or even a light dinner, this chicken salad brings a joyful crunch and flavor to every bite. Here’s how to whip up your very own batch.

Why this Chicken Salad Will Steal Your Heart

So, why will you adore this recipe? It’s all about the balance. The tender chicken mingles beautifully with the rich creaminess of mayonnaise, the crispness of celery, and the bright notes of green onion. Each bite is a symphony of flavors—comforting, satisfying, and oh-so-refreshing. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that lets your creativity shine. Serve it in a sandwich, over greens, or even in a wrap. The beauty of chicken salad is that it can fit any mood or occasion!

This recipe is not just about eating; it’s about savoring life’s simple pleasures. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken, making it economical and resourceful too. You get deliciousness while cutting down on food waste. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Gather These Key Ingredients

1. Cooked Chicken: You’ll need about 2 cups. Whether it’s rotisserie, poached, or leftover grilled chicken, make sure it’s tender and flavorful. Chopped or shredded works fine; it’s all about your texture preference.

2. Mayonnaise: We’re going for ½ cup of this creamy delight. It binds everything together and brings the salad to life. If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a fantastic substitute. Just keep in mind it’ll taste a bit tangier.

3. Celery: One rib of diced celery is what you want. It adds that crunch that elevates the entire dish. Feel free to get creative with textures—finely chopped bell peppers or apples can add a delightful twist as well.

4. Green Onion: Use one thinly sliced green onion for that aromatic touch. If you’re not a fan of onion, you could always leave this out, or go for chives for a milder flavor.

5. Dijon Mustard: Adding 1 teaspoon of Dijon gives a tangy undertone that really enhances the depth of flavors. If you prefer things less zingy, reduce it to half!

6. Seasoned Salt & Black Pepper: A ¼ teaspoon of seasoned salt and ⅛ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper will do the trick. Always add more to taste—seasoning is the final kiss of flavor.

7. Dill: If you’re feeling fancy and want a touch of herbaceous elegance, toss in 1 teaspoon of fresh dill or ¼ teaspoon of dried dill. While optional, it’s a game changer for flavor.

How this Chicken Salad Comes Together

1. Mix Ingredients in a Bowl: Grab a medium-sized bowl and toss in your cooked chicken, whether it’s chopped or shredded. Add in the creamy mayonnaise—this is where the magic happens! Toss in the diced celery and thinly sliced green onion. Stir in the Dijon mustard followed by the seasoned salt and pepper. If you chose to include dill, add it here too. Mix everything thoroughly until it looks like a creamy, delicious cloud.

2. Adjust the Flavor: Now comes the fun part! Taste your creation. How does it hit your palate? If it seems a bit underwhelming, don’t hesitate to sprinkle in a pinch more salt or pepper. The goal is for the flavors to dance pleasantly in harmony, so tweak as needed.

3. Serve with Love: Time to revel in your culinary creation! You can serve it straight up in a bowl for a light lunch, nestled between slices of toasted bread for a classic sandwich, or on a bed of greens for a refreshing salad. Whatever you decide, your taste buds are going to be singing!

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This chicken salad is incredibly versatile! One of my favorite ways to enjoy it is with a slice of artisan bread, maybe even slathering on some avocado for extra creaminess. However, if you’re feeling a bit health-conscious, a crisp bed of mixed greens is perfect. You could even use a tortilla to make a wrap and add a slice of cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Pair it with some kettle-cooked chips or sliced cucumbers for a delightful crunch!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

So, if you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to use clean utensils when you scoop the salad back out. If you’re looking to freeze it, I recommend skipping freezing due to the mayo; it doesn’t thaw beautifully. Instead, just make smaller batches ahead of time!

Pro Chef Tips

• For that extra layer of deliciousness, consider toasting your celery in a bit of olive oil before adding it; it brings out an amazing flavor.
• If you have leftover roasted veggies, toss them in for a colorful, nutritious boost.
• Want a kick? Add a splash of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy twist!

Flavor Swaps

Feeling adventurous? How about adding some roasted nuts or seeds for crunch—walnuts, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts are stellar options. If you’re a fan of fruit, some diced apple or grapes can add a delightful sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements. And don’t shy away from experimenting; every cook has their unique take on chicken salad!

Ingredients List

• 2 cups cooked chopped or shredded chicken
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 rib celery, diced
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt, more to taste
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill, or ¼ teaspoon dried dill (optional)

Directions to Follow

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken and mayonnaise.
2. Add the diced celery, green onion, and Dijon mustard. Stir to blend.
3. Season with seasoned salt and black pepper; add dill if using. Mix well.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve on bread, over greens, or enjoy it solo!

Your Questions Answered

1. How long does it take to make this chicken salad? You can whip this up in about 15-20 minutes—perfect for a quick meal!

2. Can I use canned chicken? Yes! Canned chicken is an absolute time-saver, just be sure to drain it well.

3. What’s a good substitute for mayonnaise? Greek yogurt or avocado are fantastic healthier alternatives.

4. Can I make this in advance? Absolutely! Just prepare and store in the fridge, but try to avoid adding lettuce or bread until serving.

5. What sides pair well with chicken salad? Fresh fruit, crunchy veggies, or a light soup make for delightful pairings that complement the salad.

Just yesterday, I prepared this chicken salad for a neighborhood potluck, and let me tell you, it was a hit! Not only are you getting a nourishing meal, but you’re also creating something beautiful to share with loved ones. Enjoy every scoop and don’t forget to play around with your own personal twists! I can’t wait to hear about your adventures in cooking! Your kitchen is your canvas, so paint it with flavors! 🍽️

Use Your Leftovers

Reduce food waste by making these recipes with your leftover ingredients:

Best Chicken Salad

♻️ Uses leftover mayonnaise40%

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Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Total Time 20 hrs

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 300

Best Season: Summer

Description

This chicken salad is perfect for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or light dinners. It's a delightful mix of tender chicken, creamy mayonnaise, crisp celery, and aromatic green onion.

Key Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chopped or shredded chicken (Use rotisserie, poached, or leftover grilled chicken.)
• ½ cup mayonnaise (Can use Greek yogurt as a lighter option.)
• 1 rib celery, diced (Adds crunch; bell peppers or apples can be used as substitutes.)
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced (Optional; can substitute with chives.)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (Adjust according to taste.)
• ¼ teaspoon seasoned salt (Season to taste.)
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (Season to taste.)
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (Optional; use dried dill if needed.)

Preparation Instructions

Making the Salad

1. Mix Ingredients

   In a medium bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, green onion, and Dijon mustard. Stir to blend.
   Mark as complete

2. Season

   Season with seasoned salt and black pepper; add dill if using. Mix well.
   Mark as complete

3. Taste and Adjust

   Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
   Ensure flavors are balanced.
   Mark as complete

4. Serve

   Serve on bread, over greens, or enjoy it solo!
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 300kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 3g15%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 75mg25%

Sodium 400mg17%

Potassium 300mg9%

Total Carbohydrate 8g3%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 2g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 3 mg

Calcium 20 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 2 mcg

Thiamin 0.1 mg

Riboflavin 0.1 mg

Niacin 5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.3 mg

Folate 15 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 150 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 20 mg

Zinc 1 mg

Selenium 15 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.1 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Great for leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Keywords: chicken salad, easy chicken recipes, summer salads, quick lunch