This Chicken Salad Recipe is a bright, satisfying classic that brings together tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a perfectly creamy dressing. Whether you’re searching for an easy lunch, a flavorful meal-prep option, or a crowd-pleasing picnic dish, this salad absolutely fits the bill. With a balance of fresh herbs, crunchy add-ins, and the little zing of lemon, every bite captures the comfort and nostalgia of homemade favorites while keeping things light and modern. Trust me, this is the chicken salad to keep in your back pocket!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of this Chicken Salad Recipe is how a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients come together to create something so special. Each one plays a crucial role, giving the salad its signature flavor, texture, and color. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken breast: Use cooked and chopped or shredded chicken breast for a hearty, protein-packed base. Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo brings everything together and adds rich flavor. For a lighter version, try swapping half for Greek yogurt.
Dijon mustard: Just a tablespoon gives a little tang and depth that takes this salad up a notch.
Lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens up the salad and balances the richness of the mayo.
Celery: Finely diced celery adds irresistible crunch and a refreshing bite.
Red onion: A little goes a long way for a gentle bite and pop of color.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley lifts the flavor and brings some garden freshness.
Salt and black pepper: Season generously to bring out every nuance and make those flavors sing.
Walnuts or sliced almonds (optional): For a bit of nutty crunch, add your favorite nuts to the mix.
Dried cranberries or halved grapes (optional): Sweet add-ins like these offer bursts of flavor and color—don’t skip if you love a little sweetness.

How to Make Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dressing

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. This creamy trio is the backbone of our Chicken Salad Recipe, creating a silky foundation that binds all the other ingredients. Make sure it’s well combined for even flavor throughout.

Step 2: Add Veggies and Herbs

Toss in the finely diced celery, chopped red onion, and parsley. These little bits amp up the freshness, add color, and give that lovely crunch you expect from a great chicken salad. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 3: Fold in the Chicken

Now it’s time for the star ingredient—fold in your chopped or shredded chicken breast. Use a gentle hand so the pieces of chicken stay tender and don’t get mashed. Everything should be nicely coated without being gloopy.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste as you go—this simple step is the secret to making your Chicken Salad Recipe truly pop!

Step 5: Add Optional Crunch and Sweetness

For irresistible texture and flavor, stir in any optional add-ins such as walnuts, sliced almonds, dried cranberries, or grapes. You can mix and match based on what you love or what’s in your pantry.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes. This rest gives the flavors time to meld and makes your Chicken Salad Recipe taste even better. Serve chilled and enjoy how all those fresh, creamy, crunchy notes come together!

How to Serve Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley over the top gives a burst of color and hints at the freshness inside. Thinly sliced scallions or a pinch of paprika also look beautiful and add just a hint of extra flavor. If you used nuts or fruit, pop a few extra on top as a visual cue for what’s inside.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chicken Salad Recipe with crisp lettuce leaves, a stack of whole grain crackers, or even a handful of kettle chips for crunch. It’s also wonderful with sliced tomatoes, cucumber ribbons, or a simple green salad. For something heartier, serve it on freshly baked croissants or in a soft wheat wrap for a perfect lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Set out a build-your-own sandwich board with mini rolls and various add-ins—this makes serving a crowd a breeze, and lets everyone craft their perfect bite! For an easy, gluten-free option, nestle scoops of chicken salad in avocado halves or inside crisp bell pepper boats. Little lettuce cups are always a hit at picnics or brunches, and look so elegant piled high on a platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Chicken Salad Recipe into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to three days, making it ideal for meal prep or quick lunches all week. Give it a quick stir before serving to reincorporate any dressing that may have settled.

Freezing

While it’s technically possible to freeze chicken salad, it’s not recommended—the creamy elements can separate and veggies may turn watery or mushy when thawed. Your best bet is to enjoy it fresh or make only what you’ll need in the next few days.

Reheating

This Chicken Salad Recipe is truly best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you wish to serve it slightly warmer, let it sit out for fifteen minutes before eating, but avoid microwaving as the mayonnaise can split.

FAQs

Can I use dark meat chicken instead of breast?

Absolutely! Dark meat like thigh meat brings even more flavor and tenderness to your Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s wonderful if you enjoy a slightly richer texture.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes, simply use a dairy-free mayonnaise to make this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet. Skip Greek yogurt substitutes and stick to plant-based dressings for the same creamy result.

How far in advance can I make Chicken Salad Recipe?

You can prep this salad up to one day in advance for the best taste and texture. The flavors develop beautifully overnight, but if you’re adding nuts or fruit, add them just before serving for peak crunch and freshness.

What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?

You can easily shred cooked chicken using two forks, your hands, or even a stand mixer for big batches. Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful shortcut to make this Chicken Salad Recipe in a pinch.

Are there low-carb or gluten-free serving ideas?

Definitely! Spoon your chicken salad into lettuce cups, serve over mixed greens, or fill avocado halves for tasty, naturally gluten-free, and low-carb options.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a go-to Chicken Salad Recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious, this one checks all the boxes. It’s endlessly adaptable, fresh, and absolutely bursting with flavor in every bite. Give it a try and see just how quickly it becomes a staple at your table!

Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken Salad Recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Made with tender chunks of cooked chicken, creamy mayonnaise, and a blend of flavorful ingredients, this salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in sandwiches, wraps, or on its own. Customize it with your favorite add-ins for a personalized touch!