Introduction

Classic Chicken Salad is a simple and satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Creamy, tangy, and packed with tender chicken and crunchy vegetables, it’s a versatile recipe that everyone will enjoy.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup diced celery (¼” dice)
⅓ cup diced red onion (or shallots, ⅛” dice)
2 tablespoons sliced green onions (or chives)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, red onion, sliced green onions, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly and achieve your preferred consistency.
Step 2: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the chicken salad immediately, or cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Tips & Variations

For added texture and flavor, toss in chopped walnuts or sliced grapes.
Use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Try swapping lemon juice for a splash of vinegar to vary the tanginess.
For an herbaceous touch, add chopped fresh dill or parsley.

Storage

Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving again. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and does not reheat well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds great flavor, making preparation quicker and easier.

How can I make this salad less creamy?

Simply reduce the amount of mayonnaise or substitute part of it with Greek yogurt or sour cream to achieve your desired creaminess.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 140 reviews

A classic chicken salad recipe featuring tender cooked chicken combined with creamy mayonnaise, crisp celery, pungent red onions, and a tangy Dijon mustard dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a light lunch.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (using pre-cooked chicken)
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Salad Ingredients

4 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup diced celery (¼” dice)
⅓ cup diced red onion (or shallots, ⅛” dice)
2 tablespoons sliced green onions (or chives)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Make the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced red onion, sliced green onions, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly mixed and the salad reaches your preferred consistency.
To Serve: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately for best freshness, or cover and refrigerate the salad until ready to use, allowing the flavors to blend further.