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Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

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.

Ingredients

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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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  • Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
  • This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover roasted chicken for best results.

Keywords: classic chicken salad, chicken salad recipe, easy chicken salad, lunch salad, creamy chicken salad