Name: Classic Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup chopped celery; 1/4 cup chopped onion; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

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Sometimes, you just need a recipe that’s as comforting as it is timeless—enter Classic Chicken Salad. Whether you’re craving a light lunch or looking for the perfect filling for a sandwich or wrap, this dish hits the spot. It’s creamy, flavorful, and refreshingly simple, with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a hint of sweetness that ties everything together. This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy and delicious this is!

Why You’ll Love Classic Chicken Salad

This chicken salad is one of those dishes that’s perfect for just about any occasion. Here’s why:

Perfectly Creamy: The combination of mayo and a touch of mustard gives the salad the perfect creamy texture, while a hint of acidity adds balance.

Fresh and Light: With chicken, crunchy veggies, and just a hint of sweetness, this salad is refreshing and light, making it perfect for warmer days or when you need something that won’t weigh you down.

Quick and Easy: No need for any complicated steps—just chop, mix, and you’re done! This is one of those recipes that even beginners can tackle with ease.

Versatile: You can tweak it to your liking. Add extra veggies, swap the mayo for Greek yogurt, or make it spicier with some hot sauce or jalapeños.

Meal-Prep Friendly: Classic Chicken Salad stores beautifully, so it’s perfect for preparing in advance. It’s also a great make-ahead meal for lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients

Let’s dive into the magic ingredients that make this classic chicken salad so delicious:

Cooked Chicken
This is the heart of the dish. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, cook your own, or even use canned chicken in a pinch. The chicken should be shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.

Mayo
The base of your dressing. It gives the salad its rich, creamy texture. If you prefer something lighter, you can swap half of it for Greek yogurt.

Dijon Mustard
A small amount of Dijon mustard adds a nice tang to the salad and balances out the creaminess of the mayo.

Celery
For that satisfying crunch! Celery adds a refreshing, crisp texture that complements the creamy chicken.

Red Onion
Finely chopped red onion gives the salad a bit of bite and adds a touch of color.

Grapes or Apples
Sweet and juicy, grapes (or apples) add a burst of freshness and a hint of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken.

Salt and Pepper
To taste, of course. Simple seasonings, but they make all the difference.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now let’s get to making this delicious chicken salad!

Prepare the Chicken
If you haven’t already, cook the chicken and shred or chop it into small pieces. You can also use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep.

Chop the Veggies
Chop the celery, onion, and any fruit you’re using (grapes or apples) into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using grapes, slice them in half.

Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine the mayo and Dijon mustard. Stir until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Everything
Add the chopped chicken, celery, onion, and grapes (or apples) to the bowl. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, chill the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes in the fridge before serving. This helps the flavors meld together. Serve it on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers for a light lunch or dinner!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad

Classic Chicken Salad is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to enjoy it:

On Bread or Wraps: Spoon the chicken salad onto your favorite bread, rolls, or tortilla wraps for an easy sandwich or wrap. A buttery croissant pairs especially well for a delicious, light lunch.

On a Bed of Greens: For a healthier option, serve it on a bed of mixed greens or spinach. Add some fresh avocado or a sprinkle of nuts for extra texture.

With Crackers: Pair it with some crunchy crackers for a satisfying snack or appetizer. The creamy chicken salad on a crispy cracker is the perfect bite-sized treat.

Stuffed in Avocados: For a low-carb option, scoop the chicken salad into halved avocados for a fresh and filling dish.

As a Side: Classic Chicken Salad also works wonderfully as a side dish for a larger meal, alongside grilled meats or BBQ.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the most of your chicken salad:

Customize the Ingredients: Add extra ingredients like nuts (almonds or walnuts), dried cranberries, or even pickles for more flavor and texture.

Use Leftover Chicken: This is a great recipe to use up leftover cooked chicken. If you have roasted or grilled chicken from dinner, just shred it and use it for the salad.

Make It Healthier: Swap the mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version. You can also use low-fat mayo or add extra veggies to bulk up the salad.

Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or tarragon can add a pop of freshness to the salad.

Storage: Keep your chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It actually gets better the longer it sits, so it’s perfect for meal prepping!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
A1: Yes, rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe! It’s a time-saver and adds great flavor to the salad.

Q2: How long can I store leftovers?
A2: You can store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It may last a little longer, but it’s best fresh.

Q3: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A3: Yes! Chicken salad actually tastes even better after it sits in the fridge for a bit, so it’s a great make-ahead dish. Just give it some time to chill before serving.

Q4: Can I make this without mayo?
A4: Sure! You can swap mayo for Greek yogurt or even avocado for a healthier twist. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Q5: Can I freeze chicken salad?
A5: Freezing chicken salad is not recommended, as the mayo can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Q6: How do I add more crunch to the chicken salad?
A6: If you want more crunch, try adding chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds) or some crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.

Q7: Can I add extra fruit?
A7: Absolutely! You can try adding diced apples, pineapple, or dried cranberries to the chicken salad for a sweet twist.

Q8: Can I make this salad spicy?
A8: Yes! Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mayo for a spicy kick.

Q9: How do I make the salad lighter?
A9: You can lighten up the chicken salad by using a reduced-fat mayo or swapping the mayo for Greek yogurt.

Q10: Can I serve this on a salad or greens?
A10: Yes! Chicken salad on a bed of fresh greens or spinach makes for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner.

Conclusion

Classic Chicken Salad is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re serving it on a sandwich, alongside fresh greens, or simply enjoying it on its own, it’s a dish that’s always satisfying and perfect for just about any occasion. Make a batch today, and you’ll see why this timeless recipe has earned its spot in so many kitchens!