Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

This chicken salad is creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken. It’s the classic recipe you know and love. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.

I whipped it up for lunch, and it was an instant hit. The chicken is juicy, the dressing is perfectly seasoned, and those crunchy bits of celery? So satisfying.

It’s simple, versatile, and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or on its own. Great for meal prep, lunches, or a quick snack. Trust me, you’ll be making this one often.

Let’s whip up some classic chicken salad! It’s easy, delicious, and always a hit. Grab your chicken—let’s make a batch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Familiar Favorite: There’s a reason this recipe is called “classic.” It’s the kind of dish many of us grew up eating, bringing back memories of family lunches or quick snacks. It feels familiar and comforting, but it also tastes fresh and satisfying.
• Quick & Easy: This recipe doesn’t involve complicated steps or fancy equipment. You can use pre-cooked chicken, making the process even faster. The dressing comes together in one bowl, and the vegetables add texture with minimal chopping.
• Versatile: The beauty of this chicken salad lies in its versatility. It’s equally good in a sandwich, served on top of crisp lettuce, or scooped onto crackers for a snack. Want to make it low-carb? Skip the bread and use lettuce leaves instead.
• Balanced Flavors: Instead of relying on just mayonnaise, this recipe uses a combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. This not only lightens the dressing but also adds a gentle tanginess. The lemon juice lifts the flavors, while Dijon mustard gives it a hint of sharpness. Every bite feels creamy, tangy, and just right.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Chicken salad keeps well in the refrigerator, making it a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for several days.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (this includes chopping vegetables and mixing the dressing)
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (since we’re using already-cooked chicken, you won’t need to cook anything)
• Total Time: About 15 minutes

Servings:

• This recipe makes about 4 cups of chicken salad, which is enough for 4 sandwiches or about 6–8 servings if used as a salad topping or snack.

Difficulty:

• This recipe is easy enough for anyone to make. Even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll find this one manageable. The steps are simple, and there’s no need for special cooking techniques.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping celery, onions, and parsley.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl is perfect for mixing the dressing and combining everything.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: These will help you get the right amounts of each ingredient.
• Spoon or Spatula: To mix the salad together until everything is evenly coated.

Ingredients

Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that make this chicken salad a classic:

• Cooked Chicken: Use shredded or diced chicken. You can cook your own by poaching, roasting, or grilling, or use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Mayonnaise: This gives the dressing its creamy base. It coats the chicken and helps the flavors blend together.
• Plain Greek Yogurt: Balances the mayonnaise with a lighter texture and a bit of tanginess. It also adds a subtle richness without making the salad too heavy.
• Dijon Mustard: This sharp mustard adds depth of flavor, balancing the creaminess with a slight kick.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dressing, giving it a clean and fresh taste. It also helps balance the richness of the mayo.
• Celery: Adds crunch and a refreshing note. Chop it finely so it’s evenly distributed.
• Red Onion: Provides a mild bite and a hint of sharpness. It also adds color to the salad.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings in herbal freshness and a pop of green. Parsley’s gentle flavor pairs perfectly with the chicken and creamy dressing.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, subtle flavor that blends smoothly into the dressing.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the other flavors.
• Grape Tomatoes (Optional): These aren’t traditional, but they add color and a juicy pop. If using, cut them in halves.
• Lettuce Leaves (Optional): Use these to serve the chicken salad if you’re skipping bread or want a lighter option.
• Sandwich Rolls or Bread (Optional): If you’re making sandwiches, choose your favorite bread—whether it’s hearty whole wheat, soft brioche, or a classic sandwich loaf.

Variations for Classic Chicken Salad

This recipe is a wonderful starting point, but you can easily adjust it to fit your taste or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

• Add Crunch with Nuts: Toss in a handful of chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts for extra texture.
• Make It Sweeter: Add halved red grapes or diced apples for a hint of natural sweetness.
• Add Herbs: Mix in chopped dill, tarragon, or chives to bring in different herbal flavors.
• Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeños.
• Use Different Yogurt: Try plain regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a softer dressing, or use sour cream for a tangier version.
• Try Different Proteins: Swap chicken for turkey, or mix in cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.

How to Make Classic Chicken Salad Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Chicken

If you haven’t already, cook your chicken. You can poach it gently in water, bake it, or use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Let it cool, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Mix the Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or stir until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This step helps the flavors blend and creates the base for your salad.

3. Add the Vegetables and Herbs

Chop the celery, red onion, and parsley. Stir them into the dressing. These ingredients add texture, color, and freshness to the salad.

4. Combine Chicken with Dressing

Add the shredded or diced chicken to the bowl. Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold the chicken into the dressing mixture until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the chicken—you want the pieces to stay intact for a better texture.

5. Optional Add-Ins

If you’d like, fold in optional ingredients like halved grape tomatoes, chopped nuts, or diced apples.

6. Chill (Optional but Recommended)

For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to an hour. This lets the flavors meld together and makes the salad easier to serve.

How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is incredibly versatile. Here are a few simple serving ideas:

• As a Sandwich: Scoop a generous portion onto sandwich rolls, sliced bread, or croissants. Add lettuce leaves for extra crunch.
• With Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the chicken salad wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, such as romaine or butter lettuce.
• As a Salad Plate: Serve a scoop on a plate of mixed greens, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes. Add a slice of bread or crackers on the side if desired.
• As a Snack: Enjoy with crackers, pita chips, or cucumber rounds for an easy and satisfying snack.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and herbs make a big difference in flavor. If possible, avoid bottled lemon juice.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors blend.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the chicken with the dressing, fold gently to keep the chicken’s texture intact.
• Season to Taste: Start with the suggested amount of salt and pepper, then taste and adjust. Different brands of mustard or mayo can vary in saltiness.
• Customize Texture: Prefer a chunkier salad? Dice the chicken into larger pieces. Want it smoother? Shred the chicken finely.

Nutrition

Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per 1-cup serving of this chicken salad:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~250
Protein	~20g
Carbohydrates	~3g
Fat	~18g
Saturated Fat	~3g
Fiber	~1g
Sugar	~2g
Sodium	~400mg

Note: Actual values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and serving sizes used.

Classic Chicken Salad FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the chicken salad up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Q: What’s the best type of chicken to use?
A: Use whatever cooked chicken you have—poached, baked, or rotisserie all work well.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Simply replace the Greek yogurt with extra mayonnaise or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Q: Can I freeze chicken salad?
A: It’s not recommended, as the dressing may separate and the texture will change when thawed.

Conclusion

Classic Chicken Salad is one of those recipes that stands the test of time. Its combination of tender chicken, creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and bright flavors makes it a dish you can always rely on. Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday lunch, packing a picnic, or setting out a platter for guests, this chicken salad offers both comfort and versatility.

By using fresh ingredients and adjusting the recipe to fit your taste—whether by adding nuts for crunch, grapes for sweetness, or fresh herbs for brightness—you make this classic your own. And with simple preparation and make-ahead convenience, it’s a perfect choice for busy days.

So the next time you’re wondering what to make with leftover chicken or looking for an easy meal that satisfies, remember this classic recipe. It’s easy, flavorful, and always a favorite.