Classic Chicken Salad is a timeless dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing, creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you serve it as a sandwich filling, on a bed of greens, or with crackers, this dish is versatile, easy to prepare, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a great option for lunch, a light dinner, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Salad is a classic because of its refreshing and comforting qualities. It’s simple to make, requires only a handful of ingredients, and can be customized to suit your tastes. The combination of juicy chicken, crisp celery, and creamy dressing makes it a perfectly balanced dish. It’s also incredibly versatile, so you can adjust the ingredients based on what you have in your fridge. Whether you’re making a quick meal or prepping for the week, Classic Chicken Salad is a crowd-pleaser every time.

Classic Chicken Salad

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
1/2 cup celery (chopped)
1/4 cup red onion (diced)
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish (optional)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Lettuce, crackers, or bread (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook and chop the chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own by boiling, baking, or grilling chicken breasts.
Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, chopped celery, diced red onion, and sweet pickle relish (if using). Stir to mix everything together.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well-coated.
Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus additional time for chilling. It’s perfect for a quick meal or to prepare ahead of time for lunches during the week.

Variations

Add Fruit: For a sweet twist, add diced apples, grapes, or dried cranberries to the salad.
Nuts and Seeds: Toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds add a delightful crunch to the salad.
Greek Yogurt: Swap half of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy version.
Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Avocado: Add diced avocado for extra creaminess and a fresh, buttery texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: This dish is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply take it out of the fridge and enjoy it straight away.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this recipe. Just shred the meat and use it as a base for the salad.

Can I make Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes, Chicken Salad actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge, as the flavors have time to meld together. It can be made a day or two ahead of time.

What kind of chicken should I use for Chicken Salad?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used for Chicken Salad, but you can also use chicken thighs or even leftover cooked chicken. The key is to ensure the chicken is cooked and tender for easy shredding or chopping.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, to make it dairy-free, use a dairy-free mayonnaise or substitute Greek yogurt with a non-dairy yogurt alternative.

How can I make Chicken Salad healthier?

You can make it healthier by using plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or by reducing the amount of mayo and adding more veggies like carrots or cucumber.

Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add or substitute vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even pickles depending on your taste preferences.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Chicken Salad is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of the bread or crackers you serve it with if you need to maintain a gluten-free diet.

How do I make the Chicken Salad creamy without mayonnaise?

If you want to avoid mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or even a combination of olive oil and lemon juice for a lighter dressing.

Can I freeze Chicken Salad?

Chicken Salad doesn’t freeze well due to the mayo and vegetables, as they can become watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator.

Can I add cheese to Chicken Salad?

Yes, you can add crumbled feta cheese, shredded cheddar, or even a bit of goat cheese for extra flavor and richness.

Conclusion

Classic Chicken Salad is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that combines the best of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors. It’s the perfect meal for a busy week, whether you’re serving it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or alongside some crackers. With endless variations and simple ingredients, Chicken Salad is a classic dish that can be tailored to suit any taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a timeless, delicious meal that’s always a hit!

Jane