Chicken salad is a timeless favorite that works beautifully for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or picnics. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing, this dish is light, satisfying, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for something quick and nutritious or hoping to impress guests with a homemade spread, this recipe adapts to your needs.
Why Chicken Salad Is a Must-Try
Chicken salad has a comforting, familiar flavor, but it’s also a canvas for creativity. You can make it as simple or as exciting as you want. From classic combinations of mayonnaise and celery to more adventurous options like fruits, nuts, and spices, chicken salad never gets boring.
One of the most appealing aspects of this dish is its ease. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, especially if you already have cooked chicken on hand. It’s a delicious way to use leftovers and turn them into something fresh and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is the base recipe for a flavorful, well-balanced chicken salad. This version makes about four servings.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or halved grapes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill, chopped
These optional ingredients bring added flavor, color, and texture to your salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making chicken salad is incredibly straightforward. Here’s how to bring it all together:
Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Chicken
If you haven’t already, cook the chicken using your preferred method. Poaching, roasting, or grilling all work well. Once cooked, let the chicken cool completely before chopping or shredding. Using warm chicken can thin out the dressing and make the salad watery.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This mixture forms the dressing that brings the whole salad together.
Step 3: Add the Crunch and Flavor
Stir in the chopped celery and red onion. These ingredients provide texture and a savory bite that balances the richness of the dressing.
Step 4: Fold in the Chicken
Gently add the cooled, chopped chicken to the bowl. Mix until all the pieces are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Customize to Taste
This is the perfect time to add any optional ingredients. Toss in nuts for crunch, dried fruit for sweetness, or fresh herbs for brightness. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Let the chicken salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and makes the salad taste even better.
Creative Variations to Try
Chicken salad can be reinvented in countless ways depending on what you have on hand or the flavors you’re craving.
Add Sweetness
Incorporate chopped apples, pineapple, or mango for a fruity twist. These ingredients bring natural sweetness and a refreshing element.
Spice It Up
Try mixing in a bit of curry powder, chili flakes, or smoked paprika. Spices can transform the salad into something entirely new without a lot of effort.
Go Green
Add spinach, arugula, or chopped kale to boost the nutritional content. You can also serve the salad on a bed of greens instead of bread for a low-carb option.
Swap the Dressing
Instead of mayonnaise, try using plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version. You can also mix the two to balance richness and healthiness.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken salad is incredibly versatile in how it’s served. Here are a few ideas:
- As a sandwich filling using croissants, rolls, or whole-grain bread
- In lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
- On crackers or cucumber rounds for a snack or appetizer
- With pasta for a heartier dish
- Stuffed inside pita bread with tomato and cucumber slices
How to Store Chicken Salad
Proper storage is key to enjoying this dish over several days.
- Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will stay fresh for up to four days.
- If left out at room temperature for more than two hours, it’s best to discard it.
Avoid freezing chicken salad, especially when made with mayonnaise, as the texture may become watery upon thawing.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Salad
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Let the salad chill before serving so the flavors can develop.
- Adjust seasoning after chilling, as cold foods often taste less salty.
- Shred the chicken finely for a creamier consistency or chop it for more bite.
- Balance creaminess with crunch by including a mix of soft and crisp ingredients.
Make-Ahead and Batch Cooking
This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can double or triple it easily and store it in individual portions for grab-and-go lunches. Just remember to stir the salad before serving, as some separation may occur in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Chicken salad is a classic dish that never goes out of style. With its simplicity, adaptability, and delicious flavor, it’s a recipe worth mastering. You can serve it at a picnic, offer it to guests, or enjoy it quietly at your desk during a busy day.
Best of all, making it at home gives you full control over the ingredients, ensuring it’s tailored to your taste and dietary preferences. So the next time you have leftover chicken or need a no-fuss meal idea, consider this recipe. It’s fresh, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.
Print
Cold Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic chicken salad recipe is creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Made with tender cooked chicken, crisp celery, and a simple, tangy dressing, it’s a versatile dish perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or serving over greens. Easily customizable and ideal for meal prep, this fresh, homemade version will become a go-to favorite for lunch or light dinners.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
½ cup mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
¼ cup halved grapes or dried cranberries
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dill
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
If using uncooked chicken, poach, grill, or roast it until fully cooked. Let cool, then chop or shred into bite-sized pieces.Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.Add Vegetables
Stir in the chopped celery and red onion for crunch and flavor.Fold in the Chicken
Add the cooled chicken to the bowl and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.Customize (Optional)
Fold in any desired extras like nuts, grapes, or herbs for added flavor and texture.Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy in sandwiches, wraps, on lettuce cups, or on its own.
Notes
For a lighter version, replace part or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
This recipe is easy to double for a crowd or for weekly meal prep.
Let the chicken salad sit in the fridge to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
