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