The Best Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Chicken salad is a timeless favorite that’s perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or light dinner. This Classic Chicken Salad recipe is everything you want—creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you enjoy it in a sandwich, on top of a bed of greens, or with some crunchy crackers, this chicken salad will hit the spot. With only 10 minutes of prep time, it’s the ultimate go-to recipe when you need something fast and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Classic Chicken Salad
This chicken salad strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures—juicy, tender chicken combined with creamy mayonnaise, crunchy celery, and the subtle bite of red onion and green onions. The Dijon mustard and lemon juice add a touch of tanginess, enhancing the overall flavor. Plus, it’s highly versatile! Whether you prefer it in a sandwich, wrap, or served as a low-carb option on greens, this recipe is endlessly adaptable.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/3 cup diced red onion or shallots
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions or chives
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
1. Make the Chicken Salad:
- Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, red onion (or shallots), green onions (or chives), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. - Mix Thoroughly:
Stir everything together until well combined. You can adjust the consistency by adding more mayonnaise if needed, or even a bit more lemon juice for extra tang.
2. Serve and Enjoy:
- Taste and Adjust:
Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. - Serve:
Serve the chicken salad immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to enjoy. This salad is perfect in a sandwich, wrapped in lettuce, served on a bed of greens, or paired with crackers.
Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
A Simple and Versatile Favorite
This Classic Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prep, easy lunches, or when you need something quick and satisfying. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, crunchy veggies, and flavorful chicken makes for a dish that’s comforting yet fresh. It’s also easily customizable—swap out the celery for apples or grapes for a sweet twist, or add some nuts for extra crunch.
Classic Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Classic Chicken Salad is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures. Shredded or diced chicken is tossed with a rich and creamy mixture of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a splash of lemon juice, bringing out the fresh flavors of celery and green onions. Red onion adds a nice bite, while the subtle herbs round out this timeless dish.
Ingredients
4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup diced celery
1/3 cup diced red onion or shallots
2 tablespoons sliced green onions or chives
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Make the Salad: In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, red onion (or shallots), green onions (or chives), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and you achieve the desired consistency.
To Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Enjoy as a sandwich, on a bed of greens, or with crackers!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320