If you are on the lookout for a timeless crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is your golden ticket. This dish blends tender shredded chicken with crisp celery, zesty onions, and a creamy, tangy dressing that hits just the right notes every time. Whether you’re packing a lunch, preparing a light dinner, or bringing a dish to a gathering, this recipe offers versatility, freshness, and ease that make it an essential addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe just right comes down to a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that work together in perfect harmony. Each component plays a vital role—adding crunch, creaminess, or a pop of flavor that makes the whole salad shine.
- Cooked chicken (4 cups or 454 g): Use shredded or diced chicken for that tender, hearty base that carries all the flavors.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup or 240 ml): The creamy element that brings the salad together and keeps every bite luscious.
- Diced celery (½ cup or 74 g): Adds a refreshing crunch and a subtle green touch that lifts the dish.
- Diced red onion or shallots (⅓ cup or 42 g): Offers a gentle sharpness without overpowering, perfectly balancing the creaminess.
- Sliced green onions or chives (2 tablespoons or 8 g): Brings delicate herbal notes and a little color contrast.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon or 15 ml): Adds a tangy depth and gentle spice that brightens the salad.
- Lemon juice (2 teaspoons or 10 ml): Gives a zesty lift that keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon or 3 g): Essential for enhancing all the individual flavors and tying everything together.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A subtle warmth that rounds out the seasoning.
How to Make Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and tossing in your cooked chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, red onion, green onions, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything thoroughly so that the chicken is coated completely and the crunchy vegetables are evenly dispersed. This step is where the magic comes alive as all the ingredients start to mingle and build that signature creamy, crunchy, and tangy texture you crave.
Step 2: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Once mixed, give your Classic Chicken Salad a hearty taste. This is your moment to tweak the seasoning—maybe a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper depending on your preference. The beauty here is in personalization. If you’re not serving it right away, cover it tightly and refrigerate to allow all those flavors to meld and deepen. This chilling step helps the salad develop even more character and makes every bite a delightful experience.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes take your Classic Chicken Salad from simple to spectacular with just a few finishing touches. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can add a pop of color and a burst of fragrance. For some extra texture, try sprinkling toasted nuts or seeds atop the salad. A light drizzle of olive oil or a small wedge of lemon on the side can also bring an added layer of freshness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides. Think of fresh green salad leaves, crunchy cucumber slices, or even a bowl of seasonal fruit. If you want to turn it into a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a warm, crusty bread or crispy crackers to scoop up every last bite. These sides complement the creamy texture and provide a satisfying balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation adds fun and flair to any meal, and the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is no exception. Scoop the salad into buttery croissant halves for a decadent sandwich, or stuff it inside ripe avocados or juicy tomatoes for a vibrant, fresh twist. You can also use it as a filling in lettuce cups for bite-sized appetizers that are sure to impress at parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Classic Chicken Salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavors. Before serving leftovers, stir gently to redistribute any liquid that might have settled at the bottom.
Freezing
Because this salad contains mayonnaise and fresh vegetables, freezing is not recommended—it can alter the texture and flavor significantly. It’s best enjoyed fresh or chilled within a few days for optimum taste and consistency.
Reheating
This chicken salad is typically served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If you prefer a warm meal, consider enjoying the chicken salad as a cold topping alongside a warm bowl of soup or chips for refreshing contrast.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that works beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to shred or dice it evenly for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free since mayonnaise is the creamy base, not sour cream or yogurt. Just double-check your mayonnaise brand to ensure it’s free of any dairy additives.
How can I make this chicken salad healthier?
You can lighten this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe by swapping regular mayonnaise for a lower-fat version or Greek yogurt. Adding extra veggies like shredded carrots or bell peppers boosts nutrition and adds crunch.
What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard or a small amount of spicy brown mustard can be used instead. Each will bring a slightly different flavor but will still complement the salad nicely.
How long does the salad keep its freshness in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this chicken salad stays fresh for about three days. Beyond that, the veggies may lose their crunch and the flavors could start to dull.
Final Thoughts
There is something endlessly satisfying about the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe—it’s simple, delicious, and utterly comforting. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a special occasion, it never fails to deliver that perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and crunchy goodness. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your go-to favorite that friends and family will keep asking for again and again.
Print
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Chicken Salad is a simple, flavorful recipe perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Made with tender cooked chicken, crunchy celery, sharp red onions, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing with a hint of Dijon mustard and lemon juice, it’s a versatile dish that can be served on bread, lettuce, or enjoyed on its own. The salad is easy to prepare, no cooking needed beyond shredding cooked chicken, making it ideal for busy days while still delivering a satisfying and refreshing meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups (454 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
- ½ cup (74 g) diced celery, ¼” dice
- ⅓ cup (42 g) diced red onion or shallots, ⅛” dice
- 2 tablespoons (8 g) sliced green onions or chives
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon (3 g) kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced red onion, sliced green onions, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated and the vegetables are well distributed throughout the mixture. Mix until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste the chicken salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve immediately on bread, lettuce, or as preferred. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate for flavors to meld before serving later.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for a quick preparation.
- For a lighter option, substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- You can add other herbs like dill or parsley for extra freshness.
- Chill the chicken salad for at least an hour before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Serve on whole grain bread or lettuce wraps for a healthier meal option.
