If you’re on the hunt for a truly satisfying and versatile dish, this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, tangy dressing that’s perfectly balanced by crunchy celery and a hint of sweetness from optional fruit. Whether you’re packing lunches, planning a light dinner, or craving a picnic staple, this salad hits every note just right. Plus, it’s a breeze to make, delivering comfort and freshness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Classic Chicken Salad Recipe plays a crucial role in bringing the flavors and textures to life, making it simple yet extraordinary. From creamy mayo to crisp veggies, each component enriches the dish in its own way.
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast: The star protein, shredded or diced for the perfect bite-sized pieces.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt): Adds creaminess and binds the salad together; Greek yogurt offers a lighter alternative.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and depth to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds bright, fresh acidity to balance the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a gentle savory warmth without overpowering the salad.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances flavor complexity with an oniony hint.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and amplifying all other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Lends just a touch of spice and depth.
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped: Provides refreshing crunch and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Adds sharpness and a pop of purple hue.
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish (optional): For a hint of sweetness and a lively texture twist.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): Offers a fresh, herbal note as a garnish.
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped grapes or apple: Introduces a juicy burst of sweetness and a fun textural contrast.
How to Make Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start with cooked chicken breast, which you can bake, boil, or sauté depending on your preference. Once cooked through, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces that will blend beautifully with the other ingredients. This step lays the foundation for that hearty, satisfying texture you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating the luscious dressing that will coat every piece of chicken and vegetable with flavor.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
Add the shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish (if you love that touch of sweetness) straight into the bowl with your freshly made dressing. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated and mixed.
Step 4: Optional Add-Ins
If you’re up for a little extra fun and flavor, fold in chopped grapes or apple. These juicy additions lift the salad with a refreshing sweetness and delightful crunch that complements the savory elements beautifully.
Step 5: Serve
Finish your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley for color and a hint of herbal brightness. Serve chilled either on its own, in sandwiches, wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves, or on a bed of fresh greens for a truly versatile meal.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet stunning garnish that adds a vibrant splash of green and a clean, slightly peppery flavor to your chicken salad. You can also try a sprinkle of paprika or some sliced almonds for added color and texture.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light sides such as crisp cucumber slices, crunchy carrot sticks, or a fresh fruit salad. It’s also delightful alongside buttery crackers or toasted baguette slices, bringing balance and interest to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Classic Chicken Salad Recipe inside avocado halves, hollowed-out tomatoes, or stuffed inside pita pockets. You can also make elegant lettuce wraps or turn it into sliders for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or snacks during a busy week.
Freezing
Freezing is generally not recommended for chicken salad due to the mayonnaise base, which can separate and become watery upon thawing. For best results, prepare only the amount you intend to eat within a few days to keep that perfect creamy texture.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer, stir it gently before serving to restore its creamy consistency after chilling.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds flavor and convenience without sacrificing quality in your Classic Chicken Salad Recipe.
Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for mayonnaise?
Yes, swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt offers a lighter, tangier alternative that still provides creaminess while cutting down on calories and fat.
Can I add nuts to the salad?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch and subtle nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers. Always check the labels of premade ingredients like pickle relish just in case.
What’s the best way to make this salad ahead for a party?
Prepare the salad a day ahead and refrigerate it, but add any delicate garnishes or juicy add-ins like grapes or apples just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Classic Chicken Salad Recipe is truly a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something wholesome and delicious. It’s easy to tailor to your tastes and perfect for so many occasions. I can’t wait for you to make it part of your regular rotation—it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug every time.
Print
Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (if cooking chicken fresh)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Classic Chicken Salad is a versatile, creamy dish made with shredded chicken breast mixed with a tangy dressing of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, combined with crunchy celery, red onion, and optional sweet pickle relish. Perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or served on its own, this salad offers a refreshing and protein-packed option for lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish (optional for sweetness)
Optional Add-ins & Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped grapes or apple for a touch of sweetness and texture (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: If your chicken breast is not yet cooked, either bake, boil, or sauté it until fully cooked through. Once done, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ready to be mixed into the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency that will coat the salad ingredients evenly.
- Combine the Salad: Add the shredded chicken, finely chopped celery, red onion, and sweet pickle relish (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Stir thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated by the dressing.
- Optional Add-Ins: If you like extra sweetness and texture, gently fold in chopped grapes or apple at this stage to balance the savory flavors and add freshness.
- Serve: Garnish the chicken salad with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve chilled, either on sandwich bread, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or on a bed of greens for a light, refreshing meal.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Adjust seasoning levels to your taste, especially salt and pepper.
- You can prepare this salad a day in advance; flavors meld beautifully overnight in the refrigerator.
- Try adding nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before mixing it with the dressing to maintain freshness.
