Chicken Salad Recipe – Fresh, Creamy & Perfect for Any Occasion
This Chicken Salad recipe is a classic, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or enjoying straight from the bowl. Made with tender shredded chicken, crisp celery, and a light dressing, it’s a go-to for quick lunches, meal prep, or potlucks. Whether you like it traditional, sweet, or savory, this recipe is incredibly easy to customize.
🛒 Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
¼ cup red onion, diced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional add-ins: grapes, sliced almonds, cranberries, pickles, apples, or hard-boiled eggs
🔄 Substitutions
Chicken: Use rotisserie, grilled, canned, or poached chicken
Mayo: Sub with Greek yogurt, sour cream, or avocado
Celery: Use cucumber or bell pepper for crunch
Red onion: Swap with green onions or shallots
Herbs: Use basil, tarragon, or chives for different flavors
👨🍳 How to
In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, celery, red onion, and herbs
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Pour dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until evenly coated
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
Chill for 20–30 minutes before serving for best flavor
Serve in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or on crackers
🧀 Mix-ins
Add halved grapes or diced apples for sweetness
Stir in chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for crunch
Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne for heat
Mix in chopped pickles for a tangy kick
✅ Recipe Tips
Use cold, cooked chicken for best texture
Dice everything small for easy mixing and scooping
Let the salad chill for deeper flavor
Make a big batch and store for meal prep throughout the week
📦 Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Not suitable for freezing, as the mayo may separate
If prepping ahead, keep dressing separate and mix before serving
🌀 Recipe Variations
Make a curried chicken salad by adding curry powder and golden raisins
Create a Mediterranean version with olives, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes
Turn it into Buffalo chicken salad with hot sauce and blue cheese
Go low-carb by serving it in lettuce wraps or bell pepper halves
❓ FAQs
Can I use canned chicken? Yes! Just drain well and shred before mixing
What’s the best chicken for this recipe? Rotisserie or poached chicken works great for tenderness
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes—use avocado or a dairy-free mayo
How do I make it healthier? Use Greek yogurt and skip any sugar-heavy add-ins
This Chicken Salad recipe is creamy, customizable, and perfect for every season—easy to prep, easy to love, and endlessly versatile.
