Chicken salad is a timeless dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or even as a snack, this classic chicken salad recipe brings together the right balance of savory, creamy, and crunchy textures. The combination of finely chopped chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing makes for a dish that’s satisfying yet light. Whether you serve it in a sandwich, wrap, or on a bed of greens, this chicken salad is sure to please.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making a simple and classic chicken salad that you can easily adjust to your liking. Plus, we’ve included some substitutions for ingredients if you want to tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this chicken salad comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days when you need a meal in a pinch.

2. Customizable

This recipe is highly customizable—swap ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. You can make it as creamy, tangy, or crunchy as you prefer.

3. Healthy and Light

Packed with lean protein from chicken and fresh veggies, this chicken salad is light yet satisfying, making it a healthier option compared to heavier dishes.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

Chicken salad stores well in the fridge and can be made ahead of time for an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner throughout the week.

5. Versatile Serving Options

Enjoy it in sandwiches, wraps, on crackers, or as a salad on top of leafy greens. The possibilities for serving this chicken salad are endless.

Ingredients

12 ounces cooked chicken breast, finely chopped (Rotisserie chicken works great, or poach your own)
⅓ cup light mayonnaise (For a richer option, use regular mayo or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist)
½ cup celery, chopped (Substitute with diced cucumbers or bell peppers for a different crunch)
⅓ cup red onion, diced (Use scallions or chives for a milder flavor)
2 tablespoons chicken broth (optional, adds moisture; skip if the salad is already creamy enough)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (Substitute with whole-grain mustard for a slightly different flavor)
½ teaspoon seasoned salt (Adjust to taste; plain salt with garlic powder works too)
Black pepper, to taste (Freshly ground is ideal)

Variations

1. Crispy Chicken Salad

For a crispy texture, add some toasted almonds, chopped walnuts, or sunflower seeds to the chicken salad for extra crunch.

2. Fruit and Nut Chicken Salad

Add sweetness by incorporating diced apples, grapes, or dried cranberries. Pair them with some toasted pecans or walnuts for a sweet and savory flavor combination.

3. Avocado Chicken Salad

For an extra creamy texture, mix in some mashed avocado. This will create a smooth, rich base for the salad while adding a healthy fat boost.

4. Spicy Chicken Salad

Add a bit of heat by mixing in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For extra zing, a squeeze of lime juice will elevate the spice and freshness.

5. Lighter Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or use a lower-fat mayo option. You can also replace some of the mayo with a bit of low-fat sour cream.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you haven’t already, cook your chicken breast by poaching it in water or broth, or use leftover rotisserie chicken. Once it’s cooked, finely chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

Chop the celery and red onion. If you’re substituting these ingredients, prepare your chosen alternatives (e.g., diced cucumber or bell pepper).

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a bowl, combine the light mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chicken broth (optional), seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir until well-mixed and creamy.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Add the chopped chicken and veggies to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until well-coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Once chilled, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or in a wrap.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For the fastest prep, rotisserie chicken is a great option. It’s tender, flavorful, and saves you time.
Don’t Overmix: Gently toss the salad to prevent the chicken from breaking down too much. You want it to stay in bite-sized pieces for texture.
Add Flavor with Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil can be added for extra flavor.
Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a more creamy salad, simply add more mayo or yogurt. Conversely, if you like a drier salad, cut back on the dressing.
Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more mustard for tang or a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.

How to Serve

As a Sandwich: Layer the chicken salad on your favorite bread or a croissant for a delicious sandwich.
On a Salad: Serve the chicken salad on top of mixed greens, lettuce, or spinach for a light and healthy meal.
In a Wrap: For a portable option, wrap the chicken salad in a tortilla along with some fresh greens.
As an Appetizer: Serve the chicken salad in small portions on crackers or cucumber slices for an easy appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze chicken salad, it may affect the texture of the mayonnaise and vegetables once thawed. It’s best to make this dish fresh or keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Reheating

If you’re serving leftover chicken salad, there’s no need to reheat it. Simply remove from the fridge and serve cold.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?

Yes, canned chicken works fine as a shortcut. Be sure to drain and shred it before using it in the salad.

2. Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

Yes, use dairy-free mayonnaise or a vegan mayo alternative to make this salad dairy-free.

3. How do I make the salad more flavorful?

Try adding extra seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill will also enhance the flavor.

4. Can I add more vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add cucumbers, bell peppers, or even diced tomatoes for extra crunch and flavor.

5. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this chicken salad in advance. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

6. What can I serve this chicken salad with?

Serve it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, as a wrap, or with crackers for a snack.

7. Can I substitute the mayonnaise?

Yes, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a combination of both can be used in place of mayonnaise for a healthier version.

8. Can I add fruit to the chicken salad?

Yes, apples, grapes, or cranberries add a nice sweetness and balance to the savory flavors.

9. Can I use other types of mustard?

Yes, whole-grain mustard or honey mustard can be substituted for Dijon for a slightly different flavor.

10. Can I use different herbs?

Yes, fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or tarragon work well in chicken salad. Experiment to find your favorite combination.

Conclusion

This classic chicken salad recipe is quick, easy, and completely customizable. Whether you enjoy it creamy and tangy or with a little extra crunch, this dish can be adapted to suit your preferences. It’s the perfect recipe to keep in your rotation for busy days or casual gatherings. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a fresh, flavorful chicken salad that everyone will love!