Chicken Salad is the ultimate lunchtime hero: creamy, crunchy, a little tangy, and bursting with color from juicy grapes and bright parsley. Imagine tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and just the right amount of dressing, all mingling in one perfect bite—this is a recipe I never get tired of sharing! Whether you’re packing it up for a picnic, piling it onto a fresh croissant, or enjoying it over crisp lettuce, this classic Chicken Salad is endlessly versatile and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Salad comes from its simplicity, but every component earns its spot. Each ingredient brings its own pop of flavor, rich texture, or gorgeous color, making this dish much more than the sum of its parts.
- Cooked chicken (3 cups, shredded or chopped): The heart of your salad—use rotisserie chicken for unbeatable convenience and flavor.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Gives your salad its signature creamy base; use a good-quality mayo for best results.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle sharpness and depth to the dressing—don’t skip it!
- Celery (1 stalk, finely chopped): Brings a refreshing crunch to every forkful.
- Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Offers vibrant color and a touch of mild heat.
- Pecans or sliced almonds (¼ cup, optional): For a lovely nutty crunch; totally optional, but always delightful.
- Seedless red or green grapes (½ cup, halved): Sweet, juicy bursts that make every bite exciting and colorful.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens all the flavors and keeps everything tasting fresh.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances both the chicken and the dressing, making every ingredient shine.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of gentle heat and depth.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional): Sprinkled on top for that extra pop of color and a garden-fresh finish.
How to Make Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
Start by gathering your cooked chicken onto a large cutting board. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, simply shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the celery and red onion for that classic crunch and color. Halve the grapes—this way, their sweetness is perfectly distributed in every bite. Toss these ingredients (and those optional pecans or almonds, if using) into a large mixing bowl to get ready for the next delicious step.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Stir in the salt and pepper, giving the dressing a quick taste to see if you’d like a touch more lemon or a pinch of extra seasoning. This velvety blend is what brings everything together, so don’t be shy with the whisk.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Pour the dressing over the chicken-and-veggie mixture, then gently fold everything together with a spatula or large spoon. You want every morsel of chicken and every piece of grape cloaked in that luscious dressing without breaking down the ingredients too much. Taste one last time—this is your moment to add a bit more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if your heart desires.
Step 4: Chill and Garnish
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This short chill time gives all the beautiful flavors a chance to mingle and marry. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you’re using it—it’s an easy way to add brightness and make your Chicken Salad especially inviting.
How to Serve Chicken Salad
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley is all it takes to elevate your Chicken Salad from “yum” to “wow.” If you’re feeling extra fancy, a light dusting of cracked black pepper or even a few microgreens can add that final bit of flare. For parties or lunches, you can even use edible flowers to make your platter look like it came straight from a boutique café.
Side Dishes
Chicken Salad loves company! Serve it with crisp lettuce leaves, buttery croissants, or piled high on toasted sourdough for a satisfying main course. Pairing it with crunchy kettle chips, a crisp dill pickle, or a simple side salad adds freshness and rounds out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity shine! Scoop Chicken Salad into hollowed-out tomatoes or avocados for a wow-worthy appetizer, or wrap it up in a whole wheat tortilla for a convenient, portable lunch. Tiny cucumber cups or individual lettuce boats turn this classic into perfect picnic or party bites—trust me, everyone will want your recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for up to three days, staying creamy and fresh. Just give it a quick stir before serving to reincorporate the dressing if any separation occurs.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Chicken Salad since mayonnaise tends to separate and become watery when thawed. If you want to freeze cooked chicken, do so without any dressing or add-ins, then thaw and prepare the salad fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Chicken Salad is best served cold or at room temperature, never warm or hot. For the best texture and flavor, simply let it sit on the counter for about 10–15 minutes after removing from the fridge, then give it a gentle stir before plating.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken for Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! Canned chicken works in a pinch and makes this already easy recipe even more convenient. Just be sure to drain it well, and consider using a bit more fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
How can I make Chicken Salad lighter?
Swap half of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt to cut down on fat without losing creaminess. You’ll also get a tangy note and a little extra protein—win-win!
What are the best add-ins for Chicken Salad?
Get creative! Diced apples, dried cranberries, chopped fresh herbs, or even a handful of baby spinach can make your salad your own. I love tossing in a few toasted walnuts if I’m craving extra crunch.
Can I make Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Definitely. In fact, Chicken Salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep and parties. Just wait to add fresh herbs or more delicate garnishes until just before serving.
Is Chicken Salad gluten-free?
Yes! This Chicken Salad recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, just be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread, crackers, or over a bed of greens if you have dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Chicken Salad—it’s such a reliable, crowd-pleasing favorite that never disappoints. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a cheerful dish to bring to gatherings, this recipe has you covered. So grab your bowl, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with a true classic!
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Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Salad recipe is a classic favorite that’s perfect for a light and satisfying meal. Tender chicken combined with crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and a creamy dressing make this dish a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 1 celery stalk (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ½ cup seedless red or green grapes (halved)
Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, and nuts if using.
- Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine: Pour dressing over chicken mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired. Enjoy in various ways!
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- Diced apples or dried cranberries are excellent additional ingredients for a touch of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
