Chicken Salad Recipe – Chicken salad is a delicious and easy dish mixed with creamy ingredients such as mayonnaise or curd with ripe chicken. It often includes crisp celery, onions, and sometimes sweet fruits like grapes or apples. A little salt, pepper, lemon juice, or mustard adds extra taste. The chicken salad is fresh, filling, and can be served in many ways – as a sandwich, wrapped, or on a bed of lettuce.
This is a great way to use the remaining chicken and makes for a mild but satisfactory food, perfect for lunch, a picnic, or a quick dinner at home.
Chicken Salad Recipe
This classic chicken salad recipe is the correct combination of chicken, creamy dressing, and crisp, fresh vegetables rich in protein. It is an incredibly versatile dish – ideal for sandwiches, raps, lettuce cups, or simply served as light food in itself. Whether you are preparing it for a week’s lunch, picnic, or potluck, this recipe brings balance, texture, and taste to every bite. Only with a handful of materials and some simple steps, you will have a satisfactory and nutritious salad to enjoy.
Chicken Salad Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Spoon or spatula
- 1 Refrigerator-safe container
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup grapes or dried cranberries
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: If not already cooked, poach or roast chicken breasts and allow them to cool. Dice or shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine: Add chicken, celery, red onion, nuts, and grapes (if using) into the bowl with the dressing. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, in sandwiches, wraps, or with crackers.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- Substitute mayo with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Customize with add-ins like chopped apples, pickles, or hard-boiled eggs.
- Let it chill before serving for best flavor and texture.
Chicken Salad Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
Flavour Profile of Chicken Salad Recipe
- Gentle Taste
- The ripe chicken provides a neutral yet charming base taste that carries the rest of the material well.
- Depending on the cooking method (poached, roasted, or rotisserie), chicken may also contain micro-roasted or vegetarian notes.
2. Creamy and Tangy (Mayonnaise/Dressing)
- Mayonnaise combines a rich, creamy texture with tangy undertones.
- If Greek yogurt is used, the tang is more clear, giving the salad a new, light profile.
3. bright and zesty (lemon juice or vinegar)
- Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar brightens the dish, adding acidity that balances the viscosity of the mayo and meat.
- This gives the salad a fresh, palate-cleansing effect.
4. Minor heat and sharpness (mustard and onion)
- Dijon mustard introduces a subtle sharpness and minor spices that add depth to the dressing.
- Red onion adds a crisp, spicy kick and slight sweetness when finely chopped.
5. fresh and herbal (optional add-in)
- Sliced parsley, dill, or tarragon can lend a garden-fresh, little-soil tone that complements the chicken well.
- The herb raises the overall profile and increases the complexity.
6. crisp and clean (celery)
- Celery provides a crisp texture and slightly bitter, watery freshness, balancing the prosperity of the salad.
7. Sweet and juicy (optional: grapes or dried cranberries)
- If added, grapes or cranberries allow a burst of sweetness and juice, causing a contrast with creamy, charming elements.
8. toast and walnuts (optional nuts)
- Chopped almonds or walnuts, when used, add a crisp texture and toasted taste that rounds out the salad and adds prosperity.
9. Well-balanced salt
- A pinch of salt enhances all ingredients without making the dish more salty, while pepper adds light heat
FAQs
Q. What is chicken salad?
A. Chicken salad is a dish made with baked chicken mixed with mayonnaise and often contains celery or onion, such as veggies, and sometimes fruits or nuts. It is creamy, delicious, and can be eaten cold.
Q. What kind of chicken should I use?
A. You can use boiled, grilled, baked, or even remaining chicken. The best works for the chopped or chopped chicken mixture.
Q. Can I make chicken salad without mayo?
A. Yes! You can use a mixture of Greek yogurt, sour cream, or lemon juice and olive oil as a mild option.
Q. How long does the chicken salad last in the fridge?
A. It remains fresh for about 3 to 4 days if a seal is placed in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Q. What can I eat with chicken salad?
A. You can eat it on your own sandwich, rap, let’s cup, or even on your own. It also tastes very good with crackers or toast.
Hi, I’m Lauren Kossack — the recipe creator, food lover, and storyteller behind Perfect Meal Recipes! I’m based in the charming town of Zionsville, Indiana, where I share my passion for cooking simple, delicious, and family-friendly meals.
What started as a love for home-cooked comfort food has grown into a space where I create and collect the kinds of recipes that bring people together — whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a hearty sandwich, or a sweet weekend treat.