There’s nothing quite like a classic chicken salad—creamy, flavorful, and packed with juicy chicken and crunchy veggies. This Easy Chicken Salad is simple, delicious, and comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, or even as a light dinner.
Whether you enjoy it sandwiched between toasted bread, wrapped in lettuce, or scooped onto crackers, this recipe is versatile, satisfying, and made with wholesome ingredients. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again!
Why You’ll Love Easy Chicken Salad
Quick & Easy Ready in minutes with minimal prep work.
Packed with Flavor The perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures.
Great for Meal Prep Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Customizable Add your favorite mix-ins like nuts, fruits, or different seasonings.
Light & Satisfying A protein-packed meal that won’t weigh you down.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Easy Chicken Salad
This recipe comes together with just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients.
Cooked Chicken Shredded or diced, rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
Mayonnaise The creamy base that brings everything together.
Celery Adds a fresh, crisp bite.
Red Onion A little sharpness for added flavor.
Dijon Mustard Brings a slight tang and depth.
Lemon Juice Brightens up the flavors.
Salt & Pepper Essential seasonings to enhance the taste.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the celery and red onion.
Mix Everything Together In a large bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well coated.
Adjust Seasoning Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more lemon juice for brightness or extra mayo for creaminess.
Chill & Serve Let the chicken salad sit in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Calories per serving Approx. 350 kcal
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
How to Serve Easy Chicken Salad
This chicken salad is incredibly versatile—here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Classic Sandwich Serve it between slices of toasted bread or on a croissant.
- Lettuce Wraps For a low-carb option, scoop it into lettuce leaves.
- Crackers or Pita Chips A great snack or appetizer idea.
- Stuffed Avocados Scoop the salad into halved avocados for a fresh twist.
- Over Greens Serve it on a bed of mixed greens for a light salad.
Additional Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken For the quickest prep, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store.
- Make it Healthier Swap out some mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Add Some Crunch Try adding chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts.
- Make it Sweet Stir in some dried cranberries or grapes for a touch of sweetness.
- Spice it Up A pinch of paprika or a dash of hot sauce can add a little kick.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors blend.
2. How long does chicken salad last in the fridge?
Store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
3. Can I use canned chicken?
Yes! Just drain and shred it before mixing with the other ingredients.
4. What’s the best mayo to use?
Use high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor—Duke’s, Hellmann’s, or homemade work great.
5. Can I freeze chicken salad?
It’s not recommended since mayo-based salads don’t freeze well and may separate.
6. What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt, sour cream, or mashed avocado can be used for a healthier twist.
7. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Just ensure the mayo you use is dairy-free.
8. Can I add eggs to this chicken salad?
Absolutely! Chopped boiled eggs add extra protein and flavor.
9. How do I make it more filling?
Serve it with whole-grain bread, in a wrap, or alongside quinoa for extra sustenance.
10. What seasonings can I add for more flavor?
Garlic powder, onion powder, dill, or a dash of smoked paprika can enhance the taste.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Salad is a go-to recipe for busy days when you want something quick, delicious, and satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as a sandwich, in a wrap, or on a bed of greens, it’s light, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Give it a try—you’ll see why it’s a classic favorite!
Print
Easy Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and satisfying chicken salad perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Tender chunks of chicken combined with crisp vegetables and a creamy dressing create a refreshing and healthy dish that can be served on its own or as a sandwich filling.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
– 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
– 1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved (optional)
– 1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts, chopped (optional)
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh herbs (parsley or dill), chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, and nuts if using.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
– For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.
– Serve chilled on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or as a sandwich.
– Add other mix-ins like diced apples or cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg