Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

There’s something timeless about a good chicken salad. Whether it’s layered between two slices of soft bread, scooped into lettuce cups, or served atop crackers for a quick bite, this classic dish never goes out of style.

I first made this chicken salad during a weekend picnic with my family. I wanted something quick, fresh, and satisfying—but still wholesome and delicious. The result was this simple yet flavorful chicken salad recipe that has now become a staple in our home.

If you’re someone who loves recipes that are fast to whip up, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile—stick around. This might just become your new favorite meal prep go-to.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s a reason chicken salad shows up at baby showers, bridal brunches, office potlucks, and casual lunches—it’s just that good. But this easy chicken salad recipe? It takes everything you love about the traditional version and simplifies it without sacrificing flavor.

What makes this version extra special is the balance of textures and the layers of flavor. You get the tender juiciness of shredded chicken, the crunch of celery and red onion, and that creamy, slightly tangy dressing that ties it all together.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it warm or cold, in a sandwich or as a salad, with crackers or inside a croissant—no matter how you plate it, it’s always a hit.

What I especially love is that you can make it ahead, which is perfect for busy weekdays. It stores well, travels beautifully, and tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

This recipe is also highly adaptable—perfect for those with dietary preferences, picky eaters, or when you just want to use what’s already in your fridge.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Let’s talk ingredients—because good food starts with what goes into it. The beauty of this chicken salad is that it relies on simple, everyday staples you likely already have at home. Nothing fancy. Just classic ingredients that deliver big flavor.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Cooked Chicken
You can use rotisserie chicken, baked, poached, or grilled chicken breast—whatever is most convenient. Just make sure it’s well-cooked and shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces.

Mayonnaise
The creamy base that brings it all together. Go for full-fat mayo for the richest texture, or use a lighter version if you’re watching calories.

Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream (optional)
I love swapping out part of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt. It adds a little tang and cuts the heaviness of the dressing while boosting protein.

Celery
Crisp, refreshing, and essential for that signature chicken salad crunch.

Red Onion
Adds a little bite and color. You can also use green onions for a milder taste.

Dijon Mustard
Just a touch adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor.

Lemon Juice
Brightens everything up and balances the creamy dressing.

Salt + Black Pepper
Season to taste. A little goes a long way in enhancing all the flavors.

Fresh Herbs (optional)
Chopped parsley, dill, or tarragon all work beautifully here. Not essential, but definitely a nice touch if you have them.

How Much Time Will You Need

This is one of those rare recipes that truly delivers on the promise of “easy.”

From start to finish, it takes about 20–25 minutes, including prep and mixing. If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, the active time drops to around 10–15 minutes. It’s ideal for quick lunches, light dinners, or meal prep.

How to Make This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Now let’s walk through how to bring it all together.

This step-by-step guide will make sure you get that creamy, flavorful chicken salad every single time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this process is foolproof.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start with cooked chicken. If you’re using rotisserie, simply remove the skin and shred the meat with two forks. For poached or grilled chicken breasts, dice or shred them into bite-sized pieces. You’ll want about 2½ to 3 cups of cooked chicken.

Step 2: Chop the Veggies
Dice your celery and red onion finely. This not only ensures a balanced bite but also distributes the crunch and flavor more evenly. If using fresh herbs, chop them finely as well.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine ½ cup of mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Whisk together until smooth. For a lighter version, use ¼ cup mayo and ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the chopped chicken, celery, red onion, and any herbs to the bowl with the dressing. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently mix everything together. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated with that luscious dressing.

Step 5: Chill or Serve Immediately
For best flavor, cover and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the ingredients time to marry and the flavor to deepen. But if you’re in a hurry? It’s perfectly delicious right away, too.

Substitutions

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem—this recipe is incredibly flexible. Here are some smart swaps that’ll work just as well, if not better, depending on your taste and pantry:

Chicken
No chicken? Try turkey (especially leftover roast turkey), canned chicken, or even chopped tofu for a vegetarian version.

Mayonnaise
Out of mayo or looking for a healthier option? Use Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or even hummus for a unique twist.

Celery
No celery? Try chopped cucumber, bell pepper, or water chestnuts for crunch.

Red Onion
Use green onions, shallots, or even chives for a milder bite.

Dijon Mustard
You can sub in regular yellow mustard, whole grain mustard, or a dash of hot sauce for something with a little kick.

Fresh Herbs
Basil, cilantro, or mint can all work in a pinch, depending on your flavor preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Chicken Salad

While this chicken salad shines on its own, pairing it with a thoughtful side takes it to the next level. Here are three options to make your mealtime more complete:

Classic Potato Chips or Sweet Potato Chips
Crunchy, salty, and so satisfying. The perfect counterbalance to the creamy chicken salad.

Fresh Fruit Salad
Something sweet and refreshing like a mix of melon, berries, and grapes adds a vibrant, juicy contrast.

Simple Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A light salad keeps things balanced and adds that pop of color and freshness to your plate.

Serving and Presentation Tips

There’s a reason people remember how a dish was served—and it’s not just about taste. Beautifully presented food feels special and intentional, even when it’s simple.

When it comes to serving chicken salad, presentation doesn’t need to be complicated to be impressive.

Here are a few easy ideas to make your dish stand out:

Use a Platter or Wooden Board
Serve your chicken salad in a wide, shallow bowl or spread it out on a rustic wooden serving board. Add crackers, lettuce leaves, croissants, or sliced baguette around it so guests can scoop and build their own plates.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs
A sprinkle of chopped parsley, dill, or even microgreens adds a fresh, bright look. A dusting of freshly ground pepper over the top also gives it a bit of rustic charm.

Serve in Lettuce Cups or Avocado Halves
For a lighter touch, scoop your salad into crisp romaine leaves or halved avocados. It’s elegant, low-carb, and totally Instagram-worthy.

Mason Jar Lunches
For meal prep or on-the-go lunches, layer the salad into mason jars with lettuce, shredded carrots, and sliced cucumbers for a grab-and-go meal that’s as pretty as it is practical.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

There’s always a way to elevate a simple dish—and these little touches can make a big difference.

Use Homemade Chicken When Possible
Poaching your chicken with a bay leaf, salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic makes a world of difference in flavor. Rotisserie is convenient, but homemade always wins on taste.

Shred, Don’t Chop
Shredded chicken holds onto the dressing better than cubed pieces. It also gives the salad a softer, more cohesive texture.

Let it Chill
Even 30 minutes in the fridge allows the flavors to settle and meld. Make it ahead if you can.

Add Mix-ins for Texture
Chopped almonds, pecans, cranberries, or even diced apples can take this from basic to gourmet without much effort.

Balance the Creaminess
Too much mayo can make it heavy. Using part Greek yogurt or adding a splash of lemon juice keeps it fresh and light.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple dish like chicken salad, it’s easy to go off-track. Avoid these common slip-ups to make sure your dish hits the mark every time:

Using Warm Chicken
Adding warm chicken to the mayo-based dressing can make the salad oily or watery. Let your chicken cool completely before mixing.

Overmixing
Stir gently to avoid breaking the chicken down too much. Overmixing can lead to a mushy texture.

Not Tasting as You Go
Every batch of chicken, mustard, and lemon juice can vary. Taste before chilling and adjust seasoning as needed.

Adding Too Many Mix-ins at Once
It’s tempting to toss in nuts, fruit, herbs, and spices—but too many extras can overpower the base flavors. Stick to 1–2 add-ins at a time.

Skipping the Chill Time
Flavors deepen and meld when the salad rests. Rushing it means a less flavorful dish.

How to Store It

Chicken salad stores beautifully—making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead entertaining.

Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep it cold and tightly sealed to preserve texture and flavor.

Meal Prep Tip
Portion into single-serving containers with greens or crackers on the side for easy weekday lunches.

Freezer? Not Recommended
Unfortunately, mayo-based salads don’t freeze well. The texture becomes watery and separates once thawed. Stick to fresh or refrigerated storage.

FAQ

Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Yes! Canned chicken works well in a pinch. Just be sure to drain it thoroughly and break it apart with a fork before mixing.

Can I make chicken salad the night before?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s better that way. The flavors blend overnight, making the salad even more delicious the next day.

Is chicken salad healthy?
This recipe can be made healthier by substituting Greek yogurt for some of the mayo and adding fresh veggies. It’s high in protein and low in carbs, making it a satisfying option.

Can I serve this warm?
Chicken salad is traditionally served cold, but if you use freshly cooked warm chicken and eat it immediately, it can be enjoyed warm as well—just skip the chilling step.

What bread goes best with chicken salad?
Croissants, sourdough, whole grain, or brioche buns all work beautifully. It also pairs well with wraps or lettuce cups for a lighter option.

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