There’s no better way to celebrate simple, satisfying flavors than with a Classic Chicken Salad. Creamy, zippy, and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is a real charmer in my kitchen—perfect for everything from a picnic lunch to a quick mid-week dinner. The balance of juicy chicken, crisp celery, and a tangy, herby dressing is both comforting and fresh, making it a recipe you’ll reach for time and again. Whether you’re serving it piled high on buttery croissants or nestled atop crisp lettuce leaves, this Classic Chicken Salad is sure to become one of your favorite go-tos.

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Classic Chicken Salad is just how straightforward the ingredients are. Each one plays a role in creating that signature creamy texture, lively crunch, and punchy flavor that makes this dish irresistible.

Cooked chicken (3 cups): Use freshly poached, roasted, or rotisserie chicken for tenderness and maximum flavor.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): This is the backbone of your dressing, binding everything together with a luscious, creamy texture.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Just enough for a subtle tang and a little sophisticated kick.
Celery (1 stalk, finely chopped): Adds unmistakable crunch and a light, fresh flavor that brightens up the salad.
Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Offers gentle sharpness and a touch of color.
Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A splash of citrus makes the salad zippy and keeps it tasting fresh.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses gentle, savory notes without overpowering the main flavors.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for balance and to enhance all the other ingredients.
Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Brings a pop of color and an herby freshness if you like a little green in your salad.
Lettuce leaves: For a crisp, refreshing way to serve the salad—perfect for lighter meals or gluten-free options.
Croissants or sandwich bread: The classic way to enjoy this salad, either as a sandwich or a delightfully flaky croissant filling.

How to Make Classic Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Make sure your chicken is cooked and cooled—rotisserie chicken is a time-saver here! Shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the celery and red onion for even distribution and the best texture in every bite.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and garlic powder. Mix well to create a creamy base that will coat every piece of chicken and veg, ensuring the flavors meld together smoothly.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken, chopped celery, and red onion into the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated. If you love fresh herbs, fold in the chopped parsley at this stage for added flavor and color.

Step 4: Season and Taste

Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to your liking, then give it a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning—sometimes a little extra squeeze of lemon or pinch of pepper makes all the difference. Don’t be shy about experimenting with add-ins like grapes or nuts if that’s your style!

Step 5: Chill for Best Flavor

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the Classic Chicken Salad for at least 30 minutes. This lets all those flavors mingle and develop, resulting in an even tastier salad when you serve it.

How to Serve Classic Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Top your Classic Chicken Salad with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few twists of cracked black pepper for a polished, appetizing finish. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a vibrant look and a little extra citrus punch if desired.

Side Dishes

This salad is a superstar next to kettle chips, crunchy pickles, or a cup of chilled seasonal soup. For something a little more refreshing, pair it with fruit salad, a cucumber tomato salad, or even sweet potato fries.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the basic sandwich! Try serving Classic Chicken Salad scooped into avocado halves, stuffed into mini pitas, or piled onto a bed of leafy greens. For appetizers, spoon dollops onto crackers or cucumber rounds at your next party—it’s always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining Classic Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to three days—just give it a quick stir before serving to revive the creamy texture.

Freezing

I generally don’t recommend freezing Classic Chicken Salad, as mayonnaise-based salads can separate and become watery when thawed. If you must freeze, do so without the dressing, then add everything fresh once thawed for the best texture.

Reheating

Classic Chicken Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. In fact, a quick chill helps the flavors blend beautifully. If it’s straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for five to ten minutes for the tastiest results.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for Classic Chicken Salad?

Absolutely—rotisserie chicken is incredibly convenient and packs plenty of flavor. Just shred or chop it, and you’re good to go!

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

For a lighter twist, swap out half the mayo for plain Greek yogurt, or use all Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed version that’s still creamy and delicious.

Can I add fruit or nuts?

Definitely! Halved grapes, diced apples, or slivered almonds bring extra crunch and sweetness to Classic Chicken Salad, making each bite even more exciting.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the salad itself is gluten-free. Just serve it in lettuce cups or with gluten-free bread or crackers to keep the whole meal celiac-friendly.

How far in advance can I make Classic Chicken Salad?

You can prepare Classic Chicken Salad up to a day ahead—just store it well-covered in the fridge. In fact, making it in advance lets the flavors develop even more!

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried making Classic Chicken Salad from scratch yet, get ready for a new favorite in your meal rotation. It’s simple, joyful comfort food that’s easy to adapt to your tastes and guaranteed to bring a little extra delight to your table. Give it a try—I think you’ll love each creamy, tangy bite as much as I do!

Classic Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Classic Chicken Salad recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, creamy mayonnaise, and zesty flavors. Perfect for a quick meal or a tasty sandwich filling.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 stalk celery (finely chopped)
¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and black pepper to taste

Optional:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
lettuce leaves
croissants or sandwich bread (for serving)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Mix until well combined and creamy. Stir in chopped parsley if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Serve scooped over lettuce leaves, in croissants, on sandwich bread, or with crackers.